Manu Katché

Manu Katché, born on October 27, 1958, in Saint-Maur-des-Fossés, a suburb of Paris, is a distinguished French drummer and songwriter with Ivorian roots. His career has flourished as a sought-after session musician, collaborating with iconic artists such as Sting and Peter Gabriel. Katché's solo projects predominantly explore the jazz fusion genre, showcasing his exceptional versatility.

Throughout the mid-1980s, Katché made significant contributions to several acclaimed albums, notably Peter Gabriel's groundbreaking 1986 release, *So*, and Sting’s *…Nothing Like the Sun* (1987) and *The Soul Cages* (1991). His collaborations span a diverse array of genres and include work with renowned musicians like Joni Mitchell, Jeff Beck, and Youssou N'Dour, as well as bands such as Dire Straits and Tears for Fears. He was also part of the band Preface from 1985 to 1988, alongside guitarist Kamil Rustam and keyboardist Jean-Yves D'Angelo.

Katché launched his solo career in 1991 with the album *It's About Time*, featuring guest appearances from notable artists. He continued to release critically acclaimed jazz albums, including *Neighbourhood* (2005) and *Playground* (2007), both under the ECM label.

Beyond music, Katché gained fame as a judge on the French television show *Nouvelle Star* from 2003 to 2007, where his sharp critiques of rhythm and groove earned him a reputation as a formidable judge. He also hosts the monthly music program *One Shot Not* on Arte since 2008. In 2010, he composed instrumental music for the Belgian theme park Bellewaerde, further showcasing his creative range. His album *Rock the Tabla*, released in 2011, featured an impressive lineup of artists, further cementing his status in the music world.