Matteo Nocera

About

NGASA NGASA is a bold multicultural project led by Neapolitan drummer, producer, and music historian Matteo Nocera. Fusing the ancestral folk rhythms and melodies of Southern Italy and the Western Mediterranean with the vibrant pulse of afrobeat, funk, and modal jazz, the group creates a sound that is both deeply rooted and strikingly contemporary. Drawing inspiration from global legends such as Max Roach, Tony Allen, John Lurie alongside iconic Neapolitan figures like Tullio De Piscopo, James Senese, Tony Esposito, NGASA NGASA channels a rhythmic legacy that grooves with purpose and cultural depth. Their music also embraces the lyrical soul of the Mediterranean, echoing the melodic essence of artists such as Patrizio , Cheb Hasni , Pino Daniele, Sergio Bruni , Mirna Doris NGASA NGASA in Neapolitan means “strike! » or “insist! “. We are used to using this word as an exhortation among ourselves, in the most difficult moments. Their debut EP 'TRA DUE RIVE' is available digitally and will be released on 12" vinyl in September 2025 through Controra Records