Sound Africa

Burundian master drummer and singer Jean Pierre Nimbona, fondly known as Kidum, is easily the East African musician of the moment! Based in Nairobi, his infectious tunes have hooked legions of fans across the East African region. Back in his home country, Burundi, Kidum is an icon of hope and reconciliation; in neighbouring Rwanda, he is recognised as the ‘homeboy’. In a series of homecoming concerts staged in October 2006 in both Burundi and Rwanda, Kidum received standing ovations. He headlined alongside Alpha Blondy and Lucky Dube a state-organised concert, receiving standing ovation from Rwandese President, Paul Kagame, for his song Amosozi (tears). In Burundi, he was named the honorary "prefect" of musical and creative arts in Bujumbura after a series of countrywide performances in 2007.

His first album, Yaramenje (2001), established Kidum as the voice of peace in the Great Lakes region. He followed it up with the hugely successful Shamba album, released in 2003. Ishano (poison) released October 2006 by Soundafrica, exhibits Kidum's multiple talents as a composer, vocalist, drummer and arranger par excellence. Although most of his earlier songs were all in Kirundi, Kidum has recently taken to singing in Kiswahili as more and more fans in the greater east Africa bow to his spiritual and philosophical compositions. {booking availability}