Spreading The Funk

Shin Fukuzumi comes in handy as Mountain Micha Kilimanjaro's manager, as well as a band member. Having worked for record labels such as P-Vine, The 3776 and Holiday Revolution, Fukuzumi introduced the band to his colleagues in the Australian music industry, sensing that they would be well received in our country. “They dove in and took a real gamble,” Fukuzumi recalls of how the band was welcomed Down Under. “A lot of people got interested. We were really fortunate to have important festivals like Woodford [Folk Festival] and Peats Ridge give us great spots too. That was what kickstarted it all.”

Four years on from their first Australian tour, Fukuzumi admits the enthusiasm for the band is, sadly, not as fervent on home turf: “I wouldn't say we have a huge following here in Japan. The funk scene here is very niche. It's a small community. But I think that being an instrumental band is our strength, as there are no borders in terms of languages and we're able to travel anywhere.”

Fukuzumi says that finding increasing support in Australia has been central to the development of the band, giving them a broader view of potential markets and audiences. “In the early years we would have settled for small club shows, but being allowed to play some of the bigger stages at festivals like Woodford, it pushed the band forward,” he says. “I think they've been an important few shows. Not only in boosting confidence, but also in acknowledging that there are no borders.”

As for their name, while Fukuzumi played no part in its construction, etymology does give nods to their earliest influences. “The original members liked Red Hot Chili Peppers a lot and they were a big influence in the early years, so they wanted to come up with a name that was similarly as long and absurd. So they went with the chilli and the spice theme… they joined up a few names and came up with Mountain Mocha Kilimanjaro. I think it's a name that people remember, given that originally it was just a silly play on words.”

Now the band favour more modern funk, giving considerable air-time to artists such as Sharon Jones and The Bamboos. He also adds that “old classics” like James Brown never fade and The Godfather Of Soul is one of the group's most palpable influences.

Of their approaching Falls Festival appearances and east coast shows, Fukuzumi exudes unbridled optimism. “They love it,” he says simply. “It'll be great, and we've been lucky that Australia has been such a great place for us to play.”