The Super Eagles band was a pioneering Gambian musical group that began as a loose music group before evolving into one of West Africa's most influential acts during the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Unlike Nigeria's national football team of the same name, this group created a progressive sound blending Afro-Cuban, pop, soul, bluebeat, Congolese rumba, highlife, and ndagga music. They primarily performed in Wolof, their native language, with ndagga (Wolof lyrics and traditional rhythms) later becoming foundational to the mbalax genre.

The group's origins trace back to African Jazz, featuring Badou Jobe, Paps Touray, Laha Sosseh, Modou Cham, and Ismaila Oussou Njie, who formed Banjul's first modern dance band. In 1965, seven African Jazz musicians became full-time professionals and became known as The Eagles of Banjul, regularly performing in local dancehalls and touring internationally with their patron Malick Seck.

After a reorganization in 1967, they emerged as the Super Eagles. Diamond dealer Solo Darboe provided financial support, allowing them to purchase instruments, amplifiers, and a PA system from England. This independence enabled them to travel freely and develop their distinctive sound.

The Super Eagles' core lineup included Badou Jobe (solo guitarist and bandleader), Paps Touray and Datida Njie (lead vocalists), Francis 'Senami' Taylor (guitar/keyboard), Modou Cham (tenor sax and congas), Ismalia Oussou Njie (singer and lyricist), Charles Valentine (bass), and Malan Gassama (drums, percussion).

Jobe and Taylor composed most of their original material, with songs performed in Wolof or English. Touray's powerful vocals were often compared to Otis Redding, earning him recognition as Africa's best soul singer. Their compositions skillfully incorporated elements from Gambian indigenous music, particularly Wolof and Mandinka traditions.

In 1969, the Super Eagles became the first Senegambian band to tour England, where they recorded their album "Viva Super Eagles." The title track encouraged Gambians to unite in support of the group. During their London concert at the Commonwealth Institute, they performed alongside Teddy Osei and Mac Tontoh, founders of Osibisa. Though the album achieved popularity throughout West Africa, the musicians reportedly never received royalties.

At the height of their success in 1972, Jobe and Touray deliberately disbanded the Super Eagles. As pan-Africanists and musical innovators, they sought to establish a more authentic African identity, which led to the formation of the influential roots band Ifang Bondi ("Be Yourself"), which grew into one of West Africa's leading musical acts.

In 1999, Badou Jobe received the prestigious KORA All-African Music Award (the African equivalent of the Grammy) for Best Arranger in Africa.

Their song "Sock It To Me" was later re-recorded by El Rego as "Feeling You Got" for the Legendary Albarika Store label in Dahomey (now Benin), becoming the label's first hit.

So next time you hear the Super Eagles band, then think of the Gambian band from the 60s.

The Super Eagles, popularly called the Viva Super Eagles of The Gambia, was an all-male musical band known for pioneering the Afro-Manding genre.

The Super Eagles Band, who were they?

The Super Eagles, popularly called the Viva Super Eagles of The Gambia, was an all-male musical band known for pioneering the Afro-Manding genre.

Share to:

Related Blogs