Jean-philippe Marthely

Zouk singer and songwriter Jean-Philippe Marthely was born in Robert, Martinique, on September 11, 1958. After practicing his singing skills as an amateur, he joined the Opération 78 group as a singer and backing vocalist in 1978. Very much at ease on stage, he created a lively atmosphere in the audience, and this energy was put to good use by the group Kassav' in 1981 for their third album, "Kalkilé". At the same time, he embarked on a solo career, which made a name for itself with the second album Ticoq and the hit "Zam Zam", and exploded with the third album Touloulou, in 1985, and the Zouk love founding single "Bèl Krèati". The second single, " Rété" , was also a big hit. The same year, he released a duet album with Patrick Saint-Eloi, Ou Pa Ka Sav, including the single "Bizness ". Busy with Kassav, he didn't release an album until 1993, Si sé taw' in 1993, which won an award from SACEM Martinique. He returns every four years or so, when Kassav takes a break. These include O Peyi in 1998, Pipo Djouk in 2002, Koulé Lamnou in 2006 and Kouté in 2012. The album Pipo'l (2015) features his greatest hits and the previously unreleased "ayen pa kon avan", with then rising star E.sy Kennenga. Also included is "Mystè la Via ", originally released in 2012 with Saint-Éloi. In February 2020, Pipo suffered a stroke, forcing him into a long convalescence. He announced his comeback three years later, returning to the stage for an appearance alongside Kassav''s Jocelyne Béroard , and reappearing on Dédé Saint-Prix's album in January 2023. The wheelchair-bound artist returned to the studio in preparation for a record release, which began with the release of a single, "Azipipo", in March 2023.