Ifang Bondi, meaning "take out yourself" in Mandinka language, grew out of … Read Full Bio ↴Ifang Bondi, meaning "take out yourself" in Mandinka language, grew out of the former Gambian band called the Super Eagles. Founded in the 60's[/year formed] 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 [year split]1970[/year split] Super Eagles was disbanded only to rise up again in [year reformed]1973[/year reformed], as Ifang Bondi. The name was new as the sound, featuring for the first time indigenous Senegambian rhythms, melodies and instruments. They integrated traditional instruments as kora, balafon, sabar, talking drum, bugarabu and djembe with mordern 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'dure, Salif Keïta and Mory Kante.

With the latest CD "Gis Gis" Ifang Bondi celebrates their 25 years of existence with the leader bassist Badou Jobe who is the only original member remaining in the band. Badou Jobe has been with the Super Eagles from the beginning and has been the driving force in 1973 when the big change in style happened. The group lives in The Gambia and makes tours to Europe every year with a base in the Netherlands.

The current members are:
Badou Jobe - bass
El Hadj Samb - vocals, percussion
Jali Momodou Suso - kora, vocals
Juldeh Camara - riti, vocals
Lin Diaw - guitars
Bassirou Mbaye - percussion: sabar, bugarabou, tama, djembe
Tafa Ndiaye - keyboards
Ibou Gueye - drums