Le Shegall

Le Shegall is a musical project born in 2022 from the vibrant cultural melting pot of Rome. The group stands out for its bold and original fusion of makossa, soul, afrobeat, afro-rumba, Latin jazz, and electronic music, crafting a sound that transcends traditional genres and offers a global, contemporary perspective on music.

Rooted in the rich musical traditions of Africa and South America, Le Shegall weaves a dynamic and poetic soundscape where traditional rhythms, sophisticated harmonies, and electronic experimentation come together to create an immersive and powerful listening experience.

At the heart of the project is Shegall Njiongang Detchouta, the band’s lead vocalist, percussionist, and artistic director. Born in 1986 in Bafoussam, Cameroon, and trained at the IFA (Institute of Artistic Training) in Mbalmayo, he is a multidisciplinary artist whose powerful yet gentle voice and deep rhythmic sensibility define the soul of the project.

He is joined by Riccardo Celi (born in 1985 in Rome), the bassist, whose background in electronic music, funk, and post-rock brings a strong groove and a passion for sonic experimentation. His involvement in socially-engaged musical projects (Radici Solidali, Hurriya wa Salam, MEDU Band, King Kong Collective...) reflects his drive to connect rhythms, people, and harmonies.

Guitarist and sound engineer Afif Ben Fekih (born in 1990 in Tunis), co-founder of Le Shegall, brings a rich harmonic layer inspired by desert blues, jazz, and electronic music. His expertise in live electronics and keyboards plays a key role in shaping the band’s distinctive sound. He is also the founder of Wetune Audio Production, the studio behind Le Shegall.

Finally, Manuel Di Molfetta, a.k.a. Manuelito, an Italo-Venezuelan percussionist born in Rome in 1998, adds color, depth, and a unique groove to the band’s performances. With roots in African and South American music, his style is influenced by salsa, cumbia, jazz, and rumba, constantly exploring new rhythms in search of a personal signature.

Le Shegall is a meeting point between tradition and innovation – a musical journey without borders, where voice, groove, and electronics come together to tell a story of fusion, emotion, and shared humanity.