http://congonatty . jungli.st

Martyn Pepperell: Introduce yourself, tell the people a little bit about yourself DJ Souljah: I am DJ Souljah, born in East London, father of 4, Knowledge and Wisdom seen, Exodus Distribution seen, Souljah Recordings, Jungle Ambassadors, The Struggle Continues... Martyn Pepperell How did you get into jungle music? DJ Souljah I have always been into jungle right from the beginning. I first got into the music seen back in 1986 when it was all about Acid House music and Techno. Around that time me and a few of my friends started our own rave called Genesis, which ended up becoming one of the biggest raves in the UK. Martyn Pepperell Explain Exodus music and the other businesses you are involved in, how did they start, what do they do, where are they going? DJ Souljah I got into distribution back in 1996/7 when I started distributing Congo Natty for Rebel MC.

I worked with Rebel for about 3 years before starting Exodus distribution. I learnt a lot back in those days, which has really helped me in what I'm doing today.

Since that time I joined forces with my good friend Terry T of Knowledge and Wisdom and have over the past 7 years become a notable force in the market place globally.

We currently run 5 independent record labels K&W, Souljah Recordings, Raw, SFB, and Jungle Ambassadors. Labels which we use to express ourselves, and hopefully bring joy to the people when they get to hear our music.

We have to and always will stay true to the vibes of Jungle music. Martyn Pepperell Now you are noted for your work as a jungle distributor and a jungle dj/global ambassador of the UK jungle sound, what is your djing philosophy and what do you try to achieve in your sets? DJ Souljah My djing philosophy is that anyone can become a dj if they want it bad enough. You just have to practice and take your chances when they arise, send off demo's to promoters or if you know someone that's already playing out start going out with them too and making yourself known. I started mainly because when I went out to rave it was always the same Dj's playing the same thing or a remix of the remix or the remix, what a load of shit, who wants to hear the same track 6 times in one night.

I took up djing myself just to prove that anyone can do the same job as these so called top flight Dj's if given the chance.

If you believe in yourself don't give up! Martyn Pepperell Who are your preferred jungle producers and labels, why? DJ Souljah My preferred producer in Jungle?

Firstly I have to say my bredrin Terry T Knowledge and Wisdom.
Terry is an outstanding producer who has been instrumental in the jungle seen over the past 10 years from mixing and engineering tracks like "Junglist" for Congo natty to giving us classic like "I bring you the future", and "Fire" by Demolition man. Terry has developed his own style of Jungle music, which has earned him an outstanding following worldwide and still very little is really known about him.

Second, Dj Science from France.
The man is one of the up and coming producers that I like. He just seems to have an affiliation with the Jungle sound that you don't come across very often. Look out for tracks from him on Souljah recordings in 2005.

Third is a producer called Psychofreud from Norway, yet another good producer with an ear for the jungle sound and a real feel for the music. Look out for tracks from him on Knowledge and Wisdom, Terry has just signed him up with the camp.

Lastly, Congo Natty Recordings.
Run by Rebel MC, Congo Natty has bought us top classics like "Champion DJ", "Code Red", and "Junglist", just to name a few. It's that anthem after anthem ethic that makes Congo natty one of the most notable names in the scene when you talk about the history of real jungle music. Martyn Pepperell As a dj who works with MC's on a regular basis, how do you feel about MC's in jungle music, what do you feel they provide?, are they essential or merely an accessory to the sound? DJ Souljah I personally feel that MC's are a big part of what we do, but not essential. A good dj can play a set and still get the place jumping. I like to use MC's mainly because I come from a Caribbean background where we grew up on all forms of vocal music, from day one it was reggae, blues and soul, jazz and soca.

I just feel that a (good) vocalist can add more of a vibe. Martyn Pepperell What have been your favorite experiences in Jungle Music? DJ Souljah My favorite experiences... Playing at the Congo Natty party a few years ago in Toronto. Also playing at W.E.M.F in Canada with Terry T plus the full crew. Generally just bringing the Jungle vibe to the people. Martyn Pepperell How do you feel about the state of Jungle Music right now? DJ Souljah As far as I'm concerned the Jungle music has always been in good shape and I hope to help it remain that way for many more years to come. Like I said before, the struggle continues. Martyn Pepperell Finally, anyone you want to shout out? And any words of inspiration to leave for the readers? DJ Souljah Give thanks to Jah, my family, Terry T, DJ Knowledge, Prof INC, Trauma, Tobie @ Nu-Urban Music and every one that's supported us over the years.