Funsta

Funsta, also known as MC Fun da Funsta or MC Fun, is a drum and bass and hip hop MC who begins rapping at the age of seven and writing lyrics in 1994. He develops a style that combines fast delivery with more conscious lyrics, drawing on both hip hop and drum and bass. He starts in hip hop before establishing himself in the underground drum and bass circuit.

Early activity and radio work

By the mid to late 1990s, he is playing on radio stations including Kik F.M., Ruud and Rude Awakening, and appearing at raves such as Desire, Heat, Pure Science and High Velocity. In 1998 he joins the Kool F.M. crew and performs on the station’s drum and bass output. He also becomes a regular on internet radio, including Pyrotechnics, D&B Worldwide, Syndicate and U.K. Rumble.

Live performances and festivals

Funsta appears at events including T.O.V, Movement, Legends of the Dark Black, Innovation, Chatterbox, Fever and One Nation. From 2000 onwards he performs at major UK festivals including Glastonbury, Homelands, Nedworth and Essentials. He also performs internationally in Greece with Kool F.M., in Brazil with Urban Takeover, in France for New Year’s Eve, and in America, Germany, Spain and Portugal alongside DJs Mickey Finn and Andy C.

Collaborations, residencies and other work

He works with many drum and bass DJs and performs to both small and large crowds. He has residencies with Movement, TrupLayaz and Fever, and performs monthly for Unity in Luton. He is involved in the government’s DontShoot campaign, touring schools to promote anti-gun violence. As a leading member of Uncontrolabelz, he rhymes with other lyricists and also begins building his own beats.

Style and reputation

Funsta is described as a versatile MC who can perform high-energy sets at raves and also deliver more reflective material. His work spans underground, mainstream and international circuits, and he is presented as an established figure in the drum and bass scene.