Frank Bessem's Musiques d'Afrique: Ifang Bondi

Frank Bessem's
Musiques d'Afrique:

Ifang Bondi
(The Gambia)

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Ifang Bondi (meaning "be yourself" in Mandinka language) was formed some 30 years ago in the Gambia, and was on the forefront of popular African music. Being one of the first trying to combine pop music and African roots, they were an example for Orchestre Baobab, (Super) Etoile de Dakar and many other Senegalese stars. Ifang Bondi, however, never really benefitted from their pioneering work, due to bootlegging and copying of their work by other artists.
Although they were based in the Netherlands at some time, they are now in Banjul, the capital of the Gambia.

Band members:
Badou Jobe (bass); El Hadj Samb (vocals, percussion); Jali Momodou Suso (kora, vocals); Juldeh Camara (riti, vocals); Lin Diaw (guitars); Ebou Gaye (sabar, bugarabu, tama, djembe); Tafa Ndiaye (keyboards), and Mandiaye Diop (drums).

Formed: 1973, by members of the Super Eagles of Gambia
Style: Mbalax and Mandingo music

Discography:

Title	Year	Label	Remarks
Live	2002	Music & Words MWCD 3021
Gis Gis	1998	Music & Words MWCD 3019
Daraja	1994	Music & Words MWCD 3009
Sanjo	1989	D & K 860017
Mantra	1983	Interstate Records	LP
Saraba	1982	Bellot/MAG 107	LP
Super Eagles of Gambia:
Senegambian Sensation	2001	RetroAfric RETRO17CD
Viva Super Eagles	1969	Decca WAPS 29	LP