Mr. Bongo Vinyl Collection

Mr. Bongo began its journey in 1989 as a small, yet groundbreaking, record shop located beneath Daddy Kool's Reggae Store on Berwick Street in London. It quickly made a name for itself by becoming the very first store outside of the United States to stock vinyl releases from a new wave of independent hip-hop labels, including giants like Def Jam and Rawkus. This early focus on hip-hop established Mr. Bongo as a taste-maker and a destination for serious collectors.

Over time, the shop's reputation grew, and it became particularly well-known for its deep and specialized collection of hard-to-find classic Latin music, with a strong emphasis on rare and sought-after Brazilian records. This unique blend of genres laid the foundation for the Mr. Bongo record label, which was established to release and re-issue a truly eclectic range of music. The label's roster is a testament to its broad musical interests, featuring a diverse array of artists across Brazilian, Latin, reggae, African, and jazz genres. Notable artists on the label include Ebo Taylor, Hollie Cook, Jorge Ben, and Marcos Valle, among many others.

Beyond its physical stores, which relocated several times before closing in 2003 and then reopening in Brighton in 2016, the company expanded its business in 2004 to include world cinema, further cementing its commitment to global arts and culture. Its publishing division also licenses its incredible music catalog for use in advertising, film, and television, ensuring its sounds reach a wide audience. Our curated selection of records from the Mr. Bongo label brings you the very best of their sonic world, offering a chance to own a piece of this rich musical history