Biography: Francis Mbappe < http://www.francismbappe.com/home.html >

A native of Cameroon, Francis Mbappe is an unstoppable natural musician who is releasing his third album under his name, after having graced the stage with musical greats such as Herbie Hancock, Manu Dibango, Fela Kuti, Ashanti Tokoto, Francois Louga, and Ernesto Djedje.

By the age of nineteen Mbappe was bass player and musical director for Manu Dibango's band, with whom he toured extensively from 1982 until 1990. He appears on the albums “Surtension”, “Abele Dance”, “Baobab Sunset” and the renowned “Waka Africa” release, which also features Peter Gabriel, Youssou Ndour, Salif Keita, and King Sunny Ade.

Upon arrival to New York City in the 1990's, Francis started the band “FM TRIBE” with some of the most exciting, innovative players around. With funk in the conception, rock in the attitude, swing in the movement and soul in the spirit, Francis Mbappe led his band “FM TRIBE” through the New York City music circuit and recorded a stylistically revolutionary album entitled "Need Somebody."

Aaron Heick, former saxophonist, referred to Mbappe's contribution to the cross-pollination of music as “essential. Francis is contributing something new and truly unique to this scene. He is on the verge of creating a new kind of music that contains many of the best elements of both traditions (jazz, funk, rhythm-n-blues with African music). It is so rare to find someone who is capable of pulling all these types of influences together and to actually create something new.”

Discography < http://www.francismbappe.com/home.html >

"FM Tribe Vol. 1," "Celebration," "Peace is Freedom," "Surtension," "Abele Dance," "Baobab Sunset," "Boro Song," "Waka Africa," "Percussion Madness" FM-Tribe 2012 - "African Beauty EP" "African Beauty" "Coming From The Sky" "O Si Tapa" "Need Somebody" "Soisse Nyolo"