Manding Kan rocks the Lodge

As well as drumming, the show had a lot of instrumental pieces, songs and dance. The powerful singing voice of Xixel was ably supported by a mix of western instruments (acoustic guitar, electric base) and traditional African instruments (Marimba, calabash, shakers etc.).

The drumming performances were breathtaking. The whole team worked as a tight unit, with the Dunduns (base drums) bells and shakers holding a solid platform for the djembe players to solo over. Ladji was in fine form, and when he leant his head back to solo, it was mesmerising. The other drummers also had ample opportunity to interact, solo and strut their stuff. There were also some softer interlude pieces, where Ladji was alone on stage, tapping out gentle rhythms on his djembe, bringing out the subtler side of this instrument.

The show also had strong visual impact. Apart from the array of instruments, the band was colourfully dressed in prints, and there was plenty of expressive dancing, mainly from Xixel and Zanzele. I was glad to be sitting near the front for this show. As the drumming and dancing is very visual, I like to see what is happening. As they were performing at floor level (no stage), I don't know if people further back would have got the full impact. I also felt the performance area could have been better lit.

Unfortunately this show was for one night only. However Ladji Kanté and Manding Kan will be performing again at the Obbs Café this Tuesday at 8:00pm.

For more info go to their facebook page.