Herve Samb
Guitarist, composer, and visionary arranger, Hervé Samb made a name for himself at just 15 years old by closing the Saint-Louis Jazz Festival in 1993, following legendary artists McCoy Tyner and Jack DeJohnette. This auspicious debut marked the beginning of an exceptional career filled with collaborations with major figures on the international scene, including Amadou & Mariam, David Murray, Pharoah Sanders, Meshell Ndegeocello, Pat Metheny, Oumou Sangaré, and Marcus Miller.
A pioneer of Jazz Sabar, Samb blends Senegalese rhythms with jazz and contemporary influences, creating a unique sonic signature that shines through his acclaimed discography. His albums Cross Over (2009) and Time to Feel (2013) laid the foundation for his fusion approach, while Teranga (2018) confirmed his trailblazing role in Jazz Sabar. He continued this musical exploration with Benn (2021), a more intimate solo album, followed by Jolof (2023), which further deepens his captivating style and highlights his singular musical identity.
Alongside his personal projects, Hervé Samb has also distinguished himself as a producer and artistic director, working on acclaimed albums such as All Is Well and My World by Lisa Simone, and Climat by Omar Pene. His talents have earned international recognition, including a Grammy Award nomination for his contribution to Holy Room (Somi’s album), and a nomination for the AUDELCO Award in New York for “Outstanding Musical Director” in the musical Dreaming Zenzilé.
Rooted in his heritage and driven by boundless creativity, Hervé Samb continues to push musical boundaries, captivating an ever-growing audience around the world.
