Africanaudiovideo.com

African Music Outlet

African Healing Dance

Jacky Essombe

In Memoriam…

Sitting in front of this blank page of my computer, a multitude of thoughts are criss-crossing the skies of my brain. I had asked myself what would be the good subject to write about on this month of April? I had thought about cooking up a good April fool joke, well put together and leaving no clue whatsoever as to the plot until it would be revealed. An April fool joke in the like of what my friend Jay-Lou sent me on this first day of the month and that totally caught me off-guard. I burst out laughing when I realized that he just got me.
For those who don't already know him, Jay-Lou is a talented Cameroonian musician living in Paris. Sensitive and sincere with his music, he excels in combining the elegance of Jazz with the ancestral emotion of the African melodies.

So, I was pondering on the appropriate subject for my monthly communication. I wanted something cute and uplifting…light and surprising. In the end, I made the decision to share with you something that is not…unfortunately, of a joyous nature. I told myself that sharing my joys and pains with my friends is the most natural thing to do. Isn't it?
Regrettably, the great family of musicians lost another of its members. My buddy and Bass player Abraham Kibambè passed away two weeks ago. He was a member of the group I had in foundation. In fact, he had been the first member I recruited. My priority was to first find a Bass player and a Drummer. These elements are crucial (and difficult to find) for the foundation of a group doing my style of music. The two of us worked at least twice a week so that I would communicate to him the structures of the songs I created.

Several months ago, he was diagnosed with a stomach tumor. The chemotherapy along with some sessions of radiation seemed to produce hopeful results. The tumor came back faster and took him away.

Last week, we had a great celebration of his memory…with dignity. His wife had asked me to sing something for him. It just so happen that he had started working on a song some few months ago, before he got really sick. He had shown me the chorus of the song. He was going to lead the song himself.
I remembered the way he sang the verses. So, I took some few words from the chorus (the song was in Swahili) to rebuild the verses and was able to perform it that way. I was accompanied by our Drummer (Efrain).

Naturally, there were also other friends who knew Abraham, other musicians who had worked with him in the past. There was Zé Manel (the wonderful Artist, poet and musician from Guinea Bissau), also was Samba Ngo (the ex-founder of the famous band M'bamina in the 70s. The group lasted sixteen years and had the enormous success that some of you will easily remember). There was also a member of a band called New Life Band, a Tanzanian band Christian oriented, currently touring the United States. Abraham had been a member of the group for several years, years back. This member was sent in, to represent the group after they had just arrived the night before in the U.S. and were to perform in Illinois the following evening.

The memorial occasion allowed me to re-visualize the role of a musician and the privilege he/she has to communicate with the hearts of other creatures. It is always an exceptional joy to perform for others and to share the emotion with them. Such was my experience.
May Abraham Joseph Kibambè rest in peace!

Jean-Pierre Simons

© 2004

An Excellent Idea

It was strongly suggested to me by a couple of friends to get "Turquoise" published as a novel or novelette. I had thought of compiling all the episodes at some point and have them published. But I found the idea suggested to be more exciting and challenging. I will be working in that direction. So, this 12th episode of "Turquoise" is the last I will publish in my Newsletter.

I will quietly continue to write the story until its completion. The past episodes will be re-written, so as to include some details that I had left aside in order to make things fit the format of the Newsletter.

When the novel is ready, or is published, you will of course, be the first to know about it. In the meantime, the past episodes written will remain posted as usual.

I thank you for your support. Your suggestions are welcome, as always.

Amicalement,

Jean-Pierre Simons.

Note: All the Newsletters can be read at the following address:

http://www.sighes.com/news_letters_lettres_publiees.htm

I Recommend...

• Donny Elwood
• Jay Lou

News ... News ... News...News

Greetings!!

• My interview (in French) with "1001 Musiques".

• The online distribution of my CD has been expanded to now include Tower Records.

• There is a new online store specialized in African Audio and Video. It's called : Africanaudiovideo.com This store carries my CD as well. I had a pleasant contact with the CEO of the enterprise. I wish him the success he deserves.

• FREE DOWNLOAD of my Screen Saver "Love Me".

A t t e n t i o n !! You made a lucky purchase...

The new album in production will include the current Single on sale "Aime-Moi" and "Like A Friend".

All those who have purchased, or who will purchase the Single, will have one FREE COPY OF THE FULL ALBUM !!!

This is what you'll have to do in order to receive your free copy:

Once you complete your transaction, send me an e-mail to the following address:

jean-pierresimons@sighes.com

with

a/ your mailing address

b/ the name of the online store you completed your purchase with.

c/ time and date of the transaction.

Amicalement,

Jean-Pierre Simons

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