With a band name that translates as “be yourself” in Mandinka language, Ifang Bondi were born out of the former band called the Super Eagles. Founded in the 1960’s, the Super Eagles were one of the most popular groups in the Gambia and Senegal at the time! In 1968 they toured Ghana, leaving a striking impression and making an enormous impact with their big sound…Shortly after, the country produced influenced band, Osibisa.
It was in 1970 when the Super Eagles 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. Using many traditional instruments such as the kora, balafon, sabar, talking drum, bugarabu and djembe, they blended these with modern instruments such as the electric guitar, bass and keyboards. This pioneering music made them the true originators of the current “Afro-Manding” sound, now used by artists such as Yousou N’dour, Salif Keïta and Mory Kante!
Ifang Bondi released several albums in the late 1970’s and 1980’s, but today’s song is taken from their 1978 debut record, Saraba. Atis-A-Tis delivers the driving energy of a fast flowing river with its rapid melody and cascading rhythm….I like it intensity! Enjoy!
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