Jeannot Bel

Jeannot Bel is a rumba and soukous guitarist. Born in Congo, Jeannot Bel (stage name) was raised in Kinshasa. He started to play the guitar after being inspired by Dr. Nico, Luambo Makiadi, Pepe Felix, and Tshimpaka Roxy. As early as 14, J. Bel started getting gigs and was playing with bands fronted by Lassa Carlito (OK Jazz), Debaba (Viva La Musica), honing his guitar skills and learning music technology at the University of West London. He began traveling with Kanda Bongo Man and eventually moved from Kinshasa to London. He recorded with Debaba and many African musicians such as Lazare (Alpha Blondy's pianist) and Massamba (Africa International). In addition to these ensemble performances, the soukous community regards him as an influential solo guitarist, and his style was marked by an advanced linear technique, sophisticated harmonic sense, fast tempos, and he is now using his music experience to teach followers of African music how technically to play soukous and rumba.