Diesel:U:Music radio - Roots Manuva

The sound of thumping bass seeps from a fourth floor doorway of an east London studio, and Rodney Smith and the Banana Klan, the creators of this unmistakable sound, are thoroughly enjoying what appears to be a very relaxed sound check. On further inspection, Clash realises that what is happening cannot accurately be called a sound check, more of an improvised slow jam, if you will.

Roots Manuva and a variety of artists operating within his Banana Klan collective are here for what is a rare radio showcase of the ample talents the roster has to offer. Tonight’s line-up, curated by Brixton’s finest MC for Diesel U Music Radio, features Dawn Penn, Jimmy Screech and Seanie T amongst others. And now, an hour before show time, artists, friends, family and the man Roots himself are sat in the studio’s two biggest rooms as beats, riddims and rhymes bounce around.

Immediately obvious are the huge feelings of love and enthusiasm this group of people harbour toward the music they make. Laptops are passed round and pored over as new and before now unheard bass lines and melodies are unearthed. Later on, a total of eight artists will take part in an insightful showcase into the creative journeys of both Roots himself, and those of the artists under his wing. There will be acoustic loveliness from new recruit Ellie May, blistering beats from MC Jimmy Screech, the relaxed lilt of Seanie T (featured on Roots Manuva’s acclaimed ‘Brand New Second Hand’ album) and ending the night will be an extra special performance from Rodney. Not to mention Dawn Penn, Ricky Ranking and DJs MK and JAWA.

Amidst the pre-show hubbub Clash took Rodney aside for a chat about the night’s events, the Banana Klan itself and his own music. “It never really started, it was always there,” he says when asked about the Klan’s origins. “The first release was a cover of ‘Yellow Submarine,’ but back then it was Banana Clan with a ‘C’,” he continues. After going “back to the drawing board” in 2003 the ‘C’ was replaced with a ‘K’ and a steady stream of limited 7” releases began. “We did it through Ninja Tune (Roots Manuva’s label), but the Roots stuff was more proper and legitimate whereas the 7” side was crazy, ghetto stuff,” he adds, putting another spin on Clash’s suggestion that the 7” releases were geared towards the underground.

Rodney will do this throughout our conversation, as he picks his way through our questions, his deliberate and varied answers showing the passion he feels for his work. So does he handpick the artists for the Klan? “Not at all, but what I will handpick is the tracks for the compilations. The whole idea is that the artists A&R themselves, off the back of the platform I can provide,” he affirms. The platform he provides is a source of mock indignation for the MC. “They don’t use me enough in that way!” he says with a smile. In Rodney’s eyes his “platform” can encourage his artists to find their own route whilst exchanging information about his experiences in the game. And after consistent critical acclaim to the extent Roots Manuva’s work has generated, no one can argue with Rodney saying, “I feel like I’ve got a lot to offer in just being there as a sounding board.”

As we move on to tonight’s show, he reveals that the sense of occasion building in the studio is some way from his initial expectations of the evening. “What started as just a plan for a nice, gentle lesson into the world of broadcasting, turned into ‘OK let’s get some of the artists along’ and it’s turned into this massive thing, which is not what I planned for.”

Before he is summoned for further sound checking and the start of the broadcast, there is time for Rodney to spill the beans on his ever-changing influences (“Now I can say I enjoy Radiohead albums,”), his advice for new hip-hop talent (“As long as they’re making money and staying away from drugs and crime then it’s all good!) and his dream collaboration (“There’s always Kate Bush.”). Finally, as a discussion on the new generation of British hip-hop prompts Rodney to conclude, with a wry smile, “Man I hear things in new artists’ work that influenced me, so I don’t know what generation I am!” a hush descends and we prepare for an evening with the Banana Klan, led by one of the most gifted MCs this country has ever seen.

Words by Ben Homewood

Listen to Diesel:U:Music radio HERE

Find out more HERE