The original inspiration for the band came when Iain Hunter saw Dudu Pukwana play at the Brewery Arts Centre in Kendal back in the 70's. This sparked an interest in African music that has never left him. In the late 80's he formed No Dodo which played throughout Cumbria and Lancashire. The highlight was probably playing at WOMAD in Morecambe in 1990.

Iain reformed the band in the late noughties as N'DOdO, still keeping the same ethos of playing lively dance music based on the playing of the likes of Dudu Pukwana and Assagai, Osibisa, Manu Dibango, Abdullah Ibrahaim, and Oliver Mtukudzi. Pieces are also created by members of the band to create a strong musical palette.