Music from West Africa

Manden Express is a thrillingly explosive Dublin-based international band, fusing traditional and contemporary styles of West African music from the Mande Empire, what is now known as Mali, alongside infectious Afrobeat rhythms. Inspired by village, Wassalou (Oumou Sangare) styles and the explosion of new musical influences that merged with African music in the 1960’s it blends Kamele n’goni harp, djembe, and drums with Electric bass and guitar to produce stomping grooves and hypnotic time patterns.

With band members from Sierra Leone, Spain, Peru and Ireland, Manden Express are the only group playing this style in Ireland. Their concerts charged with rhythmic energy weave together a collective wealth of experience in African music, flamenco, jazz, funk and rock.

Manden Express have appeared at many festivals and events around Ireland including: Electric Picnic, Body and Soul, Bray Jazz Festival, Down With Jazz Festival, The Big Bang Festival, Love Live music 2013…….

The Musicians: Emma Garnett - Vocals, Paul McElhatton - Kamele n’goni harp, Paddy Groenland - Guitar Tommy Moore - Bass, Jose Minguez - Guitar, Brian Lynch - Djembe/Percussion, Cote Calmet - Drums

‘If Ireland has become a melting pot, Manden Express might be the band to provide its soundtrack. African, Latin and Irish musicians convene here in service of the good groove, predominantly West African as the name suggests, but sociable in its embrace of flamenco, jazz and funk too. They’re festival fit too, with previous shows at Body & Soul and Drogheda Samba Fest, and a dance friendly formula that is winning admirers at venues across Dublin from Sweeney’s to the Grand Social. Paul McElhatton introduces you to the Kamele n’goni, cousin to the West African kora, percussionist Brian Lynch has the djembe chops, and also inviting you to shake it are vocalist Emma Garnett, bassist Manuel Oliviencia, drummer Cote Calmet, guitarists Paddy Groenland and Jose Dominguez’. Down With Jazz Festival, Dublin

“Manden did an amazing set at Dublin Tropical. Their electric funky African sound warmed-up the night nicely and at the end of the set every single person in the venue was dancing.” Jeremie MK, Director of Dublin Tropical.

Manden Express were like a cross between Oumou Sangaré and drummer Steve Reid’s Daxaar ensemble. Rhythmic mantras guided the pulsating set closer “Safo Safo,” which ebbed and flowed to allow guitar, kamele ngoni, percussion and drums to really stretch out. AllAboutJazz.com

MANDEN EXPRESS

Music from West Africa

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