Simon Chenet (France)

Paris-born guitarist and composer Simon Chenet draws from swing, African, Latin, surf-rock, and musette influences to craft instrumental music that feels like a melodic “road movie.” Born into a family of celebrated Parisian musicians, including accordionists and chanson singers, he grew up immersed in the city’s rich musical heritage. After years of touring the world with bands such as Komasi, Yapa, and Joke, and composing for singers at home and abroad, Chenet launched his solo career to explore a more personal sound. His guitar style favors groove, melody, and emotion over technical showmanship, blending vintage Parisian charm with global rhythms. Performing on five continents at prestigious jazz, guitar, and world music festivals, he invites listeners into a timeless, cosmopolitan Paris through his music.

Featured Songs:

On the Global Café song “Niman,” Chenet is joined by Salif Diarra a composer, multi-instrumentalist, and singer who was raised in a griot family of storytellers and musicians from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. Salif began playing music at a young age along with his brothers, Ali and Samba, and also learned to make instruments. In just a few years, Salif went from playing for survival on the streets of Abidjan to touring internationally with the late great Victor Demé, the biggest selling artist from Burkina Faso.

“Romane” is a warm, lyrical homage to the French capital as a crossroads of cultures. Featuring bassist Michel Hervé, accordionist Jérôme Gibert, and Chilean musicians Mauricio and Patricio Santana, the Instrumental Odyssey track blends Parisian musette with Latin and jazz-inflected grooves. Chenet’s guitar sings over supple bass, swaying percussion, and the nostalgic voice of the accordion, creating a rich, inviting portrait of Paris in motion.

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