Congo Natty

Congo Natty

Congo Natty is a London-born drum and bass, dubwise and jungle artist, born Michael West in 1965. He is associated with Mount Zion Recordings.

Early career and Double Trouble

In the early 1980s, he forms the group Double Trouble with Michael Menson and Leigh Guest. The group releases ska-pop songs including “Street Tuff” and “Just Keep Rocking”.

Black Meaning Good and the development of jungle

In 1991, he releases Black Meaning Good, an album that combines hardcore breakbeats with dub basslines. It features reggae artists Barrington Levy, Dennis Brown, Supercat and Tenor Fly, alongside Congo Natty’s own chanting. The track “Tribal Bass” from the album becomes widely heard and is one of the records that helps bring jungle into public attention in the early 1990s.

Later releases

He continues to release numerous 12-inch records and albums. These include Black Star, Tribute to Haile Selassie I, Jungle 4 Ever and No Sell Out.

Style and standing

Congo Natty is described as maintaining an underground profile while remaining active within jungle and related reggae-influenced forms. His work is closely linked to ragga jungle and the early development of jungle music.