JP Bimeni (aka Mudibu)

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PizzaExpress Live (Holborn)

JP Bimeni, the soulful luminary from Burundi, sings with a warm resonance that recalls Otis Redding in his prime; possesses a voice raised on African melodies and rhythms as well as American. A royal refugee, who dodged death more than once, found his calling in music; firstly with two self-produced albums in his native tongue under the name Mudibu, and then two international collaborations with Madrid-based band The Blackbelts, (Give Me Hope, 2022 and Free Me, 2018)  that led to extensive European touring and the recognition of BBC Soul Record of the Year. More recently, JP played some triumphant gigs in East Africa and released a single with Moby entitled "Should Sleep."His April 9th Pizza Express gig will be his first UK concert in years; don't miss it.

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£35.00

"The epic ballad 'I Miss You' is a drop-to-the-knees-would-be Harlem showstopper delivered with a vocal dripping with yearning and desperation."

MOJO

Book tickets for JP Bimeni (aka Mudibu)

After much successful touring of European jazz festivals and a warm musical return to his native homeland of Burundi, JP is thrilled to be playing again in his adopted hometown of London. On April 9th, music aficionados and soul enthusiasts will be able to witness his extraordinary talent and to feel his voice transcend borders and genres. JP's influences span traditional African rhythms, Reggae, Rock, Blues, Soul, Latin, Jazz, and beyond. His musical odyssey began with two self-produced albums, laying the foundation for his distinctive sound which he further developed in collaboration with Madrid-based band The Blackbelts.

JP Bimeni's discography grew with notable releases like Free Me in 2018 and the more recent Give Me Hope in 2022. JP's genuine communication, magnetic stage presence, and captivating performances have won him fans around the world, including Moby, with whom he released a track entitled "Should Sleep" in 2023, filming the video in New Orleans. JP holds deep gratitude for the collaborations and travels that have expanded his sonic landscape; music has always provided solace and purpose, so the international opportunities were an incredible bonus. However, he has long desired an opportunity to return to a London stage with respected collaborators, and now that time is here.

JP will now present his eclectic body of work on April 9th with a band of true heavy-hitters including accomplished gentlemen of jazz Ciyo Brown on guitar, Neville Malcolm on bass, Pete Adam Hill on drums, Kevin Robinson on trumpet, and Sean Hargreaves on keys. The setlist will be a carefully curated immersion in the soulful universe of JP Bimeni, with the addition of some of his heroes from Burundian music whose graceful funk and soul are a core pulse of inspiration. The combination of JP's emotional vocals complemented by this powerhouse band promises to be a sublime, soul-stirring experience. JP's journey of survival, passion for his roots, and now international musical acclaim imbue his songs with compelling strength, resilience, and hope. Lovers of soul music will leave the gig with an indelible impression in their ears and hearts. Be sure to join us for an unforgettable night. 

Band Line Up

Ciyo Brown (guitar/MD)

Neville Malcolm (bass)

Pete Adam-Hill (drums)

Kevin Robinson (trumpet)

TBC (sax)

Sean Hargreaves (keys)