Bonobo (musician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bonobo
Bonobo in 2017
Background information
Birth name	Simon Green
Also known as	Barakas
Born	(1976-03-30) 30 March 1976 (age 49)
Origin	Brighton, England
Genres	Electronica downtempo nu jazz trip hop world music
Years active	1999–present
Labels	Ninja Tune, Tru Thoughts

Simon Green (born March 30, 1976), known as Bonobo, is an English musician, producer, and DJ. He lives in Los Angeles, USA.

Bonobo started his music career with a style called trip hop. Since then, he has explored more upbeat sounds. He also uses influences from jazz and world music. His electronic songs often include real instruments. When he performs live, a full band plays with him.

Bonobo's Musical Journey

Early Days (1999–2009)

Bonobo in 2007

Simon Green began his music journey in 1999. His first songs appeared on a collection called When Shapes Join Together. He chose the name Bonobo after the great ape species.

After releasing a few early songs, Bonobo was offered deals by big music labels. But he decided to stay with Tru Thoughts, a smaller label. His first album, Animal Magic, came out in 2000. It quickly gained many fans. In 2002, he released One Offs..., which had remixed songs and rare tracks.

In 2001, Bonobo joined the famous label Ninja Tune. In 2003, he released his next album, Dial 'M' for Monkey. This album showed more influences from alternative rock and world music. Some songs from this album, like "Pick up" and "Flutter", were even featured in the snowboarding game SSX on Tour.

Bonobo released his third album, Days to Come, in 2006. This album brought new life to electronic music. He started working with singers like Bajka. This added a more natural and lively feel to his electronic sound. Days to Come was voted the Best Album of 2006 by listeners of Gilles Peterson. Songs from this album were also used in games and films.

Growing Success (2010–2015)

Bonobo in 2013

In 2009, Bonobo released "The Keeper", a song featuring singer Andreya Triana. This was the first song from his fourth album, Black Sands, which came out in 2010. This album showed Bonobo using more live instruments instead of just samples. He created rich, layered sounds. After working together on Black Sands, Bonobo also produced Andreya Triana's first album. A song from Black Sands, "Kong", was used in the TV show House of Cards.

In 2012, Black Sands Remixed was released. It featured songs from Black Sands remixed by other electronic artists.

His next album, The North Borders, came out in 2013. The song "Cirrus" was the first single from this album. The North Borders was Bonobo's first album to appear on music charts in the UK and US. "Cirrus" was also featured in the TV show Halt and Catch Fire.

Recent Work (2016–Present)

Bonobo released his sixth album, Migration, in 2017. He said the album was inspired by his travels and living in different places. Migration and one of its songs, "Bambro Koyo Ganda", were nominated for Grammy Awards in 2018. The album reached number 5 on the UK music chart. In 2018, it won Album of the Year at the Electronic Music Awards.

In 2019, Bonobo released a new song called "Linked". This track was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Dance Recording. The next year, he remixed Michael Kiwanuka's song "Final Days".

Bonobo's seventh album, Fragments, was released in 2022. Five songs were released before the album came out. These included "Tides" with Jamila Woods and "Shadows" with Jordan Rakei.

In 2023, Bonobo was nominated for the Brit Award for British Dance Act. He is also set to create music for an upcoming Japanese anime TV series called Lazarus.

Bonobo's Music Style

Bonobo performing with his live band in April 2010

Bonobo's music is known for its cool beats and samples. It often sounds "soothing" and mixes different styles. These include club music and world music. He is a key artist in the downtempo electronica scene. His early music was trip hop, but he soon added more upbeat sounds. He also explores jazz (which is why he's sometimes called a nu jazz artist) and traditional Indian music.

Bonobo has worked with many talented singers. These include Bajka, Andreya Triana, Erykah Badu, and Rhye. They have added their voices to many of his songs.

While Bonobo often performs as a DJ, he started touring with a full band in 2010. This band plays live versions of his studio songs. The group includes a singer, keyboard player, guitarist, saxophonist, string section, electronics, and a drummer. They often add their own improvisations and solos to the music.

Discography

Singles

DVDs

• Live at Koko (2009)
• The North Borders Tour – Live (2014)

See also

In Spanish: Bonobo (artista) para niños

• List of ambient music artists