Biography
79rs Gang is a New Orleans-based music group formed in 2013 by two prominent Mardi Gras Indian chiefs: Big Chief Romeo Bougere of the 9th Ward Hunters and Big Chief Jermaine Bossier of the 7th Ward Creole Hunters. Both men come from deep-rooted Black Masking and musical families—Bougere began masking at age 4 under the guidance of his father, Rudy Bougere, founder and Big Chief of the 9th Ward Hunters, while Bossier, grandson of New Orleans R&B figure Raymond Lewis, started masking at 14 and grew up singing in church. Their partnership was significant, as it bridged a historic rivalry between their respective tribes, symbolizing reconciliation and unity within the Mardi Gras Indian community.
The group debuted with the album 'Fire on the Bayou' in 2014, which showcased traditional Mardi Gras Indian music with dense percussion and chant vocals. Their follow-up, 'Expect the Unexpected' (2020), marked a bold evolution, blending the roots of Black Masking Carnival music with hip-hop, electronic elements, and funk, thanks in part to producer Eric Heigle. This innovative approach brought the storied Mardi Gras Indian tradition to new audiences, infusing it with contemporary dance and pop sensibilities while retaining its cultural authenticity. 79rs Gang is widely regarded as one of the most important ambassadors of Mardi Gras Indian music since the Wild Magnolias in the 1970s, pushing the genre forward while honoring its past.
Their music is celebrated for its energetic fusion of parade chants, drumlines, and modern production, making it both a preservation and a reinvention of a celebrated but historically guarded New Orleans tradition. Performing live as an eight-piece band, 79rs Gang continues to inspire with their commitment to storytelling, innovation, and cultural pride.
Fun Facts
- The group's name, 79rs Gang, references the 7th and 9th Wards of New Orleans, the home neighborhoods of the two founding chiefs.
- Before forming 79rs Gang, Romeo Bougere and Jermaine Bossier were rivals, each leading their own Mardi Gras Indian tribe.
- Their album 'Expect the Unexpected' features collaborations with members of Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem, as well as a Haitian music collective.
- 79rs Gang is considered the most influential Mardi Gras Indian group since the Wild Magnolias in the 1970s, modernizing the tradition for new audiences.
Members
- Jermaine Bossier
- Romeo Bougere
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Rudy Bougere - Father of Romeo Bougere, founder and Big Chief of the 9th Ward Hunters, taught Romeo the traditions of masking and Mardi Gras Indian music. (N/A (family tradition, not commercial recordings)) [1980s–present]
- Raymond Lewis - Grandfather of Jermaine Bossier, influential figure in New Orleans R&B, inspired Bossier's early musical development. (N/A (family influence, not direct collaborations)) [1960s–present]
Key Collaborators
- Eric Heigle - Producer, recording engineer, and drummer who helped shape the sound of 'Expect the Unexpected' and expanded the group's musical palette. (Expect the Unexpected) [2019–present]
- Win Butler - Guest musician from Arcade Fire, contributed to 'Expect the Unexpected'. (Expect the Unexpected)
- Korey Richey - Member of LCD Soundsystem, contributed to 'Expect the Unexpected'. (Expect the Unexpected)
- Nicholas Payton - Grammy-winning trumpeter, contributed to 'Expect the Unexpected'. (Expect the Unexpected)
- Lakou Mizik - Haitian music collective, contributed to 'Expect the Unexpected'. (Expect the Unexpected)
- Theodore “Scoo” Gurley, Raja Kassis, Taylor Guarisco, Cesar Bacaro, Theron Anderson - Live band members, contribute to performances and recordings. (Live performances, Expect the Unexpected) [2019–present]
Artists Influenced
- Contemporary Mardi Gras Indian musicians and New Orleans artists - 79rs Gang's innovative blend of tradition and modern genres has inspired a new generation of artists to experiment with Mardi Gras Indian music. (Emerging works in New Orleans Black Masking and fusion genres) [2020s]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Expect the Unexpected | 2020-05-29 | Album |
| Fire On the Bayou | 2015-02-17 | Album |
| HaitiaNola | 2019-10-25 | Album |
| Borrowed Ladders | 2022-07-22 | Album |
| HaitiaNola | 2019-10-25 | Album |
| Fire on the Bayou | 2015-10-02 | Album |
Top Tracks
- 79rs Bout to Blow (Expect the Unexpected)
- Iko Kreyòl (HaitiaNola)
- Wrong Part of Town (Wrong Part of Town)
- Pretty Big Chief (Expect the Unexpected)
- Iko Kreyòl - HaitiaNola Album Version (Iko Kreyòl)
- Iko Kreyòl - 79rs Gang Version (Iko Kreyòl)
- Brand New Day (Expect the Unexpected)
- Drama (Fire On the Bayou)
- Culture Vulture (Expect the Unexpected)
- Needle Don't Lie (Expect the Unexpected)
External Links
Tags: #electronic, #hip-hop, #mardi-gras-indian
References
Heard on WWOZ
79rs Gang has been played 30 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.