Congo Natty

This New Years Eve Vagabondz takes over the mighty Clapham Grand for the biggest winter carnival this side of Rio. A superb lineup will embark on this stunning Victorian theatre, rinsing the largest sounds from garage to dubstep, drum and bass to bashment and hip hop to dub, and providing the perfect sonic soundtrack to welcome in 2012.


First up we have the legendary Congo Natty aka Rebel MC. The Londoner first announced himself to the world as part of 80s hip hop act Double Trouble which catapulted the name Rebel MC into homes up and down the country. This success allowed him to channel his energies into more underground sounds with the release of his ‘Black Meaning Good’ album fusing British underground hardcore techno with dub basslines to spectacularly create Jungle. The name Congo Natty soon became a standard bearer for the original authentic Jungle movement and spawned numerous hits including the classics ‘Police in Helicopter’ and ‘Champion DJ’. Still representing the original Junglist movement and championing the UK’s emerging talent, Congo’s next stop is the Vagabondz Carnival. Don’t miss it!

Gentleman’s Dub Club are an incredible ten-piece live band who have previously supported such acts as Madness, The Streets and Roots Manuva. Following storming performances this summer at Glastonbury, Latitude, Outlook and the Secret Garden Party, expect a journey covering everything from dub, ska and roots reggae, making them the ideal addition to our Vagabondz NYE Carnival.

North London duo Man Like Me bonded through a shared love of Tricky, weed and skateboarding. Since then their combined forces have become one of the hottest musical prospects to come from the Capital. Known for their mash up of grime and indie with infectious, brazen and honest lyrics, their unorthadox style will have the Grand rocking this NYE.

Currently working alongside the likes of Professor Green, Kutz, Redlight and Rusko, Ben Westbeech takes time out of intense studio commitments to play at our Vagabondz Carnival. First signed by Gilles Peterson to Brownswood Recordings earlier last decade, Ben has toured the world playing the planet’s most prestigious events and clubs. An extremely exciting addition to our NYE lineup, we’re delighted to welcome this truly talented artist whose influence is felt far and wide.

A UK garage great, MJ Cole has remixed everyone from Jill Scott and Mariah Carey to De La Soul and Amy Winehouse. Fully cemented as an international DJ, MJ Cole has enjoyed huge successful throughout his career including two Top 15 singles, a prestigious Mercury Music Prize nomination, winner of best producer at the MOBO Awards and a silver disc for UK sales in excess of 60,000 copies. Currently more in demand than ever, MJ Cole is an outstanding coup for our Vagabondz NYE lineup.

Zed Bias has collaborated with everyone from Omar to Skream and is recognized as an influential figure in the emergence of dubstep. A massive renaissance in late 90’s broken beats and two-step has helped bring Zed back to the limelight, as illustrated in his recent mini mix on Annie Mac’s Radio 1 show. A true Godfather of UK bass music, we cannot wait to hear what Sir Bias has in store for us all.

21-year-old Lil Silva is fast becoming one of the most talked about artists on the UK Bass scene. Silva’s flair manifests itself in his creative production techniques, showcasing a distinct sound that draws heavily from US House, Funky and Grime. Always looking to shy away from convention, the young producer’s talents are becoming as renowned for their innovation as they are for their effect on the dancefloor.

The Heatwave describe themselves as the UK’s number one bashment sound. They succeed to show how, with powerful compilations and mixes, that dancehall is the root of jungle, garage, grime, dubstep and funky. From playing all over the world and having a weekly Rinse FM radio show, The Heatwave guarantee that temperatures will be soaring at the Clapham Grand on the cusp of 2012.

Reggae Roast are one of the most vibrant, new reggae collectives in the UK. Since 2007 they have been spreading their sound of across the UK via outstanding performances at the likes of Glastonbury, Fabric, Bestival and The Big Chill. With indisputable support from David Rodigan (Kiss FM), Don Letts (Radio 6Music) & Rinse FM, Reggae Roast continue to build their reputation for showcasing the freshest roots sound in town.

London based Planas is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to creating bass-driven music. His debut album ‘The Long Game’ will be released on Exceptional Records next year and with an excellent live show that has already been showcased at the likes of XOYO, he is an act not to be missed.

Finally we’re delighted to once again welcome Night Owl. Having played under the Vagabondz banner up and down the country, his recent London shows at XOYO and The Egg have turned many a head; not to mention his new remix of ‘Spires’ by Shields dropping on Rinse FM earlier this year. The perfect way to round off a Vagabondz Carnival.

With Room 2 hosted by Redux plus carnival dancers, whistles, horns and extra sound and lighting across both rooms, this is one New Years party that is sure to get London sizzling…