biographical info
Formed in 1989, Ngoma was one of Canada's first world music bands whose
multicultural line-up generally consisted of four men and four women.
Repertoire was in English, French, and Spanish, and live shows included
the unique element of multi-instrumentalists switching instruments
throughout the show as well as fire-juggling (which was still legal in
nightclubs, in that era).
Touring every province in Canada (including Newfoundland), throughout
the US, and Central America, playing festivals, night clubs, and the
first raves in Vancouver (in the early 90s), the band was known for its
wide variety of musical styles performed, high energy all night dance
parties, and regularly featured musical guests and extended
improvisations.
Ngoma put out four albums of all original music.
influences
Fela Kuti
Sly and the Family Stone
Syd Barrett
Stompin' Tom Conners
Jimi Hendrix
The Dub Rifles
Dizzy Gillespie
The Talking Heads
Uisce Beatha
various folk musics of the world