The Big Mackoofy on Revolution, Rhythm, and Resistance: Inside “Slave New World”

In a world teetering on the edge of transformation, The Big Mackoofy’s latest track, “Slave New World,” is a rallying cry for change — both a warning and a call to arms. Known for their powerful blend of dub, funk, psychedelia, and socially charged lyrics, the band continues to stand at the forefront of counter-culture music, unafraid to challenge mainstream narratives. We spoke to The Big Mackoofy about the inspirations behind the song, their role as modern musical disruptors, and how their eclectic influences shape a sound that’s both revolutionary and danceable.

As they put it, “If you want people to rise and stand up, you need a good soundtrack to the revolution.”

“Slave New World” feels like both a warning and a call to action. What inspired you to write this track, and what message do you hope listeners take from it?
There’s a clear sense of urgency in the song — do you see it as a reflection of the times we’re living in or more of a timeless message? 

The events of the world always bleed into sessions, you carry them with you so they will inevitably have an impact on the music you make, it’s a fast-changing dynamic where an old world is slowly dying but is going down lashing out and fighting-what we write about reflects that.

Your sound is often described as a fusion of dub, funk, and psychedelia, with strong influences from 70s African music and artists like Fela Kuti and Lee Scratch Perry. How do you weave these diverse influences into something that feels fresh and relevant today?
Is it a conscious process, or do these sounds naturally bleed into your music?

Not conscious but when you listen to different types of music and then try to emulate them or incorporate them into your playing, you will end up bringing them into your music.



You’ve been described as ‘21st-century upsetters’ keeping counter-culture music alive. How do you see your role in modern music? Is there a sense of responsibility to challenge mainstream narratives through your art?
And how do you navigate making politically charged music in an industry that often shies away from controversy?

    That’s why we remain independent, then no one can censor or control what you say and art should reflect the complexities of the world we live in and hold a mirror to the world.

    The world is an increasingly chaotic and scary place, as you’ve pointed out. How do you balance the heavy themes in your music with creating a sound that’s still uplifting and danceable?
    Do you see music as a form of resistance, or is it more about providing a space for people to escape and reflect?

    It should be both-a form of resistance and a place to reflect, dance music is energetic dynamic, uplifting and inspiring-if you want people rise and stand up you need a good soundtrack to the revolution.

    You’ve been releasing music since 2017, with each project evolving while staying true to your core sound. How does “Slave New World” fit into the broader story of The Big Mackoofy?
    Does it feel like a culmination of everything you’ve built so far, or is it the beginning of a new chapter?

      We have never planned that far a head, it simply nis a case of starting with a blank canvas and seeing what we come up with.

      Your influences range from Bowie and Prince to Curtis Mayfield and The Clash. If you had to create a dream lineup for a Big Mackoofy-curated festival, who are the essential artists — living or dead — that would make the cut? And what would the vibe of that festival be like?

        Weed smoking and psychedelics would be compulsory-hopefully not a heavy vibe, as for the bands, artists. Too many to mention but I would definitely have King Tubby playing between sets

        The title of your previous album, “If you fight you won’t always win, but if you don’t fight you will always lose,” feels like a manifesto. How does that sentiment carry through to your music today?
        Do you feel like artists today need to be more vocal about social and political issues, or is it enough to simply make great music?

          Music has become very middle class and as a group they tend to be shielded from the policies that right wing governments implement, or they are driven by a desire for fame so tend to be single minded-we would not dream of telling everyone what they need to write about but in a world where people are being encouraged to be divided we think its important to focus on who the real culprits are-“if you fight etc” was a quite from bob Crowe who was a famous left wing Union leader in the UK who wasn’t in the market for taking any BS.