01ZoukJocelyne Béroard
Grew up in Fort-de-France, Martinique
Behind the music
The story so far.
Kassav’ is a foundational name in zouk, bringing musicians and musical traditions from Guadeloupe and Martinique into a group with an international reach. Formed in 1979, the project connected Caribbean rhythmic foundations with modern studio production, prominent bass, keyboards, percussion and brass. Creole singing remained central to its identity as the music travelled. Zouk La Sé Sèl Médikaman Nou Ni is one of the clearest introductions to that vision, while Syé Bwa offers another route into the band's catalogue. Members including Jacob Desvarieux and Jocelyne Béroard helped give the group its distinctive interplay of voices. Exploring Kassav’ also opens a path into its members' solo recordings and the many later artists who developed zouk in different directions.
- From
- Guadeloupe & Martinique
- In the collection
- Zouk
- Keep exploring
- Artist links ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Beyond the listening picks
EXPLORE THE CATALOG.
Browse the release editions collected so far, with complete tracklists, dates and direct listening links. The catalog explains its source coverage and remaining gaps.
Browse the release catalogCredits, versions and context
BEHIND THE SONGS.
- Mwen Alé — Kassav’: Béroard’s explanation, credits and live medleys
Understand Jocelyne Béroard’s account of Mwen Alé and distinguish the Tekit Izi track from later multi-song concert medleys.
- Zouk-la sé sel médikaman nou ni — title history and named remixes
Explore Béroard’s explanation of the zouk name and distinguish the Yélélé listing from Bob Sinclar and DJ Naughty J remix entries.
