World music in the X: Mandingkabi

Mandingkabi is a quartet led by singer and percussionist Serigne Gueye, born in Dakar, Senegal. In addition to traditional songs, the group also performs original compositions, combining styles like mbalax and West African Mandinge music with Western influences and jazz.

The music is acoustic, groovy, and layered; the singing, drawn from the centuries-old griot tradition, is narrative, rhythmic, and deeply rooted in oral tradition. Griots are simultaneously poets, praise singers, and musicians, and are considered guardians and transmitters of orally transmitted traditions and history. Senegalese singer and percussionist Serigne Gueye was immersed in the captivating music of West Africa from an early age. His professional career began in 1984 with the renowned ensemble Star Band de Dakar. He has also played with many top musicians, including Ernst Reijseger and Mola Sylla.

Nanke Mady Kouyate hails from Guinea and played in the legendary band Bembeya Jazz, along with Sekou "Diamond Fingers" Diabate.

Fons van Laar has also made his mark in African music and has previously played with artists such as Paps Touray, Ousman Beyai, and Ebou Gaye, all former members of Ifang Bondi.

Andro Biswane, finally, moved from Suriname to the Netherlands at the age of ten and played in bands like Fra Fra Sound and his own group Kara Dara, and with artists such as Lester Bowie, David Murray, Toumani Diabate, and Habib Koite. Last year, Mandingkabi released his album Djam la Paix.

Line-up:
Serigne Gueye - percussion, vocals
Fons van Laar - acoustic guitars
Nanke Mady Diabaté - acoustic guitar, balafon
Andro Biswane - bass guitar