Gestu Groupe

THE BAND

Gëstu’, which means ‘research’ or ‘to deepen’ in Wolof, Senegal's traditional language, is a quintet inspired by European Jazz and modern African sounds. This young band which is based in Dakar has been founded by Ambroise Zinsou and Conny Schneider in 2017. The five band members originate from Senegal, Benin and Germany. 'Gëstu Groupe' recently played at the festival 'Jazz à Ouga', Burkina Faso, and the French Institute Dakar.

Their first album called ‘Alekle’, the name a traditional percussion instrument from Benin, contains eight original compositions and was produced and recorded in Dakar in 2018. ‘Gëstu’ develops and arranges their compositions collectively. The band mixes traditional rhythms from their respective countries with jazz, African sounds and of course a zest for groove and melodies. They want to realize their dream of a peaceful and productive co-existence of cultures.

MUSICIANS

Ambroise Zinsou - trombone, saxophone From: Cotonou, Benin Studied at: 'L‘Ecole des Arts‘ Cotonou References: Festivals WOMEX, SFINKS, WOMAD; Nicolas Meihem de Africando, Orchestra Baobab, Youssou N’Dour

Conny Schneider - saxophone, trumpet, trapeze From: Bochum, Germany Studied at: 'State School of Circus Arts Berlin', 'Conservatory Maastricht' Netherlands, 'Codarts' Rotterdam Netherlands References: Circus Roncalli, PINKPOP festival, Welttheater der Strasse; Tiefenrausch Ska, Mao Sidibe Web: connyschneider.com

Lamine Faye - bass, audio engineer From: Dakar, Senegal References: Jamm Audio engineer - recorded with: Peefois, Gent bi, ..

Mermoz Deguenon - piano From: Cotonou, Benin Studied with: Lionel Loueke, Mario Canonge References: Anna Teko, Jowee Omicil, Nel Oliver

Pape Abdoulaye Dieng - drums From: Dakar, Senegal References: Idrissa Diop, Carlou D, Yoro Ndiaye