Kassav’ is a pioneering band from the French Caribbean credited with
creating and popularising the zouk genre. The band was founded in 1979 by Pierre-Edouard Décimus and Freddy Marshall, both from Guadeloupe, alongside lead guitarist Jacob Desvarieux. Kassav is etched into music history as the band that revolutionised the Caribbean music scene by creating and popularising zouk, winning worldwide recognition and earning them gold and platinum records.
With a mission to modernise traditional Caribbean music, Kassav’ set out to blend traditional Afro-Caribbean rhythms with contemporary sounds like funk, disco, rock, and soul. The creation of this distinct genre was born from their desire to innovate while preserving their cultural roots. Their debut album, Love and Ka Dance (1979), introduced a polished, high-energy sound deeply rooted in Afro-Caribbean traditions, laying the foundation for what zouk would become Kassav’ grew in popularity as new members joined the ensemble, including Jocelyne Béroard, Jean-Philippe Marthely, Patrick St. Eloi, Jean-Claude Naimro, and Georges Décimus. Together, they captivated audiences with electrifying performances and genre-defining hits like Zouk-la Sé Sèl Médikaman Nou Ni, Syé Bwa, and Kolé Séré.
These songs transcended borders, languages, and cultures, with artists such as
Chayanne, Jimmy Buffett, and Margareth Menezes offering their renditions. Kassav’ also collaborated with musical icons such as Stevie Wonder, Ray Barretto, Alpha Blondy, Admiral T, and Machel Montano.
Over the years, Kassav’ has performed in over 83 countries, sold millions of albums, and made history with various milestones, including an impressive 67 shows at the Paris Zénith and a Guinness World Record in 2009 for a performance featuring 5,030 zouk dancers at the Stade de France. They are also known to be the first Black band to perform in Japan and the USSR, marking a new era of global recognition for Caribbean music. This international recognition is a testament to the band’s universal appeal and the power of their music to transcend cultural boundaries.
In 2021, the band suffered the loss of one of its visionary founders, Jacob Desvarieux, who passed away due to complications from COVID-19 at the age of 65. Desvarieux was a Guadeloupean guitarist, composer, arranger, singer, and producer who began playing guitar at the age of 10 in Dakar, formed rock bands in Marseille in the 1970s, and later moved to Paris, where he collaborated with artists from across the globe. His creative genius helped birth zouk and transform it into a worldwide phenomenon. He also appeared in several films and television shows, including Siméon, Soulwash, Switch, The Young Pope, and Frères d’Armes. In 1988, he launched Grand Méchant Zouk, a showcase for intergenerational zouk talent.
Despite the profound loss of Jacob Desvarieux, Kassav’ continues to perform and inspire. Members such as Jocelyne Béroard and Jean-Claude Naimro are carrying the torch, demonstrating the band’s unwavering dedication to their music. In 2024, the band delivered a heartfelt tribute to Jacob during the World Creole Music Festival in Dominica, acknowledging the emotional weight of performing without him yet affirming their commitment to his musical legacy.
Jazz legend Miles Davis has recognised Kassav’s global impact. In his autobiography, Davis described the band’s sound as “music of the future,” placing it in a similar category to Prince and Fela Kuti. The band has received numerous international accolades, including France’s Victoires de la Musique, the SACEM World Music Award, and honours from Senegal and Quebec.
Now, more than four decades since its inception, Kassav’ remains a global symbol of cultural pride, musical excellence, and timeless celebration. Their legacy lives on in the hearts of generations, still dancing to the beat of Zouk.
Kassav’ is set to return to London for a special performance at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire on Saturday, 24 May. This highly anticipated concert is part of their ongoing tour, making up for their cancelled 40th-anniversary show in 2019 due to the pandemic. It’s a rare opportunity for fans to experience the magic of Kassav live, and will be a night not to be missed for anyone who appreciates the power of music to unite and uplift.
Tickets are available now, starting at £45 for general admission, with premium and meet-and-greet options available at higher tiers. Zouk lovers and Kassav’ admirers can secure their spot by purchasing tickets from official outlets such as Ticketmaster, AXS, and directly from the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire website.
Listen to Kassav’s music on YouTube.
