In Paris...

Honored by the warmth of Manu Dibango...

B i o g r a p h y

Jean-Pierre Simons

EXPERIENCES

JEAN-PIERRE SIMONS is an international Artist from West and Central Africa by way of Paris, France. Born in Cameroon, he was the eldest of four children. His music experiences began early in his life, performing at annual school and community feasts. JEAN-PIERRE formed a band at age fifteen and used all of his free time rehearsing. In 1974, he joined a semi-professional orchestra playing feasts and marriages. He was later selected as lead vocalist in the " Lycée Polyvalent's Band". JEAN-PIERRE also performed regularly at weekly jam sessions sponsored by the French Cultural Center in Douala. He was voted

" Best New Artist" for four consecutive weeks. This became the catalyst for his professional career.

JEAN-PIERRE's big break came in 1977 when he was contracted to perform as lead vocalist at "CLUB LA JUNGLE", a renowned Cameroon area hot spot. JEAN-PIERRE was a " LA JUNGLE" regular for four years. In 1981 he went to Europe to attend " L'ECOLE NORMALE DE MUSIQUE ALFRED CORTOT ", a pretigous Parisian Conservatory, on BOULEVARD MALESHERBES. He studied harmony, solfeggio and later endeavored in arranging.

In 1985, JEAN-PIERRE produced and recorded " BROKEN-HEART" and " A HEART IN LOVE ". Both songs were hits in several African countries. Most notably," BROKEN-HEART " remained No.1 on Africa Number One (a prestigious international radio station in Africa, based in Gabon) for several weeks.

What brought JEAN-PIERRE to America after seven years in France? "The USA is the real place for music. As a musician, I was drawn to the creative climate that encourages producing and publishing original musical work".

ABOUT THE MUSIC:

JEAN-PIERRE's music combines African melodies and rhythms from Cameroon (such as Makossa, Lali and many others), with European and American styles of arrangement. " Music cannot be confined to the narrow space of one's own country or people. It is a universal gift from God to mankind."

Jamming with the band "African Rain" in San Francisco California.

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