Ifang Bondi

Ifang Bondi, meaning “be yourself” in Mandinka language, grew out of the former Gambian band called the Super Eagles. Founded in the 60’s the Super Eagles was the undisputed top group in the Gambia and Senegal. In 1968 they toured Ghana, making an enormous impact with their very African sound in a country which was shortly to produce Osibisa. In 1970 Super Eagles was disbanded only to rise up again in 1973, as Ifang Bondi. The name was new as the sound, featuring for the first time indigenous Sene-Gambian rhythms, melodies and instruments. They integrated traditional instruments as kora, balafon, sabar, talking drum, bugarabu and djembe with modern instruments as the electric guitar, bass and keyboards. As such they have been credited to be the true originators of the current “Afro-Manding” sound as extemporised by stars such as Yousou N’dour, Salif Keïta and Mory Kante. members are: Badou Jobe - bass (only original member Super Eagles) El Hadj Samb - vocals, percussion Jali Momodou Suso - kora, vocals