- Channel : VIP Crossing
Kassav is back on stage for a series of concerts.
Kassav, the legendary zouk group, is back on stage and embarking on a worldwide tour in tribute to its leader and one of its founders, Jacob Desvarieux, who passed away in July 2021. Four dates have already been announced, with the first one scheduled for May 13, 2023, at the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival. More dates are expected to follow. This is excellent news for all fans of the group, zouk music, and music in general.
Who said Kassav was gone? It is true that after the loss of their charismatic leader Jacob Desvarieux on July 31, 2021, the emotions were intense, and the loss was so immense that few believed in the group's survival. This loss was compounded by the stroke and unavailability of one of their iconic singers, Jean-Philippe Marthély.
But that was without counting on the tenacity and determination of the other founding members, Jocelyne Béroard, Jean-Claude Naimro, and Georges Décimus, who were determined to ensure that the legendary zouk group returned to action and returned to the stage in tribute to Jacob Desvarieux, who would certainly have wanted his work to continue. This desire was shared by the public, who had been orphaned since the group's withdrawal because, as the song says, there will never be another "Kassav."
Rumors had been circulating for some time, and excitement was at its peak. Kassav was making a comeback, even though there was still a slight doubt. And now, it's a reality. Kassav is back on the world's music stages. A worldwide tour titled "Kassav 2023 - Sé'W Nou enmé" is being prepared and will undoubtedly be dedicated to Jacob Desvarieux, one of its founders and leader.
Four dates have been announced so far. The tour will begin on May 13 in Saint Lucia as part of the Jazz Festival, then continue to Arles at the Ancient Theatre on June 4. Next, it will be Lyon's turn to welcome the group on June 5 at the Nuits de Fourvière, and finally, on August 11, Kassav will perform at the Antilliaanse Feesten in Belgium.
This tour is not expected to stop there, as more dates will be announced by promoters in the coming days. Africa is particularly mentioned, where Kassav enjoys immense popularity. Moreover, it is hard to imagine the group embarking on a worldwide tour without making a stop in the Caribbean and in Paris. It's safe to say that Kassav is far from finished warming hearts and serving as a "medicine," much to the delight of its fans, zouk lovers, and music enthusiasts in general. Who said Kassav was gone?
New recruits
The group has found a replacement for Jacob Desvarieux on guitar. Karim Verger, already recognized as a prodigy by his peers, has taken on the role. At only 28 years old, he dazzled the audience during the first tribute concert held in memory of the late music master, two years after his passing.
At only 28 years old, this young Guadeloupean guitarist, originally from his own group "Tempo," has undeniably managed to establish himself among the greats.
Another new recruit is Patrice Hulman, who joins the vocal section and also has Jocelyne's trust. "He is someone we have been following for a long time." During a tribute to Patrick Saint-Eloi, "he caught my attention. He had his own personality and talent."
These two new members of the Kassav family must now adapt and find their place within this rigorous and unfailing machine that has been going strong for over 40 years. The pillars of the group will accompany them through this transition, which is happening smoothly, according to the circumstances. The goal of this collective is to continue writing the Antillean Zouk in capital letters for the next 50 years.
