For nearly 50 years, Kassav' have consistently taken Zouk music around the world, putting the sounds of their creole culture on the musical map far beyond Guadeloupe and Martinique.
Credited with pioneering the zouk musical genre – which blends Guadeloupe's gwo-ka and Martinique's ti-bwa rhythms with cadence-lypso and compas traditions – Kassav are rightly regarded as one of the most influential bands in the history of 20th century French West Indies music. It's virtually impossible to hear zouk music and not instantly envisage the long-standing band.
Despite initial resistance from French record labels throughout the 80s, Kassav persevered with their authentic expression, with creole texts recounting real life in the French Caribbean islands. Characterised by a fast tempo, percussive rhythms, and a prominent horn section, they eventually popularised the movement on a global scale with sold out concerts around the world. Performing in 82 countries throughout the band's lifespan, Kassav have been invited to play in Japan and even the USSR, becoming the first group made up of exclusively Black musicians to do so.
Founded in 1979 by Jacob Desvarieux and Pierre Edouard Décimus, the band soon released their debut album Love And Ka Dance. They haven't looked back since – Kassav have gone on to release over 50 albums, many of which have been certified gold and platinum.
Tragically, the loss of Desvarieux in 2021 left a huge void in the band. Yet, Kassav continued – with established members Jocelyne Béroard, Jean-Philippe Marthély, Jean-Claude Naimro, and Georges Décimus – to bring joy with their infectious and unique sounds.
In 2024, the zouk pioneers announced a special one-off concert at O2 Shepherds Bush Empire in London for the following summer.
Photos: Guillaume Aricique