Mark Ernestus' Ndagga Rhythm Force

 

Ndagga Rhythm Force are, hands down, one of the most explosive African acts to get these days.

They started in 2011 when Mark Ernestus (of Basic Channel, Rhythm & Sound and Hard Wax fame) travelled to Senegal in search of original Mbalax recordings. 

He invited over 20 percussionists - most of whom he had become interested in via local cassettes or YouTube clips - for a spontaneous recording session in Dakar, which featured the drummers of the local Jeri-Jeri family. Mixed back in Berlin, the recordings were released 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 and has played clubs and major festivals all across Europe and, in the process, has outgrown initial limitations. This was reflected by the release of the critically acclaimed album "Yermande" in 2016.

Singer Mbene Diatta Seck and talking drum master Modou Mbaye with their stunning stage presence and energy are joined by legendary veteran characters from the Dakar scene for a night you will not forget.