Soundsystems
Bong Productions
Organisation / Promotor & Soundsystem from Antwerpen specialized in:
- Dancehall
- New Roots
- Ragga
- Reggae
- Roots
The annual reggae festival in Geel inspired a few local dj’s to build a reggae–dancehall sound system in 1996. Today, with its 13 years of reggae prophecy, Bong Productions sound system is considered to be one of the most experienced and hard-working sounds in Beljam. With Rootstuff, co-founder and main selector, at the controls and MC Charlie at the mic, getting everyone to dance with his mic chatting skills, Bong Productions is still going on stronger and stronger.
On Bong’s roll of honor: DJ-sets at Pole Pole Festival 2003, Dissonant Festival 2008, Happy 2008 & 2004, support act for e.g. Buju Banton and Max Romeo at Petrol (2006,2008), Stone Love at Fuse (2005) and Ricky Trooper feat. Harry Toddler at Las Manas (2001). Over the years Bong Productions performed at hundreds of parties in Beljam, from Charlatan and Decadance in Gent over Rumba and Blauwe Kater in Leuven to Jh. De Bogaard in Geel where it all started.
Bong Productions’ mission is to promote reggae music in all its aspects. In 2000 Bong invited the “gentleman rudeboy” David Rodigan, in 2000 and 2001, Bong toured with Jigsy King and 14K and a few years later also with Delly Ranks. Rootstuff started making mixtapes/cd’s in 1998 to spread the Jamaican vibes even further. One of Bong Productions’ main goals has always been the promotion of local reggae talent, giving Beljam talent the opportunity to perform on stage, best illustrated by the Reggae Lift Off dances on the eve of the annual Reggae Geel Festival. Since 2007 Rootstuff joined the artistic team of Reggae Geel and Bong Productions started the “Catch a MIC” concept, a contest for young reggae talent at the Reggae Geel Festival, in co-operation with Poppunt. In the summer of 2009 Bong travelled with Jigsy King & Tony Curtis for a European tour.
