Aron Ottignon and Bakane Seck unite elements of Afrobeat, jazz, and electronic music with the West African dance music genre mbalax. The New Zealand pianist, producer, and composer, together with the Senegalese percussionist, create music that warms the soul—and sets the dance floor on fire.

Aron & The Jeri Jeri Band is the collaboration between pianist, composer, and producer Aron Ottignon and percussionist Bakane Seck, who plays the sabar, a traditional Senegalese drum. Hailing from New Zealand and Senegal, the duo fuses elements of Afrobeat, jazz, and electronic music with mbalax, building bridges between traditional African soundscapes, modern jazz, and electrifying electronic productions. Behind the music lies a message of optimism, hope for future generations, progress, and positive change. This is music to soothe the soul—and ignite the dance floor. We look forward to presenting them at ALICE where they will bring singer Aïcha Niang with them on stage.

Both Ottignon and Seck have had illustrious careers on their own, and between them they have toured with artists such as Empire of the Sun, Youssou N’Dour, and Baaba Maal. Their collaboration began in 2019, and when the pandemic left them stranded in the same city, it strengthened their musical partnership. This ultimately led to the critically acclaimed album ‘Dama Bëgga Ñibi’, which translates to “I want to go home”. At the heart of their music—both in sound and spirit—is the theme of cultural understanding and unity. As Ottignon himself expressed: “Through this music, I hope to promote a better understanding of Senegalese culture and the important role that music plays as a bridge between different cultures and traditions … Education and understanding are key to appreciating and celebrating our differences. We are all unique, and this music serves as a vessel to promote acceptance and celebration of our differences.”

Said about Aron & The Jeri Jeri Band

“On Aron & the Jeri Jeri Band’s debut collaboration, Dama Bëgga Ñibi (Urban Trout Records), New Zealand producer Aron Ottignon and the Senegalese group produce an infectiously danceable album of glittering electronic melodies and syncopated rhythms, all anchored by a range of powerful vocalists” – The Guardian

“Taking an anything-goes approach to sound design, Ottignon has layered diverse sounds and styles above the band’s rousing mbalax core, with never a dull moment” – Mojo Magazine

“Ottignon, a New Zealand-born producer and jazz pianist, brings a shape-shifting electronic haze to the album, while The jeri Jeri Band, led by veteran sabar drummer Bakane Seck, brings firecracker percussion” – Financial Times Weekende