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Statistiques
Biographie
Born to activist parents with an extensive and eclectic record collection, Donovan began life as a member of the gang Young Spades, before winning an essay contest earning him a trip to Africa. When Donovan returned to the U.S. he changed his name to Africa Bambaataa Aasim and formed the “Bronx River Organization”.
In an attempt to lure local young people away from gangs, Donovan began hosting hip-hop parties to inspire peace, unity, love and having fun. After touring with a live band in the early eighties, Donovan soon went electric and signed with Tommy Boy Records in 1982. The DJ’s debut single “Jazzy Sensation” was released that year, followed by the genre defining single “Planet Rock”. Produced by Arthur Baker, and with a melody borrowed from Kraftwerk’s “Trans-Europe Express”, “Planet Rock” reached No. 4 in the U.S. R&B charts and cemented Donovan as one of the founders of hip-hop. The single was followed by “Looking for the Perfect Beat” and paved the way for future dance genres including Detroit techno and Miami bass in the late ‘80s and ‘90s.
In 1984, with assistance from James Brown, Donovan released the single “Unity” and subsequently “World Destruction” with help from John Lyndon. Under the moniker Shango, alongside Bill Laswell and Michael Beinhorn, the DJ and producer released the album “Shango Funk Theology” in 1984, followed by the single “Funk You” in 1985.
Bambaataa’s debut album proper “Beware (The Funk is Everywhere)” arrived in 1985 featuring his signature electronic backing and heavy beats. Shortly afterwards Donavon released a compilation of “Planet Rock” mixes and in 1986 signed with Capitol Records. Released under the name Afrika Bambaataa & the Family with contributions from George Clinton, UB40, Bootsy Collins, and Boy George, “The Light” was released in 1988. In 1991 the album “1990-2000: Decade of Darkness” saw it’s release, as did the retrospective self-released album “Time Zone”.
Donavon released the album “Lost Generation” and “Warlock and Witches, Computer Chips, Microchips and You” in 1996, followed a year later with the compilation album “Zulu Groove”. The DJ and producer continued to release new music into the new millennium including “Hydraulic Funk” in 2000, “Dark Matter Moving at the Speed of Light” in 2004, “Metal” in 2005, and “Death Mix ”2”” in 2006.
Avis
As electro-house and hip hop becomes an increasingly young man's game, it is great to see 58 year old Kevin Donovan still heading out to the circuit to get the party started with fans old and new. The man more internationally recognised as Afrika Bambaataa has been working the US electro scene since the mid-80s and has lived through some of the most prolific dance movements of our time.
Therefore his set crosses many genres including funk and breakbeat and this variation works in his favour when it comes to keeping the crowd's attention. He is pretty focused on making sure the mixes are spot on as he attempts to do a million things at once, twisting contraptions and frantically hitting buttons. Even though his actions may seem sporadic, the set is well timed and succinct and keeps the good vibes coming. He breaks his silence to ask the crowd if they are ready to dance for a final time before dropping 'Reckless'.
sean-ward
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