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MUSIC lovers will have heard of Gorillaz, but there’s a new animated band forming and celebrating all things Jersey. La Dgaîngue, which translates from Jèrriais to The Gang, is the creation of Dr Kit Ashton, lead singer of pop-folk band Badlabecques, who recently performed at the Corn Riots Festival last month. With only a few hundred estimated native speakers of Jèrriais remaining – most of whom are aged 70 or more – Jèrriais is formally considered to be ‘critically endangered’. La Dgaîngue seeks to revitalise use of the language through music. The virtual band are due to release their first single, J’sommes La Dgaîngue (We Are The Gang), with a 3D animated music video, alongside a full album, ‘Bouogement’ (Movement) set to be released later this month. The catchy songs are targeted towards children, but in an engaging pop style that listeners of all ages can enjoy. Dr Ashton said: “It’s amazing how music and art can connect us with our heritage and cultural identity so playfully but so deeply. “With this song we wanted to focus on the theme that everyone needs friendship and belonging. The band sings that they have been misunderstood, but they aren’t really scary, they just want to be friends and have fun. “Jèrriais is also a cultural treasure that has historically been dismissed and oppressed, but now, as we revitalise our language and culture, it can be something to celebrate that unites us, linking past, present, and future.” The 3D animation video, which can be found on YouTube, was created by local artist Pete Taylor-Fitch, using special motion-capture software. He says it’s been “wonderful” to “elevate our linguistic heritage.” The band members are based on well-known centuries-old local tales and legends, with one member who plays the keyboard and raps based on the Black Dog of Bouley Bay (Lé Tchian du Bouôlé). Christian Foley, voice of Lé Tchian du Bouôlé, said: “Language is hugely tied to identity, and Jèrriais is part of Jersey’s rich cultural history. Local kids are going to be repeating these earworms all day long – they are learning without realising they are learning, which I think is the best kind of education. “All in all, it’s an exciting project, and I would never say no to being the voice of an animated rapping dog!” Mr Foley is an author, musician, and educator, who specialises in interactive hip-hop lessons. Other members can be seen to represent more whimsical and mythical characters such as a fairy lead singer, a mermaid drummer and a ghostly figure playing bass. Lead singer Kim Syvret, who provided the voice of the fairy, Fai, said: “Being the voice of Fai has been really special. My gran, Irene Syvret, used to teach Jèrriais, so when this project came up, it felt like something I had to be part of. She would have loved it! “Being involved has made me think a lot about how important it is to keep those stories and sounds alive. It’s been a real privilege to play a small part in that.” Head of L’Office du Jèrriais, Ben Spink, said: “Music is a fantastic way to promote language learning and by commissioning this project we hope to encourage young learners to engage with Jèrriais in a fun and creative way. “We’re very grateful to Kit and all those who worked on this project and we can’t wait to share these brilliant songs with our learners.” ‘J’sommes La Dgaîngue’ is available on major music streaming platforms, and the full debut album ‘Bouogement’ will be available from Friday 31 October 2025.
