Biography
Carlo Raffelli aka Charly Bendje, started his musical journey as a reggae musician in 1997 joining the Italian band Ragariddim. In 1999 he was active in the creation of The DubLab label directed by Dubital for which he recorded several compilations and albums. He was part of various sets like The Delegators, Flappa & Nagades and The Smokers. With Dubital he has worked as a live performer on percussion, touring all over Italy, France, Slovenia, Croazia, UK and Mexico from 2000 to 2007. He then recorded in Dubital’s albums Conversation (2002) on percussion and in Mad Professor Presents Dubital – Keep Cool” (2007) on drums.
He was the founder and drummer of various reggae bands including Rootz Band in 2000, The DubWise Gang in 2003 and Banda del Leon Conquistador during his stay in Mexico (2006-2007), with whom he played along side artists like Alika, Ras Levi, Mike Dread, Ras Cocoman and many more.
In 2014 he relocated to London where he has worked as a DJ vinyl selector for Diverse Collective alongside artists like Ramon Judah, Principal UK, Dark Angel, Ras Sherby and many more. In 2016 he co-founded the DubHouse Band, with whom he performed as a backing band for many artists of the UK and international reggae scenes.
In 2020 he established a recording and mixing studio in South London reactivating The DubLab Label and co-founded with Mystic MessenJah Dub Exposure Band, unique reggae live showvase performing with 12 singers. He recently joined as drummer Indika Band touring for Kelvin Grant (Musical Youths). He is also working as vinyl selector for Trinity Allstar Sound System and Open the Gate Sound.
Ramon Judan and Charly Bendje – Diverse Collective: Watford: 30/07/16 – YouTube
Hackney Dub Club w/ Charlie Bandjie & Peppino-I – 17th March 2019 by Netil Radio | Mixcloud
thedublab.co.uk 