The brothers Pierre-Eduard and George Decimus, and Jacob Desvarieux created Kassav in Guadeloupe in 1979. During the following years, female singer Jocelyne Beroard, male singers Jean Philippe Martely and Patrick Saint Eloi and keyboard player Jean-Claude Maimro joined the band. These last four names, together with Jacob Desvarieux are still the driving force behind Kassav’. In 1991 George Decimus (co) author of many Kassav’ hits, quit the band and formed Voit Face, together with Jeff Joseph, the man behind the former and later restarted Gramacks.
In addition to a prolific recording career, Kassav dedicates a lot of attention to its spectacular live shows. The musicians manage to draw huge numbers of fans as never seen before, especially in France, the Caribbean and Africa. Their concerts in the Paris Zenith – capacity 8000 – are legendary. 1985 was a first time sell out for the group. Between that year and 1992 Kassav’ was able to have a full house for a record 45 times.
In 1998 the group recorded “Un toque Latino,” which included its biggest hits, sung in Spanish, with some Latin influences in the arrangements.
In 2000, the group received the Martinique Music Award for its anniversary concert, and Patrick Saint Eloi won the SACEM award for Best Artist from Guadeloupe.
Kassav’ continues to perform throughout the world. Its concerts at the Indoor Caribbean Festival in Europe are usually sold out.
Jacob Desvarieux died on July 30, 2021 at the University Hospital of Abymes in Guadeloupe. According to media reports, his death was attributed to COVID-19.
Discography:
Love and ka dance (FM Productions, 1979)
Lagué moin (FM Productions, 1980)
Kassav n°3 (3A Production, 1981)
George Décimus with Kassav (1982)
Kassav (3A Production, 1983)
Kassav n°5 (LM Production, 1983)
Passeport (Franck R. Records, 1983)
Ayé (1994)
An-ba-chen’n la (1985)
Vini pou (Epic, 1987)
Majestik Zouk (Columbia, 1989)
Tékit izi (Columbia, 1992)
Difé (Columbia, 1995)
Cho (Columbia, 1996)
Un toque latino (Columbia, 1998)
Nou la (Columbia, 2000)
K Toz (Zouk Sarl, 2004)
All U Need Is Zouk (Zouk Sarl, 2007)
Sonjé (Zouk Sarl/Warner Music France, 2013)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.