Bongo Billy’s Total Groove
A fusion of drum kit rhythms (funk, hip-hop, disco) and world percussion, this album offers rich rhythmic foundations for songwriting. Originally demo tracks, these versatile grooves now stand as their own creative project.
Built from Simon’s Total Groove loops, the album provides solo phrases and layered arrangements—perfect for producers and musicians seeking organic, dynamic inspiration.
Chaka Chouka album “Sharka”
Born from the 2020 lockdown, Sharka defies disruption with its vibrant energy. Simon and Bernard O’Neill channel decades of global touring and studio chemistry into this unexpected collaboration.
A blend of world music rhythms and improvisational flair, the album captures the duo’s signature live sound—crafted in isolation but made for movement.
Dar Haleshla EP “Feenkoum?”
Feenkoum? (“Where are you?” in Arabic) merges Moroccan Sufi traditions with house beats and dub reggae. Delta Patch’s production elevates Haleshla’s percussive and vocal roots into a hypnotic dancefloor journey.
Each track carves its own sonic universe, yet the EP coheres as a bold reimagining of “Moroccan house”—best heard to be believed.
Haleshla
Haleshla (“Why not?”) reworks Sufi melodies from Morocco’s Aissawa and Gnaoua traditions with Latin percussion and modern arrangements. Recorded live, the EP pulses with the duo’s stage energy.
A percentage of the purchases for this EP will be given to the association JTM “Jamain, Toit pour Moi” in Meknès, Morocco that provides much needed equipment for local schools.
If you would like to make a donation to this association (outside of the “Haleshla” tracks), please make this clear when donating.
Threads
Pop, rock, funk with world music.
The songs on this album were recorded at different intervals over the last few years both in Simon’s own studio and other studios. The album title reflects this as Simon wanted to pull together the various songwriting threads of the last few years.
He plays sings, plays drums, percussion and some guitar and keyboards on all the tracks. Anything else (especially lead guitar!) was played by session musicians.
Why Not?
Haleshla’s second EP blends Moroccan tradition, Latin rhythms, and English pop. Ghzeyel Meyel and Moulay Ya Sali reimagine Sufi songs, while Glad to Be Back is an original ode to reunion.
Acoustic guitar, congas, and harmonized vocals bridge cultures—proof that genre boundaries are meant to dissolve.
Inspiration when writing or producing?
Many “world music” beats are swung or interpreted differently to western rhythms. When combined with drum kit, they produce lively, organic beats and phrases with numerous possibilities due to their polyrhythmic structures.
Percussion Loops
Pro musicians and producers
Access royalty-free loops blending Moroccan rhythms, funk, reggae, and more. Download instantly or request custom packs.
Music for Events
Agencies and event organizers
For corporate gigs, Simon’s bands and solo percussion show guarantee energy and professionalism. Tailored sets, seamless organisation.
Studio Recordings
Session musicians and artists
Remote or in-studio session work with fluency in North African, Latin, and Western styles. Studio-grade recordings, and creativity.
More about Chaka Chouka “Sharka”
The beginning
Based on a drum and percussion loop that Simon had put on hold for a rainy day, he wrote “Gnaoua Reggae” on guitar and melodica in his studio in Meknès, Morocco. Mouna Eddrou, a French–Moroccan singer added her vocals and the Chaka Chouka sound was forged. The album project “Sharka” was born.
Simon sent the track to Bernard who lives and works from his studio in the southwest of France. Bernard added bass and organ and made the crucial connection by sending it on to Cyprus to Haji Mike.
Haji had planned to record an acoustic dub poetry album in Cyprus with Bernard who he had met at Peter Gabriel’s Realworld Studios the previous December, a project now on hold due to the lockdown.
Haji added his vocals to the track and his socially committed and compelling dub poetry texts are complimented perfectly by Mouna’s Sufi inspired lyrics and singing. This vocal combination, thanks to Bernard’s excellent production remains a constant theme through out the album.
The result
Four months later, with hundreds of files pinging back and forth across the Mediterranean, an album was complete.
Morocco is a cultural crossroads where North African Berber culture meets the Middle East, the Sahara, sub-Saharan Africa and Europe. Chaka Chouka’s music is a reflection of this. It also links seamlessly with the African roots, traditional “mento” music and jazz/ R n B influences of reggae. Listening to the album will infuse your senses with a unique blend of flavours from the Carribean, North Africa and the Middle East.
“Sharka” means “share” in Arabic. Chaka Chouka’s music is an expression of their diverse musical roots and a desire for a fairer, more compassionate society.
Even though “Sharka” has lyrics in four different languages, the message is clear.
We are part of a world commune, we can make a difference with respect and love and understanding.
Chaka Chouka are making their own journey, so come join us, on the peace train.
Simon Webster: drums, percussion, guitar, melodica, backing vocals.
Bernard O’neill: bass, organ, keyboards, baritone guitar, backing vocals.
Haji Mike: vocals.
Mouna Eddrou: vocals.