Introduction
The legendary Gogosimo is a African Afro-smooth genre band from Nairobi, Kenya, currently comprising of the CEO, producer, composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist & lead vocalist Marcus James Jozee AKA James Gogo, lead guitarist David Omamu, Drums& percussions Meshack Niyonkuru .
The band plays a rich coastal sound mixed with exquisite western instrumentation and a tasty touch of African beats, creating an impeccable recipe of sweet East African Sound.
Gogosimo band has entertained hundreds of thousands of fans throughout its tenure, gracing various local and international events such as Blankets & Wines, Koroga Festival and Safaricom Jazz Festivals. Notably, the band also does cover songs from a host of different popular songs from genres such as Jazz, Soft Rock, Pop, Rhumba, Afro -beats, Salsa, Zouk, Segaa, Mwanzele, Mserego and Soul.
Marcus James Jozee: CEO, producer, composer, arranger, multi-instrumentalist & lead vocalist.
Marcus James Jozee, famously known as James Gogo is a Kenyan- based multi-gifted musician and a top notch vocalist. The multi-instrumentalist boasts of French, Congolese and Kenyan heritage, an influence that has immensely shaped his style of music. Gogo was raised in the coastal city of Mombasa.
He borrowed so much from his late father, a renowned Jazz Saxophone player. His senior introduced him to music at a tender age, and ever since then Gogo has never looked back. He began playing the saxophone, followed by drums and later piano. But it was in classical piano that his heart was. Gogo says that other than his father, he draws his inspiration from the likes of Oscar Patterson, Stevie Wonder, as well as Mzee Ngala. This impeccable world-class performer has graced local and international stage with his charming, yet a distinctive magical sound and voice.
In 2000, the keytar player joined Safari Sounds band as a pianist. However, Gogo had bigger dreams and two years later, he left the band and started a duo group and a 7-member band famously referred to as Gogosimo Band.
Genre
James Gogo describes his style of music as “Afro Smooth Sound”, easy to listen and danceable tunes. He explains that his genre is a sweet blend of African beats with coastal sound, and western instrumentation.
He also performs other world genres including but not limited to Jazz, Soul, Salsa, Rhumba, Soft rock, Funk, Pop, Afro-beat, Mwanzele, Bango, and so much more.
Popular quote by James Gogo
“You didn’t start it, but you can make it better”
David Omamu: Lead guitarist
David’s love for the guitar started way back in 2005. While doing his home worked, he would watch and listen to hid dad play the instrument. he asked his father if he could play the guitar on one Sunday afternoon after the church, and that was where is first step of his musical journey started.
“Music is everything to me, it runs in the family, it is my passion and what puts food on my table,” says David.
Other than music, the lead guitarist loves to watch movies, read books, and engaging in social activities. His dream is to help the Gogosimo band go international. “I want to see myself as one of the top musicians in the world.”