BONGO CHILLI
Clayton Brown was born and raised in the Parish of Trelawny, Jamaica before moving to the UK in 1995. Growing up in Jamaica, surrounded by the influences of dancehall music, Clayton Brown, aka Bongo Chilli, has integrated his concern for today’s youth with this particular music genre to become a ‘lyrical entertainer’. His eldest brother was a strong influence on him, bringing home the latest tapes on the Reggae/Dancehall music scene.
Clayton first got the name Chilli while attending Holmwood Technical High School in Manchester, Jamaica. He then went on to add Bongo to it out of respect for the Rastafarian Culture. When he was ten years old, Clayton began to write his own lyrics and he had his first record release entitled “Nah De-focus” in 2001 on Humal Records
from Birmingham, UK. Since then he’s had releases out on other UK labels including Third Eye Music, Sativa Records, Cosmic Web & Function Records. More recently he has hooked up with Walsall based Producer Mexican to release a single entitled “She's A Beauty” on the Gone Music record label.
Bongo Chilli achieved a lifetime ambition in November of 2005 with the launch of his own record label,‘Bongo Chilli Records.’ Three 12 inch vinyls has been released on the label so far, “Bashy Fashy” by D-Bo General and “Sound Like” and “My Address” by Bongo Chilli himself. His debut album “Real Musician” was released in 2007 as a joint venture on Sativa Records and Bongo Chilli Records.
All releases on Bongo Chilli Records are produced by resident producer Rogue State with remixes by Beny Page, Jaydan & Visionary. On the International scene Bongo has
releases out on labels including: Bassrunner Productions from Austria, Rebel Cuts & Big Belly Records from Germany & Roots Survival Records from France.
He also has two tracks namely “The Truth” and “Wine Mek Me See You” on San Francisco based producer Kush Arora's album “The Dread Bass Chronicles.” He gives serious thanks to Daddy Freddy for taking him under his wing and bringing him on tour throughout Europe. He has honed the ability to enhance arguably any instrumental with his conscious and often humorous style. He believes in writing positive sensible lyrics, which contain no profanity. In line with this, Bongo Chilli has worked in schools to help children increase their growing vocabularies in various subjects such as English, Mathematics and Mental Ability. Working in partnership with fellow artist Claston Brooks aka Dan Man, their workshop ‘Caribbean Rap’ encourages children to get involved in lyric writing and Caribbean style drumming.
“We use music as a tool to tackle any subject or issues.
Children like to learn but they are more comfortable and participating when learning is fun.”
1. What is the meaning of your name? {group if applicable}
As you hear Bongo you immediately think of Rasta or some people may think of bongo drums. Chilli is a hot pepper & I always strive to deliver hot lyrics but with conciousness in mind as a Rastaman. Bongo Chilli is Concious / Peppery music.
2. What does your music bring to the reggae genre?
Apart from doing uplifting music, I'm trying to fill the gap between the young & old by giving the male & female relationship enough endorsment without tipping the cup. In other words, I'd like to know that Parents can listen to any of my songs about love, in front of their Children.
3. Who influenced you? And what is your motivation?
I'm influenced by the Most High first of all & I appreciate Talent like Papa San, Bob Marley, Jahmali, Bounty Killer, Jah Cure, Daddy Freddy & Anthony B.
My motivation comes from the love I've got for Reggae / Dancehall, members of the general public who appreciate my music & the DJs, Producers, Promoters & Journalists who support it.
4. What do you see as the future of reggae and music in general?
Reggae will always breed new artists with fresh ideas to improve the genre & life without music in general would be very dull. Music will live on.
5. Playing or recording what do you prefer?
Performing is definitely my favourite part of the business although in the right environment,it can be quite fun recording & the end result can give you a very nice feeling.
6. Please tell the folks what you would like them to know.
Bongo let dem know, this me agguh tell them Slackness tune,
we nah buy nor sell them
Bwoy a dis woman bout a sketel them?
Wha yu seh fi run him weh? ahrite well then
Good tune fi Adult & Children Ah bwoy a chat slack,
gi him persil then & mek him wash out him mouth
wid ah pill then Him noh fi touch back di mic until then
You can get more information on Bongo Chilli @
http://www.myspace.com/peppaman
AND
http://www.arcanovimanagement.com/profile/BongoChilli
