ANGELIQUE KIDJO

BIOGRAPHY

The songstress from Benin has been called “Africa’s premier diva” by Time magazine and one of Africa’s 50 most iconic people by the BBC and is the first woman to make Forbes magazine’s list of the 40 Most Powerful Celebrities in Africa. Fluent in English, French, Yoruba and Fon, Kidjo has amassed a catalog of 11 albums and won a Grammy Award for 2007′s “Djin Djin.” Currently a resident of New York City, she’s also appeared on albums by Santana, Josh Groban, Herbie Hancock, the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Jean-Luc Ponty, Cassandra Wilson, Trilok Gurtu and others.

ELECTRIC BURMA

Photos 1-9: Joao Pina; 10-15: Christian Berz.

TOAST TO FREEDOM

PASCAL KRAVETZ

BIOGRAPHY

At the age oft ten, Pascal recorded his first single, the anti-war song „Wozu sind Kriege da“, a duet with the German artist legend Udo Lindenberg. The song remained in the German top ten for quite some time. 

Since 1988 he plays keyboards, guitars and sings in the Peter Maffay Band where he also co-wrote and produced a number of songs.

Since then he worked together in the studio and on the road with artists like Jimmy Barnes, Robert Palmer, Paul Young, Bruce Springsteen, Joe Cocker, Tony Carey, Nina Hagen and many others.

Since 2001 he is also part of Carl Carlton & the Songdogs.

LIGHTS OUT IN WONDERLAND

KRIS KRISTOFFERSON

BIOGRAPHY

Kris Kristofferson is a singer-songwriter and actor who’s been an integral part of the American and international music communities since the mid-60s. The Texas native composed songs such as “Me and Bobby McGee,” “Help Me Make It Through the Night, “For the Good Times” and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” and is a three-time Grammy Award winner – twice for duets with ex-wife Rita Coolidge. Kristofferson was also a member of the all-star group The HIghwaymen with Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, and he’s been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. His key film roles include “Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid,” “A Star is Born,” 2001′s “Planet of the Apes” and “Joyful Noise.” 

CHRIS KRAMER

BIOGRAPHY

Chris Kramer was born on February 3rd 1970 in Marl, Germany. As a Cole miner´s son, naturally, he is from the Ruhr area of Germany.

The “Grafter” – mentality of his hard working ancestors runs in his blood as well as the special humor that is so typical for people that have learned to find something good in even the bad moments of life.

At the age of 13 he discovered the Blues. At 18 he started to seriously make music: Blues music. 

After he finished his A-levels, the civilian service and training in industrial sales management he decided to make a career out of his hobby and since 1994 he lives on his music.

He has conducted countless harmonica – workshops and has written four extensive textbooks on the subject. His Blues duo – the Bluebyrds – was considered “Germany´s most wanted Blues duo” for a long time. After 10 years together and four CDs “Crazy” Chris and “Slidin” John parted ways.