Jazz with African swagger. The 10-piece African Jazz Orchestra is directed by Cameroonian French double and electric bassist Serge Ngando-Mpondo. The orchestra is the musical vision of a founder who aims to see adventurous collaborations that will provide musical styles spanning the whole continent of Africa.

The African Jazz Orchestra is packed with brilliant soloists and has one aim which is to rekindle people’s love affair with African jazz. Their brilliant music takes the listeners to the roots of all black music where hi-life meets afrobeat and then meeting jazz along the way.

Bassist and leader Serge Ngando-Mpondo has spent the last few years writing for this orchestra with the aim of creating spectacular live shows with some of the best African jazz soloists in contemporary music.  The extraordinary line-up of established and young names combined to take on a journey of African jazz improvisations with dance grooves undertone.

Together they speak with one unique voice that creates music that has no boundaries. 

About the leader – Serge Ngando-Mpondo

Renowned Cameroonian French double bassist Serge Ngando-Mpondo has impressive history, playing bass for Manu Dibango, Miriam Makeba, Touré Kunda, Papa Wemba, Busi Mhlongo, Cheik Lô and feature on Lion of Africa. He also produced Coco Mbassi’s CDs “JÓA” and “SEPIA”. Serge obtained BA in Jazz Music from Middlesex University in 2003. 

THE AFRICAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA

Serge Ngando-Mpondo, double bass

John Ade, guitar

Keahnne Whitby, tenor sax

Jermaine Amissah, baritone saxophone

Donovan Haffer, alto sax

Joseph Oti, trumpet

Eickel Venegas, trombone

Norman Clarke, piano

Shane Forbes, drums

Richard Olatunde, percussion

Brought to you by London African Music Festival.

We’ve reduced capacity in all of our spaces. Find out more about how we’re keeping you safe.

If you have any access requirements, please contact our box office team on 020 7613 7498 or email