From the 1920s onwards, South African musicians embraced American jazz. Initially imitating it, and then integrating it into their traditional music, they invented their own style.

In the early 1960s, the apartheid regime tightened, musicians' creativity was stifled, and some chose exile, including trumpeter Hugh Masekela. He and many others, such as Dollar Brand/Abdullah Ibrahim, Miriam Makeba, and Chris McGregor, became spokespeople for the resistance against institutionalized racism.

Sounds of Shebeen, driven by Cotonete's rhythm, pays homage to Hugh Masekela and his colleagues and tells the story of an oppressed but resilient people in search of freedom.

Thierry Jammes: Trumpet and flugelhorn;
Benoit Lavollée: Vibraphone;
Florian Pellissier: Rhodes and clavinet;
Jean-Claude Kebaili: Electric bass;
David Georgelet: Drums