Frédéric Gassita

Frédéric Gassita is a Gabonese pianist, composer and record producer best known for his musical work combining jazz, classical music and African music. He was the third African student admitted to Berklee College of Music and the first Gabonese. Gassita is a founding member and president of the African Music Institute in Libreville.

Early life and education Gassita attended the Conservatoire de Châteauroux in France in the early 1980s, where he received classical training. Upon returning to Gabon in 1984, he formed a band and started playing at a club in Libreville. An audience member he met during a performance told him about Berklee College of Music. In 1987, two years into medicine school, he moved to Boston and joined Berklee in the fall of 1988. “Symphonic Visions From Gabon”, featuring the London Symphony Orchestra, also a double album, incorporates African music influences.

Production of the albums began in Gassita's studio in Libreville, alongside French conductor Paul Rouger and Ali Bongo Ondimba, President of Gabon and also a composer. Gassita met Ondimba during a party where they played piano four hands.

Television Gassita directed the television series "The Mytho", which was produced by his company, Afro Jazz Productions. The series consists of 20 episodes and aired during the second half of 2015.

Sports Gassita founded and is the president of the first division football team FC Sapins, later renamed to Akanda FC. Gassita also played as a striker for the team and was the Gabonese league's top scorer.

Discography

Forever Yours (2004) Following My Star (2008) Frédéric Gassita with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Vol. 1 (2013) Frédéric Gassita with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Vol. 2 (2013) Symphonic Visions from Gabon (2013) Symphonic Visions from Gabon with the London Symphony Orchestra (2013) My Experience (2015) New Symphonic Visions from Gabon with the London Symphony Orchestra Bantu Jazz Vol. 1 & 2 (2020)