(Ndagga, Dakar / Berlin)
Ndagga Rhythm Force are, hands down, one of the most explosive African acts to get these days!
It all started in 2011 when Mark Ernestus (of Basic Channel, Rhythm & Sound and Hard Wax fame) travelled to Senegal in search of original Mbalax recordings and invited over 20 percussionists for a spontaneous recording session in Dakar. Mixed back in Berlin, the recordings came out on the 2012 twin albums “800% Ndagga" and "Ndagga Versions” under the “Mark Ernestus presents Jeri-Jeri” moniker - simply using the sabar drummers' clan name.
Since then, the project has evolved into something new in its own right: the group has become a killer live outfit, playing clubs and major festivals all across Europe and, in the process, outgrowing initial limitations. That has been reflected by the release of the critically acclaimed album "Yermande" in 2016, now under the new name Ndagga Rhythm Force. Their long-expected new album is due to drop in March 2025.
Singer Mbene Diatta Seck and veteran percussionist Bada Seck with their stunning stage presence, are joined by more characters from the Dakar scene for a night you will not forget.
In the years since the album release, the band has been touring restlessly - and established itself as a force to be reckoned with on the international festival circus.
Ndagga is hot hot hot!