The Funky Kongs

What happens when five nerds with a love for gaming and jazz join forces? You get a jazz band unlike any other. We’re a Belfast-based group of musicians and gamers on a mission to bring your favourite video game soundtracks to life, live, loud, and full of groove. Whether it's the high-octane thrill of Mario Kart, the chill vibes of Crash Bandicoot, or the epic drama of Final Fantasy, we reimagine iconic game music with rich harmonies, funky rhythms, and a whole lot of heart. We were obsessed with video games and their music. And not just the main themes either. We're talking menu music, obscure boss fight grooves, and the kind of tracks that make you pause mid-game just to listen. One jam session turned into many, and soon we were crafting our own versions of the tracks we grew up with—think jazz, funk, bossa nova, and swing. Suddenly, we weren’t just a band—we were a boss-level party machine. Our shows are anything but ordinary. Player. You walk into a venue and find yourself in the middle of a Mario Kart Grand Prix, complete with controllers, a projected tournament, and yes, 3D printed trophies for the winners. What else? We can take you on a musical journey through gaming history, with toe-tapping, head-bopping, nostalgia-fuelled jazz arrangements that get the room moving. From house parties to weddings, conventions to corporate events, we want to bring a unique kind of entertainment that blends live music, gaming culture, and audience interaction while introducing people to jazz. Want a Zelda slow dance at your reception? Done. A jazzed-up Pokémon battle theme to kick off your party? We’ve got you. A chill Animal Crossing tune while you cut your cake? Say no more. As long as the Cake IS NOT a lie. We believe video game music deserves to be heard, appreciated, and celebrated, outside of loading screens and boss fights. It’s an art form that’s emotional, cinematic, and totally epic. Our goal is to spotlight the brilliance of video game composers while giving our audiences something fresh, unexpected, and ridiculously fun. When you book us, you're not just getting a band—you’re getting a show. A nerdy, nostalgic, joy-filled performance that brings gamers and non-gamers together through the universal language of music. So whether you're planning a wedding with a twist, throwing a party for your gaming squad, or just want to dance to the soundtrack of your childhood, we’re ready to hit start. Let’s-a-go!