Jamallad is a proponent of the globalization of the human culture and is the beneficiary of several cultures which explains the mastery of the different genres that make up the band’s repertoire. Jamallad has the genius of blending genres in his music, such as his native West African rhythms, funk, Soukouss, folk, rock n’ roll, reggae, Club Dance and pop. Jamallad has a freshness that is very uplifting.
This is a truly international artist singing in several languages; French, English, Baoule, Spanish, and five other African languages. This ensures that the message is equally accessible to a greater number of world citizens. The music speaks to people of all ages and the message is universal, transcending national boundaries. Hailing from his native Ivory coast, West Africa, Jamallad set out along a musical and educational trail that led him to perform across West Africa, Europe, and for the last two decades, extensively the East and West coasts of the United States. His musical experience started first as an acoustic folk and classical guitarist, then turned toward his African roots and reggae, but for the talented, literate musician, rock, pop, funk and their derivatives come as natural extensions. These styles are but the envelope in which a healthy message is delivered, for the audience’s listening pleasure, while enticing them to think and feel. Jamallad can perform with his band, the Global Citizens, or as a solo artist/small group in an acoustic setting.
BIOGRAPHY
Jamallad (Lucien Kouassi) was born in the Ivory Coast, West Africa, where he was taught the guitar and sight reading by American folk singer Lisa Sammet, then Peace Corps volunteer in his country. This set him on a journey of musical education that began in West Africa, trailed across Europe, and finally to the United States where he acquired a degree in Music at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
In his formative years Jamallad studied Classical Guitar and folk, to later cross over to pop, rock, reggae. However Cavasha, the West African Music which is the precedent to Soukouss and Makossa, is the undertone of Jamallad’s music.
At the end of the College years Lucien became known as JAMALLAD and has since been writing and performing music that explores the human condition in a distinctive style that is his own. The repertoire reflects the global culture that Jamallad has so fortunately enjoyed. He sings in various languages. Backed by four other musicians he packed clubs form Eastern Pennsylvania to the Jersey shore ( Long Beach Island), through Delaware, Ocean City Maryland, Virginia Beach, and every coastal state southward to the Florida Keys (Key West) for Spring breaks for several years before relocating to Los Angeles.
Now in Hawaii, Jamallad has teamed up with partner Chetanaa Petra Zoeller to co-write and produce a world class album titled Global Citizen which is came out in March 2008. A must hear album.
Jamallad has always understood himself as a messenger, and uses his music as a vehicle. Jamallad’s Music is uplifting, conscious music.
His music brings important messages across in a fun, upbeat way. His talent and inspiration allow him to communicate to a broad audience, in various musical styles; i.e. World, Reggae, Rock, Pop, Afro Pop, and Folk. The topics range from world peace, environmental issues, to relations( from personal to global). Some songs are just plain fun dance songs.
"As an artist, I want to reach as many people around the world as possible. I want to have a positive impact with my music, provide for myself, my loved ones, and all those who are involved. I seek to educate, inform and stimulate while entertaining. Making music is as vital to me as breathing."
HOW THIS ALBUM CAME ABOUT
In November 2005 I landed on Maui, Hawaii, full of hope. Little did I know what I was in for. I suffered a fall that would partially paralyze me. With this unfortunate accident came my greatest blessing, for it lead me to Chetanaa and Tana. The mother and her then nine year old son took me into their home, and embarked on a difficult journey with me. It was the compassion and love they had for me that created the magic.
In order to help my spirit stay strong, Chetanaa offered to facilitate the production of this album, thus giving me a purpose. As I kept getting worse, she set everything aside, and I became her full time occupation (by the way, did I mention that I was completely broke and uninsured?).
The Neurosurgeon’s prognosis was very debilitating for someone hoping for a singing career. My voice, I was told, would never be the same. It felt like a death sentence. Hence, I postponed the surgery, prioritizing the album, in the event that I would never sing again after surgery. However I could no longer postpone it when my condition became unbearable. This album is proof that I came out of surgery victorious.
It is the greatest gift of love that I have received since my birth. I am sharing this gift of a second chance with the world.
THE MUSIC AND US
For the longest time, artists, by and large have talked about a big "They", separating ourselves from the responsibility of it all. We believe that the talent of music that we have gives us a great tool for Communication. Freedom of speech makes it possible for people in the arts, especially music, To freely talk about any and everything. Lots has been sung about: love, sex, anger etc.
It is our belief that in our days, music is a great tool for unifying, raising awareness, sharing our common hopes, fears and aspirations, and for giving comfort. We believe in a humanitarian purpose to the music we make. It is a window to the soul, yours and ours. We feel blessed that the world is listening to the voice of wisdom that comes through us. We therefore aim at making music that serves Humankind.
