Cecile Doo-Kingue

Soul, Versatility and Passion compose the triumviral force behind Cécile Doo-Kingué’s sound. Born and raised in New York, first generation from Cameroon, educated in the French lycée system, Cécile stems from a meeting of cultures,which is reflected in the eclecticism of her music. The last of eight children, she benefitted from her parents’ and siblings’ love of music, which ranged from jazz to rock to chanson française to all ‘world’ music. This musical versatility has enabled Cécile to feel at ease in a variety of styles. As a sidewoman, she has backed and recorded with artists as diverse as Montreal Jubilation Choir, Ismael Isaac, Sister Sledge, Bernard Purdie, Lou Simon, Corneille, to name but a few. Her original project Dibondoko, participated in many international festivals, including Festival International de Jazz de Montréal in 2004 and 2005, as well as Festival International Nuits d’Afrique, where the band opened for both Manu Dibango and Youssou N’dour. Behind the scenes, Cécile has mixed or produced several albums including the United Steel Workers of Montreal’s albums Broken Trucks and Bottles and Kerosene & Coal, Andre Kirchhoff’s debut album Nowhere and Main, as well as Dibondoko’s album Dibondoko. She currently plays with Tricia Foster with whom she co-wrote and arranged several tracks on the album Commerciale, Lou Simon and the Bisquit Blues Band. Cécile is presently working on her debut solo album.