Born in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Jason has been playing guitar since age seven, when he made his own instrument out of wood and four strings. Teaching himself guitar for a decade, he began to study classical guitar at age 20, finally earning a degree in classical guitar. After playing at churches, local venues and in Papa Wemba’s traditional group Percussion Molokai, Jason decided to travel to South Africa and expose himself to more opportunities. It was there that he became a guitarist for the group Afro Fiesta. The group’s first self-titled album, released in 2005, is full of songs that are a fusion of various styles including Afro-jazz, Kwasa-Kwasa, Makosa, and hints of Latin music. Widely considered innovators in the entertainment industry, Afro Fiesta has performed at numerous music festivals including Jazz on the Rocks, Joy of Jazz, OBZ Festival, Light Festival and Africa Day Celebrations.
How we met:
We met Jason on our second trip to Cape Town, while doing research for our first Playing for Change music school that was to be built in the Township of Guguletu. Jason had become a part of Afro Fiesta after fleeing his home country, Congo and since the band was now a part of the Playing for Change family, Jason was a perfect fit. The next day we added his beautiful voice to one of our global tracks, “War/No More Trouble.”
May 06, 2021
Apr 30, 2021
Feb 13, 2021
Feb 09, 2021
Oct 13, 2020
Oct 09, 2020
Sep 22, 2020
Jul 14, 2020
Jun 30, 2020
May 19, 2020
Apr 10, 2020
Apr 07, 2020
Feb 28, 2020
Jan 25, 2019
Dec 31, 2018
Sep 26, 2018
Sep 25, 2018
Sep 05, 2018
Aug 30, 2018
Mar 20, 2018
Oct 28, 2017
Oct 23, 2017
Aug 16, 2017
Jan 12, 2017
Dec 28, 2016
Nov 30, 2016
Nov 17, 2016
Nov 10, 2016
Jul 10, 2016
Jun 26, 2016
Apr 14, 2016
Apr 06, 2016
Jan 13, 2016
Dec 23, 2015
Nov 13, 2015
Oct 21, 2015
Jul 15, 2015
Apr 22, 2015
Feb 16, 2015
Jun 23, 2014
Apr 04, 2013
Sep 06, 2012
Jan 08, 2012
Aug 02, 2011
Dec 18, 2010
Dec 09, 2010
Oct 16, 2010
Jun 10, 2010
Jan 18, 2010
Apr 23, 2009
Oct 24, 2011
The mystical call of the earth surrounds us, and Bob Marley’s teachings about love, freedom, and peace inspire us to keep his legacy alive. “There’s a natural mystic blowing through the air” Every year, Playing For Change has been inspired to create peace through music by following Bob Marley’s messages about love, peace and music, […]
The beauty of cultural diversity is represented in our Songs Around The World in many ways. Every time we record a new song, each musician provides their own representation of diversity reflected in their musical style, influences, and backgrounds. When we listen to different music genres, not only do we open our minds and […]