
The Bongo Hop is the new afro caribean project presented by French trumpetist Etienne Sevet. On Satingarona pt 1, friends from his Colombian years, like vocalist Nidia Gongora (the voice of Ondatropica and Quantic), rapper Maikcel (Zalama crew), but also famous producer & multinstrumentalist Patchworks (Voilaaa, Taggy Matcher, Uptown Funk Empire) among others, joined in for his first musical travel diary, inspired by 8 years as a Cali resident.
On stage, TBH is the equivalent of a tropical storm served with hot brass, infectious afro grooves, electric sounds, and heavenly vocals.
“Thanks, and thumbs up for this record !” David Blot , Nova Club, RADIO NOVA
“A record that will definitely have the temperature rise » Rebecca Manzoni – FRANCE INTER
“This should have been the album of the long, hot summer we’ve never had” MOJO UK
“A tasty first one. We’re already waiting for Satingarona pt 2 with a hint of curiosity” Patrick Labesse – LE MONDE
” I like it so much, I’ve already played it a few times. Rare for me as I’m always blessed with lots of new music to listen to. I was just listening to it this morning as I commuted across London.” Jamie Renton – F ROOTS
“Just got your album. Really nice man. Very good production indeed. Congratulations!” DJ Aroop Roy
” Such an outbreak of infectious afro latin experiments !” Sebastian Narvaez – VICE COLOMBIA
“The Bongo Hop will embark you on a journey through its wild jungle and the realm of universal movement” FIP radio (labeled “the world’s best radio” by Twitter’s CEO Jack Dorsey)
Etienne Sevet
The French trumpeter is not quite the usual musician. He took on his instrument, composition and production quite late, after a life spent as a journalist, film maker, university teacher and urban projects designer.
More than a list of jobs, it’s all about living the life on the road. Especially 8 years in Colombia, long before Cumbia and other Colombian music genres got the worldwide attention they deserve -partly because of his contribution as the correspondant to French music magazine WorldSound. Having accumulated a lot of ideas, musical energies, he delivers, song after song, his genre-bending mixture of Colombian, Haitian, Ghanaian, Jamaican rythms and sounds.
Cindy Pooch
French Cameroonian Cindy Pooch was mostly singing jazz when Etienne Sevet met her in Lyon, and offered her to be part of the live version of The Bongo Hop.
Luckily, she was precisely trying to go back to her own African roots, while exploring new languages and forms. Being part of Lyon’s leading Maloya unit Ti Kaniki helped convince Etienne Sevet that she was fit for the job, already loaded with tropical experience. Since then, she has perfectly taken on her role as the lead singer, TBH being largely voice oriented. Cindy also sings with one of France’s most acclaimed newJazz big band, Bigre ! , and US disco legend Leroy Burgess. She’ll be featured in Satingarona pt2
Paul Charnay
An unknown and talented musician until he and Etienne Sevet met, his talent has since then convinced many musicians on the local scene, from Pat Kalla to Patchworks, Mr Day, Joao Selva, to play with them. His delicate concern for sound matters is equal to his almost animal approach to playing the keys. The result is exquisite.
Mario Vargas
Born in Choco, and raised in Risaralda, Colombia, Mario is one of Lyon’s main latin music figures, having played and / or initiated most of the cumbia, salsa bands you can imagine there, before meeting Etienne Sevet to settle down with The Bongo Hop. A Colombian French project born in Cali, Colombia ? He had to be on board ! His metronomic approach, good Colombian vibes, are essential to the band’s flavor.
Gregory Boudras
An experienced drummer who played everything related to black music, from vintage afro (first stages of Vaudou Game) to Gospel, experimental Hip Hop (Fowatile) etc. His style is powerful, marked by urban sounds of today.
Boris Pokora
Acclaimed sideman to some of France’s best jazz musicians (Belmondo Brothers, Eric Legnini etc), talented multi-instrumentist, composer… His long experience, the standard he sets for each of his performances, impeccable sound, are a good motivation for the band.
Satingarona Part 2 • Underdog – La Baleine – Pusher • out January 2019
Satingarona Part 1 • Underdog – La Baleine – Pusher
Etienne Sevet • trumpet, composition, production
Cindy Pooch • vocals
Paul Charnay • keyboards, programming
Mario Vargas • percussions
Gregory Boudras • drums
Boris Pokora • tenor sax
DATES | PLACES | VENUES |
2019 | AVAILABLE | FOR BOOKING |
2019 | AVAILABLE | FOR BOOKING |
2019 | AVAILABLE | FOR BOOKING |
2019 | AVAILABLE | FOR BOOKING |
2019 | AVAILABLE | FOR BOOKING |
2019 | AVAILABLE | FOR BOOKING |
2019 | AVAILABLE | FOR BOOKING |
2019 | AVAILABLE | FOR BOOKING |