Do.25.07.24

Mark Ernestus’ Ndagga Rhythm Force

A most thrilling dialogue between German electronic engineering and African drum talk - their hybrid sound honed through many iterations of intercontinental exchange.  The brainchild of Berlin techno luminary Mark Ernestus, Ndagga Rhythm Force have spent the past few years establishing themselves as an undeniably exhilarating live act on stages around the world. Bringing his electronic production sensibilities and taste for dubwise to the rhythmic landscape of Mbalax and Sabar, Ernestus tends to reside at the mixing desk when it comes to Ndagga’s live shows, leaving the audience enthralled in the energetic grip of the on-stage nine-piece. Characterised by hypnotic polyrhythmic drums guided by the vocals of Mbene Diatta Seck, Ndagga Rhythm Force’s music is best experienced in its live form, where studio versions of their tracks are wrought out into extended exploratory jams.

The live formation of consists of Lineup: Mbene Diatta Seck (vocal), Bada Seck (sabar), Modou Mbaye (talking drum), Ousmane Ka (drum set), Ibou Mbaye (keyboard), Serigne Mamoune Seck (sabar), with Mark Ernestus supervising the mixing.

This will be bands first European date of 2024 - where they will premier new material (along side previous recordings) Open Ground offers the listener an intimate and unique acoustic environment. 

DJ set before and after by- Awesome Tapes 

Since 2006, Brian Shimkovitz’s Awesome Tapes From Africa blog has been shedding light on obscure and wonderful sounds from across the continent. As a DJ he brings the blog to life with 2-3 hour sets blending folkloric pop, left-field dancefloor gems and hip-hop bangers. Traveling from club to festival to DIY space, Awesome Tapes DJ sets celebrate the music and musicians whose cassettes Shimkovitz has collected over the years. In 2011, ATFA developed into a critically acclaimed label, re-releasing records by African artists including Ata Kak, Dur-Dur Band, Hailu Mergia and Penny Penny. His DJ sets on twin tape decks explore deep, regional sounds using analog-anchored agility not heard or seen anywhere else.

7:30pm doors open 

8 till 9pm Awesome Tapes DJ set  

9:00pm till 10:30pm Mark Ernestus’ Ndagga Rhythm Force Live

10:30pm till 12:00 midnight Awesome Tapes DJ set