Ndagga started in 2011 when Mark Ernestus (of Basic Channel, Rhythm & Sound and Hardwax fame) travelled to Senegal in search of original Sabar and Mbalax recordings. He invited over 20 percussionists and other musicians - most of whom he had become interested in via local cassettes or Youtube clips - for a spontaneous recording session in Dakar, which featured the sabar drummers from the local Jeri-Jeri family. Mark arranged and mixed these recordings back in Berlin, which 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 - including Melt!, Roskilde, Dour or OFF in Katowice - and in the process long have outgrown initial limitations, which was reflected by the release of the critically acclaimed album "Yermande" in 2016. Singer Mbene Diatta Seck, talking drum master Modou Mbaye and dancer Fatou Wore Mboup with their stunning stage presence and energy are joined by legendary veteran characters from the Dakar scene for a night you will not forget.
Bada Seck - sabar
Serigne Mamoune Seck - sabar
Modou Mbaye - tama (talking drum)
Mbene Diatta Seck - vocals
Mangone Ndiaye Dieng - drums
Ibou Mbaye - keyboards
Fatou Wore Mboup - dancer
Mark Stephen Ernestus - producer