Percival People: Jianbo
Out and about with our exclusive Clarks Originals beaded pack in Soho
Tears, sauce, and growth. That’s a pretty good way to sum up life on Earth, and it’s the perfect way to describe Jianbo, South London’s fresh prodigal son. Jianbo is a true London boy, raised by Chinese and Vietnamese parents. That’s something he’s very proud of and which comes across in his music – a mesmeric blend of UK garage, modern jazz, grime, and dubstep. Jianbo’s lyrics are smart and truthful, addressing racism and paying homage to his upbringing and, CRUCIALLY, good food. All things we can very much get on board with.
His music videos are really really worth a watch, too – we love an artist that pays attention to the little details. Jianbo is one of our favourite Percival People and so we met up with him for a natter about his life, career, our Clarks Originals beaded pack, and sauce.
Can you tell the people a bit about yourself and what you do?
I’m Jianbo – I’m a rapper and film-maker from South London with Chinese & Vietnamese heritage.
How would you describe your music?
My music is best thought of as rap that blends together many of the UK club sounds such as garage and dubstep, as well as other influential genres in my locality such as jazz, whilst reflecting on my Asian heritage and upbringing in London.
You bring something completely different to UK Hip-Hop, what would you say your main inspirations are?
I’m inspired by a lot of different things that are constantly changing, like this city itself, but in terms of individuals that have inspired me – D Double E, J Hus and Dizzee Rascal remain as some of my favorite artists from the UK.
Your strong cultural identity is reflected in your aesthetic and lyrics, what’s your creative process when pulling references and storyboarding your shoots?
I’m very inspired by 90s Hong Kong cinema, so the work of Wong Kar Wai has been really critical to my own development as a filmmaker. My creative process itself is actually usually quite chaotic and initially involves hashing it out verbally with a friend, spitballing ideas and then as soon as something clicks – taking immediate action to move forward! I like to ride the moment as it comes.
The world you create through your music videos and campaigns are incredible and there’s so many great references in Chinatown Trouble, where did the ideas for all of that come from?
To be honest, the ideas for Chinatown Trouble had been washing around my mind for months before I started making the video. The primary inspiration for Chinatown Trouble was trying to take the quite serious topic of vengeance, and presenting it in a fun way. I took a lot from Shounen animes such as One Piece and Naturo regarding the narrative structure but I also borrowed a lot from 2000s British cinema and early Guy Richie films such as Snatch.
SHOP CLARKS ORIGINALS – PERCIVAL EXCLUSIVE
Your new EP “Tears In My XO Sauce” has just dropped, if someone hasn’t listened to you before, what would you tell them to expect?
Tears, sauce, and growth.
You said the EP is a reflection of all things that have come and passed, and everything that has left an imprint on me. Would you say this is your biggest project yet and what’s in store for the future?
It’s the most developed project in terms of vibe yet but there’s still so much to come from me. I haven’t put out an album yet!
You have your first headline show at @lowerthirdsoho in London on October 11, congrats, the first of many. What can people expect from a Jianbo show?
Expect energy, new music, unreleased songs, a special guest appearance or two and representation from the community.
You recently coached the Vinahouse Vixens to a semi-final of the Rise United ESEA Nations cup, that’s big, what advice would you give our mate Gareth Southgate in the euro’s next year?
If I could tell Gaz anything, it’d be this: believe in the next generation always.
You said the EP is a reflection of all things that have come and passed, and everything that has left an imprint on me. Would you say this is your biggest project yet and what’s in store for the future?
It’s the most developed project in terms of vibe yet but there’s still so much to come from me. I haven’t put out an album yet!
Would you please coach the Percival team in our next tournament? Yes this is a job offer.
As long as the schedules work out, I’d be honoured!
What’s your favourite pair from our exclusive Clarks Originals beaded pack?
I really mean it when I say I like them all, but my favourite has got to be the Wallabee’s in cola check.
