Bonobo
Simon Green, known professionally as Bonobo, is an influential English musician, producer, and DJ born on March 30, 1976, in Brighton, England. He has been active in the music industry since 1999 and is recognized for his contributions to electronic music, with a style that incorporates downtempo, nu jazz, trip hop, and world music elements. Bonobo's sound is characterized by the integration of organic instrumentation, often performed live by a full band.
Bonobo's musical journey began with his debut on the Tru Thoughts compilation "When Shapes Join Together" in 1999. His first album, "Animal Magic," was released in 2000, establishing a cult following despite mixed reviews. In 2001, he signed with Ninja Tune, releasing "Dial 'M' for Monkey" in 2003, which showcased his evolving sound influenced by alternative rock and world music.
His third album, "Days to Come" (2006), was critically acclaimed, featuring vocalists like Bajka and earning the title of Best Album of 2006 by Gilles Peterson's listeners. Bonobo's subsequent albums, including "Black Sands" (2010), "The North Borders" (2013), "Migration" (2017), and "Fragments" (2022), further solidified his status in the electronic music scene. His work has been recognized with multiple Grammy nominations and a BRIT Award nomination.
Bonobo's live performances are renowned, with his "Fragments" tour reaching over 750,000 people across four continents. He has collaborated with artists such as Erykah Badu and Jon Hopkins and remixed tracks for Gorillaz and Michael Kiwanuka. His music has achieved significant streaming success, with over 2.7 billion plays.
In addition to his albums, Bonobo has released several EPs and singles, and his work has been featured in various media, including video games and films. He continues to influence the electronic music landscape through his OUTLIER imprint and global DJ events.