The lowdown on UK funky

DJ Mikey Dee, the man behind Beijing’s first regular UK funky party, explains the latest genre to emerge from London

What is UK funky?

UK funky, as you’d expect, is MOBO – Music of British Origin. Its roots are in London, which is a melting pot of different cultures and nationalities, and the beats and hooks of the music reflect that diversity and energy.

Imagine beats that borrow from reggaeton, afrobeat and deep or tribal house; melodies and hooks that borrow from R&B, grime/UK hip hop and dancehall reggae; plus bass that borrows from garage and dubstep. Add a carnival flavour and we’re getting there. Despite these complex origins, at times it’s deliciously simple, insistent, minimal and repetitive.

Why does it have such a crap name?

UK funky is the least aptly named dance music genre in the world, except in that it does indeed originate in the UK. I guess all the good names (dubstep, for example) had been used up. In fact, there have been several attempts to rename it, such as ‘wonky’ or ‘dubbage’, but they’re even worse.

The best thing about it being called UK Funky is that, if you’re in the scene, you can’t take yourself too seriously.

Why should Beijingers be excited about this new night?

Beijingers who like to boogie should be excited because the grooves contained in this music are addictive and highly danceable. Anyone who likes music originating in Africa, Jamaica, Detroit, Brazil or England should be very excited.

Riddim, the UK funky night, starts at Club Obiwan on Saturday, August 29. Club Obiwan . 4 Xihai Xiyan, (300 metres south of Jishuitan subway station), Xicheng district (6617 3231). 西城区西海西沿4号(积水潭地铁向南300米).

Ross Goulding