James Jozee

James Jozee & The Gogosimo is a world music afro Jazz band from Kenya.

Marcus James Jozee, famously known as James Jozee 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. James 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 James has never looked back.

James began playing the saxophone, followed by drums and later piano. But it was in classical piano that his heart was. James 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, James 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.

James Jozee 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 preforms other world genres including but not limited to Jazz, Soul, Salsa, Rhumba, Soft rock, Funk, Pop, Afro-beat, Mwanzele, Bango, and so much more.

International performances
2018 - International Safaricom Jazz Festival alongside Manu Debanj
2017 - International Safaricom Jazz Festival- All Star Edition
2016 - Koroga Festival alongside Koffi Olomide
2015 - International Safaricom Jazz Festival alongside Salif Keita
2013- Red Cross International Charity Gala
2013- Hosting the Prince of England at The Great Rift Valley Lodge, Naivasha
2010- Festival Culturelles, Alliance Francaise
2002-2004, Kenya Tourism Promotions: France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy
2002- Wine festival, Germany

Other notable performances
2013- Resident Performer for The Churchill Live Show Season 2&3
2013- AM Live Interview, NTV Kenya
2012- Blankets and Wines