About Bull Funk Zoo
Bull Funk Zoo is the musical identity of Assaad Lakkis, a UAE-based artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist known for creating bold, groove-driven music that blends psychedelic funk, jazz, world music and electronica. Born in London and raised between Beirut and Dubai, Lakkis has spent years shaping a sound that’s rooted in rhythm but not tied to any one tradition.
He is best known for his raw live energy, intricate arrangements and a creative process that favours instinct over convention. His work doesn’t fit easily into genres, but it always hits with purpose. Whether through thick, riff-heavy funk or swirling ambient textures, Bull Funk Zoo’s music is built to move people—on a dance floor or in their heads.
Musical Style and Approach
At the heart of Bull Funk Zoo is a strong sense of identity. The music is dense with ideas but never overcomplicated. Songs are often driven by live drums and bass, layered with guitar tones that shift from gritty to ethereal. Influences range from Fela Kuti to Frank Zappa, but the sound is always his own.
Bull Funk Zoo’s guitar setup is one of his signature tools: a custom rig running four outputs in parallel, blending vocoder, bass, synth and guitar in real time. It allows him to build full arrangements live and break away from traditional song structures. The result is immersive and unpredictable, but always rooted in groove.
Background and Career Highlights
Bull Funk Zoo has been active for more than a decade, performing across the Middle East, Europe and the US. He has opened for major international acts including Sting, Sade, Timbaland, Stanley Jordan and Courtney Pine. His track It Don’t Stop was nominated for Best Funk Song at the International Songwriting Competition in Nashville, and Livin’ It Up took home the award for Best Alternative Song at the VIMA Music Awards.
Over the years, Bull Funk Zoo has earned a reputation as one of the most original live acts in the region, building a loyal following through festival appearances, club shows and collaborations with a wide network of musicians and producers.
Independent and Self-Driven
A lifelong advocate for independent music, Lakkis writes, records and produces most of his material in his own studio. His DIY approach isn’t about avoiding the mainstream—it’s about control, integrity and experimentation. He works with a tight circle of collaborators who bring their own flavour without diluting the vision. The music always comes first.
Looking Ahead
With multiple releases behind him and more projects on the way, Bull Funk Zoo continues to evolve without chasing trends. Each new record adds another layer to his catalogue, but the core remains the same: strong rhythms, fearless ideas and music that doesn’t wait for permission.
