ABOUT JEAN-PAUL

Jean-Paul (“JP”) Bigirindavyi is a gifted guitarist from Burundi, East Africa. His unique improv style is reminiscent of blues and jazz influences like Stevie Ray Vaughan, BB King, Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton and George Benson. From his first guitar made of tree limb and string to his first Fender Stratocaster, Jean-Paul Bigirindavyi was born with music in his veins. JP learned to play the guitar by listening with his ears and his heart, and the mentorship of some local musician friends. 

Growing up in his native country of Burundi, life was beyond challenging. JP and his family weathered through war and poverty which continues to threaten the development and safety of his country. They miraculously survived firing squads, refugee camps, malaria, and hunger by the grace of God. JP’s music literally carried him through many hardships.

After JP lost his father to cholera, he moved to Kigali, Rwanda in hopes of finding a better future. He lived in Rwanda for about 10 years — playing in churches, recording studios, and concerts for local celebrated artists. His mastery of lead guitar improvisations in a variety of music genres made JP a highly in-demand guitarist in East Africa. 

In 2008, JP met his American missionary wife Linda in Rwanda when she hired him to play in evangelical concerts and record her songs in the studio. Love blossomed and they married in 2010. Soon, they moved to the US where they have lived in Los Angeles and Austin. Today, JP is a proud US citizen residing in Santa Monica, CA where he occasionally busks at The Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade while trying to reinvent his music career in America.

Jean-Paul has a dream of having an international recording career, touring the world, and one day playing with the many guitar masters who influenced his music — perhaps one day to have a platform for raising awareness and to support peace and those struggling in life around the world. “I know that music can inspire love and love can change the world.”

Music and faith are constant saving graces in Jean-Paul’s life. Jean-Paul hopes to use his life experiences and his gift of music to bring hope to others. ENJOY THE MUSIC!

For more information, email jeanpaulbigimusic@yahoo.com.