‘Bongo Bong (Francis Mercier Remix)’
Out Now via Radio Bemba / Because Music
Globetrotting DJ/producer Francis Mercier delivers an official remix for internationally renowned, generational talent Manu Chao as he injects his signature worldly-inspired grooves into Chao’s hit song, “Bongo Bong.” Originally released in 1998, this release marks the only official remix that Chao has approved as a co-release with another artist.
With passion and integrity, Francis Mercier continues to breathe new life into international classics that the modern dance music communities may not necessarily be familiar with. Keeping Manu’s iconic vocals and the playful spirit of “Bongo Bong” intact, Francis masterfully flips the original into a scintillating house groover that will have listeners of all ages and backgrounds getting up to dance. The track falls within the narrative of Francis’ career as he continues to reinvent worldly classics with a modern dance touch – introducing some of the younger, dance-oriented audience to some of the greatest musicians in history. This remix follows Francis’ other releases, “NaNa Djon” and “Welcome To Dinna,” which are reinventions of classics from West African artist Victor Démé and the beloved Grammy-award-winning Jamaican band, Black Uhuru, respectively.
The story of this release originates three years ago when Francis decided to take a crack at remixing “Bongo Bong,” one of his favorite songs growing up. After wrapping up his touches on the remix, he then sent the demo to his label for their approval. Two years later, Francis finally received word that Manu Chao, one of his all-time musical idols, gave his approval to release the track as an official remix.
"Growing up in Haiti, my friends, family, neighbors, and everyone used to listen to Manu Chao nearly every day. It being 25 years later now since Bongo Bong was released, it is an immense honor for Manu to approve my remix. All of my gratitude goes to him for appreciating my work." — Francis Mercier
Over the past few years, Francis Mercier's meteoric rise has led him to become one of the most significant producers/DJs in today’s dance music scene, garnering 65M+ streams across his catalog. Francis is consistently reaching new performance milestones, DJ’ing around the globe with stops in the heralded Yuma Tent at Coachella and taking on the Ibiza circuit. While constantly touring internationally, he also finds the time to run his label, Deep Root Records – one of the few 100% black-owned dance labels that empowers artists all around the world from the African Diaspora.
Francis Mercier Upcoming Tour Dates
August 25 – Higher Ground at La Clairière, Paris
August 26 – Nitsa, Barcelona, Spain
August 29 - 31 – Burning Man, Black Rock Desert
September 1 – Audio Nightclub, San Francisco
September 2 – Electric Zoo, New York City
September 3 – Spin Nightclub, San Diego
September 15 – Musica Club, New York City
September 16 – Spybar, Chicago
September 22 – Bijou Nightclub, Boston
September 23 – Pershing Square, Los Angeles
September 30 – Club Space, Miami
