King Prawn

King Prawn are a London-based UK punk and ska group formed in 1993 and active from then to the present. They emerge from the 1990s and early 2000s UK ska punk scene and are known for a style they call wildstyle, which combines punk, hardcore, metal, ska, dub, reggae and hip hop.

Style and themes

The group uses politically based lyrics that work as social commentary. Their mix of genres and lyrical approach leads to comparisons with Rage Against the Machine. They are also associated with skacore and are described as one of the more innovative acts of their scene.

Reception and live profile

King Prawn receive critical recognition and are nominated for Kerrang! Awards in the Best New British Band category in 1998 and in the Spirit of Independence category in 2000. They tour widely with bands across hardcore, traditional ska and two-tone ska, and they build a reputation as a strong live act.

Members

The group includes Babar Luck, Hans Deville, Nikolai Jones, Al Rumjen and Zac Chang. In the lineup details given for the band, Al Rumjen appears on vocals, guitar, bass and melodica; Babar Luck on bass and vocals; Nikolai on drums; and Devil Hands on guitar.

Later activity

After their final gig in Milton Keynes on 21 December 2003, members move on to other projects, including Babar Luck’s solo work and the collective Suicide Bid, which is signed to Household Name Records.