PawPaw

PawPaw is a captivating blend of contemporary jazz infused with Afrobeat and hip-hop. It is the affirmation of a vibrant jazz that experiments, explores, and allows itself to do just about anything.

Born out of a friendship at the Lyon Conservatory that led to their artistic collaboration, Malou Strauss (tenor saxophone), Vivien Verrecchia (drums), Gaël Bihr (guitar), Hénock Kona (bass), and Antoine Perret (trumpet) cultivate a unique sound. Their music is a sonic experience that bridges the freedom of British jazz improvisation and contemporary jazz composition, influenced by Kamasi Washington, Shabaka Huchings, and Immanuel Wilkins.

The group was notably the winner of the Périscope’s TanDEM 2023/2024 support program and the 2nd prize at the Doua de Jazz 2024 springboard. After several months of work and concerts, PawPaw will release their first EP in early 2026.