From their humble beginnings in a derelict church on the streets of crime-ridden Brixton, South African trio Boo! rose to become one of their country's finest musical exports. Their unique fusion of African rhythms, melodic pop and contemporary dance sounds, branded 'Monki Punk,' won them the devotion of audiences in the U.S., Europe, the U.K. and Australia.
Playing as many as 150 shows a year and traveling almost non-stop, they built themselves a credible support base from afar apart as London, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Johannesburg, Venice, Melbourne and Hamburg. They opened for Smashing Pumpkins and the Guano Apes, performed at Peter Gabriel's world-renown WOMAD and at festivals across Europe and Africa, on the bill with such artists as Limp Bizkit, Cypress Hill, Midnight Oil, Faithless, AIR and Kosheen. Their live show was so compelling, they were invited back virtually everywhere they played, prompting return tours to each country. Headlining venues like Paradiso in Amsterdam, 013 in Tilburg, Vera in Groningen and Tivoli in Utrecht. Ian Copeland, legendary agent for The Police, R.E.M., Sex Pistols and Peter Tosh, exclaims, "I want to shout it from the rooftops!! Boo! are the most amazing new band I've seen in yonks.Their CD is melting in my CD player right now.Very, very unique!" (That's right, 'in yonks!')
Boo! received an award from the South African Music Association for "Best Pop Album 2002" for their album "Shooting Star." In total, Boo! released five albums since forming in 1997 and have appeared on eight compilations. Their songs have played on Los Angeles' #1 alternative radio, KROQ, on stations across Europe, and they have had a #1 hit in South Africa with the single 'Stagefright,' #2 with the playful 'OOAA,' and numerous top 20 hits.
Crafting their songs from percussion, bass, brass, keyboards and amazing animal vocalizations (note the absence of guitar!,) Boo! performed a live show exploding with humor, power and passion that is nothing short of world-class. Singer-songwriter Chris Chameleon sang in a four (!) octave range from painful melancholy to raging power to boisterous delight, often within a single song. He plucked his bass with a style as unique as his outrageous wardrobe, his enigmatic stage presence is spellbinding to even the most cynical audience. Ampie Omo, multi-talented trumpeter, trombonist, keyboardist, percussionist and backing vocalist, set the stage alight, flying from instrument to instrument with irresistible charm and infectious joy. Boney Leonie generated the percussive energy that fueled the extravaganza. His wildly-rocking, left-handed drumming explodes with a playfulness and power that defied convention.
Boo! disbanded in 2004 but their anarchic memory lives on! The Boo! message was and still is one of rejoicing in the rich multiplicity of human nature. For a band that defied classification but appealed to all ages and cultures, Boo! will never be forgotten.
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