Born in Paris in 1966, Jean-Philippe Fanfant grew up in a family of Guadeloupean musicians spanning four generations. Introduced to music in his teens, he honed his skills within his family’s orchestra.
By the late 1980s, he started collaborating with renowned artists, including Angélique Kidjo, Michel Fugain, Julien Clerc, Maxime Le Forestier. Jean-Philippe Fanfant draws inspiration from diverse musical influences, quickly establishing his unique groove. A committed artist, he believes that music reflects the world and promotes cultural blending.
Throughout his career, he has worked across various genres:
• French and international pop with STING, Julien Clerc, Touré Kunda, Laurent Voulzy, Christophe Maé, Hubert-Félix Thiéfaine
• Rock with Louis Bertignac
• Jazz with Brazilian pianist Tania Maria and SAKESHO (Mario Canonge, Andy Narell, Michel Alibo)
• Caribbean music with Kassav’, Patrick St Eloi, Ralph Thamar, Tania St Val, Dédé St Prix, Mizikopeyi Big Band (Tony Chasseur)
In the early 2000s, he joined the orchestra of Nouvelle Star (M6) for seven years, later becoming part of The Voice (TF1) in 2012, where he remains active today. With 20 years of TV expertise, he has become a national reference in music direction.
Since 2020, he has been the musical director for three major television broadcasts on France Télévisions:
• Nice Jazz Festival – “Les Stars chantent le Jazz” (July 2020)
• “Tous en Martinique” (November 2021)
• “Tous à la Réunion” (November 2023)
Having contributed to over 500 musical projects in recording studios, Jean-Philippe Fanfant released his new album “Since 1966” in June 2021. This project retraces his rich journey, bringing together the influences and people who shaped his career. His musical world breaks barriers, blending different styles seamlessly.
In 2021, he founded MizikLab, a platform for young instrumental talents. This cultural and educational initiative gives 15 to 18-year-old musicians the opportunity to perform alongside internationally renowned artists. Through workshops and auditions, he trains and mentors emerging musicians, bridging the generational gap. On December 28, 2021, over 20 artists joined him for a spectacular live performance.
Alongside his performing career, Jean-Philippe Fanfant shares his knowledge by hosting over 10 masterclasses per year in music schools worldwide. He has also published three drum method books, studied at Boston University – Berklee School:
• “Je débute la batterie” (I Start Drumming)
• “Les plus grands rythmes caribéens” (The Greatest Caribbean Rhythms)
• “Le nouveau dictionnaire des rythmes à la batterie” (The New Drum Rhythm Dictionary) (Published by Hit Diffusion)