Rune Harder Olesen is one of the country’s most sought-after session musicians, and alongside his career, he has delved into the study of Afro-Cuban music.

Together with his Cuban spouse, singer and dancer Raisa Castro, he formed the band Ngánga, which also includes their two daughters, Sophia and Cecilia Castro. The band is joined by two internationally recognized musicians: Cuban Yasser Pino on bass and guitar, and Dawda Jobarteh from Gambia on kora.

The name Ngánga originates from the Bantu people of West Africa. The music of Ngánga is deeply rooted in the rich Afro-Cuban folk music tradition, which was brought to Cuba by West African slaves.