VI.BE

Ndoumbelane mixes the sounds of afro-rhythms with blues and jazz, using West-African instruments such as the peul flute, kora and djembe. They stretch, reevaluate and question the instruments traditional use, mixing it with a range of other influences and instruments. The creative interpretation of tradition, brings you on a journey, quoting Manu Dibango, “from the village to the moon and back”. Issa Ndour, one of the founders of the band together with Ndo Kanoute, is a professional flutist, djembe and kora player. Born in a griot family Issa started playing the djembe from the age of 7 and the Peul flute (“tokhoro”) at 11 respectively. He began his career playing in weddings and worked at the Ballet National du Théâtre Daniel Sorano in Dakar extensively. He collaborated with artists like Nadar Ensemble, Lionel Loueke, Abiodun Ovewole, Dudu Kouate, Rhymefest and Benn Bopp. Since 2021 Issa relocated to Belgium and has played in numerous festivals and venues with Ndoumbelane Jazz.