Sylvestre Kabassidi

Sylvestre Samba Kabassidi is a rebel with a sensitive soul. His music breaks stereotypes and takes African song in new directions, yet universal and sophisticated but rooted in tradition. Born in Pointe-Noire, the Congo Republic, the coast is not the only similarity Sylvestre finds between Pointe-Noire and Cape Town which he calls his adoptive home.

His passion for music began in his childhood at a very early age, surrounded by beautiful melodies from home and the outside world. Sylvestre started feeling the influence of music and its sounds that make people experience passion, joy, peace, happiness and love, when chosen to participate in a professional album recording.

Sylvestre sings in French, Lari, English, and some Afrikaans, and represents a new generation of African artists who emphasise fragile melodies and poetic lyrics, rather than super-produced floor burners. Armed with acoustic guitar accompanied by percussions and rich vocals, Sylvestre is part of a quiet revolution in African music.

This is passionate and expressive music, cosmopolitan, yet simple in arrangement but rich in sentiment. His lyrics, voice, music and presence will move you from the inside out.

Sylvestre has sang as part of the Koko Novo Movie Band.

He has also had great collaborations with

• Jason Tamba from Playing for Change
• Stef Bos
• Neo Muyanga
• Freddy Massamba
• Rodriguez Vangama
• Ishmael Lo
• Youssou Ndour
• Msaki
• Buddy Wells
• Amanda Strydom
• Zolani Mahola