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In his native Burundi, this drummer, singer and bandleader JOHN CHRIS is a living legend. He's the leading exponent of the fusion of western and African music, a style of music which combines traditional rhythms with modern electric instruments. A thrilling voice and an ability to experiment with western styles while remaining deeply, passionately African and supportive of the traditional ethnic grooves of Burundi and Rwanda (neighbor country speaking almost the same tongue the Kirundi). Live performances, with his superbly drilled band and in addition his first band of “Burundi SABO drummers“ are magnificent.
John Chris while the choregrapher-leader of his Burundi SABO Drummers Band toured worldwide with Kadja Nin, Burundi’s most famous female voice. He worked with international Congo artist Ray Rema, Belgian Axelle Red, Zap Mama and even Manu Dibango. John Chris produced his two first albums, distributed by French Melody Records, Garuka and Dunia are a mix of Burundi traditional rhythms and soukous, reggae, salsa, funk and rock influences as well as a jazz touch. He sings in Swahili