Ndene Ndiaye is a professional Senegalese drummer and percussionist, who lives in London UK. A dynamic instrumentalist, with a natural shining talent, he brings a remarkable sense of power and feeling to rhythm.
Born in Thiès, Senegal’s third largest city, he was raised in a large respected family. As an adult, he attended college in the capital of Dakar and returned home after he finished his studies.
Inspired by artists such as Xalam 2 & Touré Kunde, his love of music, propelled him to become a self-taught drummer and percussionist. Later, he merged with a group titled the “Baatin Band.” When Ndene’s father heard the group play together, he was impressed with their sound, and complimented them, His father’s admiration, motivated Ndene to pursue a musical career.
Performing a multitude of gigs helped the eight-piece band increase their popularity. Whilst playing in the region of Casamance, they gained a hotel performance contract.
In 2005, the band’s first recording was with a Moroccan female singer, meanwhile, their second hotel contract was on the smiling coast of “The Gambia,” and the band, stayed in the country for years, performing in some of the country’s top hotels. Their music performances gained huge compliments from their listeners.
Having been one of the group members for around fifteen years, in 2010, Ndene moved to London UK, and later commenced a contract, as a percussionist, with the “London Contemporary Dance Company.” In 2014, he became a full-time musician at the “Trinity Laban, Conservatoire of Music and Contemporary Dance.”
Ndene’s dynamic approach to rhythm has assisted him in playing for numerous artists such as Sura Susso, Kadialy Kouyate, Abdoulaye Samb, Diabel Cissokho, Jally Kebba Susso, Modou Toure, Ramon Goose and Agmar Band.
Performing at large events, festivals, and intimate gigs, Ndene has also performed at the World festival, “Womad,” playing alongside Senegalese artist, Nuru Kane. He took to the stage at Liverpool’s “Africa Oye” and performed at various gigs abroad in Germany, France, Italy and Malta.
In 2013, Ndene recorded with Ramon Goose & Modou Toure on their combined album, “Desert Rock.” Since then, he has continued to play with an array of artists and continues to work full-time at Laban, as a professional musician.
A drummer & percussionist who makes playing look easy, it’s hard not to dance when people hear the musician’s upbeat rhythmical style.
Ndene Ndiaye is a Senegalese rhythmical storyteller.
Havana White ©
Senegal is a country in West Africa with a population of around 16 million. The two main languages are Wolof and French, as well as a selection of other languages.
The richness of the country shines through the people by way of hospitality and friendliness, while the word “Teranga,” is the country’s Motto, meaning “hospitality.” The Senegalese population reverberates the meaning of the word.
An extremely peaceful country, Art is displayed in many forms, such as music, art, dance, tailoring & woodwork. The abundance of musical talent is endless, from famous artists like Youssou Ndour, Baaba Maal, Omar Pene, Cheikh Lo, and Orchestra Baobab, these are just a few to mention, the list is long, and Senegalese music is extraordinaire.
Havana White ©