Jungle royalty lands on the Mekong: Jumping Jack Frost plays Cambodia for the first time
On December 27, Phnom Penh’s riverfront gets a serious upgrade. Jumping Jack Frost, one of jungle and drum and bass’ true originals and co-founder of V Recordings, is set to play his first ever show in Cambodia. The setting is as unique as it gets: a boat cruise on the Mekong, hosted by the local crew at Substantial DnB.
For an artist who has played across the world, the idea of taking jungle onto Cambodia’s most iconic river instantly stood out.
“When I heard I was playing on a boat, I was extremely excited, especially because it’s my first time in Cambodia,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to meeting new people and experiencing the drum and bass scene in this wonderful country.”
Despite a career spanning decades, new destinations still carry a special pull. Cambodia is uncharted territory musically, and that sense of discovery is part of the appeal.
“I haven’t really heard anything about the music scene here, so it’s exciting to get the vibe and share this experience with the people,” he added.
That approach aligns closely with Substantial DnB’s grassroots ethos. The crew has been quietly building Cambodia’s drum and bass scene from the ground up, focusing on quality sound, committed crowds, and intimate events.
“It’s so important to support new and growing promotions of the drum and bass scene, especially in a new territory like Cambodia,” he said. “These small parties are often the most memorable because they’re very intimate.”
For Jumping Jack Frost, this show is not just another stop on the circuit. It is part of the wider culture of jungle and drum and bass, a genre that has always thrived by moving into new spaces and connecting with new communities.
“I very much see my visit as carrying the culture into this new and exciting territory and sharing my energy with the drum and bass crew here.”
Musically, fans can expect exactly what he is known for. No toned-down set, no novelty edits, just pure energy from start to finish.
“I always bring the same energy wherever I go, because that’s what people want to see from me,” he said. “I’ll definitely be mixing old and new, with some banging new remixes of classic tracks.”
That sense of journey is still what excites him most, even after all these years behind the decks.
“I still enjoy going to new places and sharing my vibe. I like to think my energy is infectious and that we all go on a journey together.”
Off the boat, he is just as keen to explore Cambodia itself.
“I definitely want to experience the culture and history here,” he said. “I’m excited about meeting people and having some nice food.”
And for those heading down to the Mekong for his Cambodia debut, the message is simple and direct.
“Get ready for the ride and fasten your seat belts, because we’re going to go bang.”
Event details: Mekong Magic Cruise
Substantial DnB returns to the river with one of the godfathers of jungle and drum and bass, also recently signed to Def Jam Recordings.
Line-up
- Jumping Jack Frost
- Support from Niko Yu and Shagzy
- Ada MC on the mic
Location: Mekong Magic Cruise, Koh Pich
Date: Friday, 27 December
Time: 7:30 pm to 11:00 pm
Tickets:
- Advance: $12.50
- Door: $15
Available from:
- The Big Easy Phnom Penh
- The Tree Bar, Bassac Square
Very limited tickets available. Find out more here: w.facebook.com/events/2304511153387385/?post_id=2305021416669692
For Cambodia’s drum and bass heads, and anyone curious to experience jungle delivered properly on the Mekong, this is one not to miss.
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Author: Tom Starkey
Tom Starkey is an International Development graduate from Sussex University with 12-years of experience across 4 continents, Tom's goal is that he wants to showcase his love for Cambodia, where he lives, works and now happily calls home.
