Richard Bona is a Grammy-winning musician, and one of the most accomplished international bass players, composers, and multi-instrumentalists. With his unique sound and vocal gift, he is continuously representing his African origins. Bona’s music addresses the continent’s traditions, culture, beauty, and issues. His purpose and the way he connects with his audience have turned him into a staple name in world, jazz, and Afropop music.
He is currently producing and recording for Latin and Brazilian artists in the realm of pop, Brazilian songbook, Flamenco, and Caribbean music.
Richard Bona has toured, composed, recorded, and created musical forms of art with the greatest: Herbie Hancock, Harry Belafonte, Steps Ahead, Quincy Jones, Chick Corea, Buena Vista Social Club, Cesária Évora, Sting, Mike Stern, Pat Metheny, Stevie Wonder, Bobby McFerrin, Chucho Valdés, George Benson, Oumou Sangaré and many more. Along with the diverse notable collaborations, Richard has also taught Jazz Improvisation at NYU and is constantly teaching and mentoring young talents throughout the world. He’s also a TED speaker and ambassador for various non-profit projects.
He is highly involved in developing better music business practices and ethics. His Signature Series collaboration with Italian-based MARKBASS has positioned him as one of the world’s most creative and best-selling bass amp and guitar tailor-made manufacturers. Constantly touring around the world and exploring new musical directions, Richard continues to redefine his sound while still performing live. He’s currently working on new Afrobeats, Afropop, Latin, and Flamenco projects throughout Europe, the US, and Latin America.
RECOGNITIONS:
- Golden Melody Award for Best Instrumental Recording Album – Sedar (China – 2017)
- The Bonafied album certified Gold (Poland – 2013)
- The SACEM Jazz Grand Prize (Grand Prix Jazz SACEM) (2012)
- Honoree of the Antonio Carlos Jobim Award, Montreal International Jazz Festival (2010)
- Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary World Music Album – Tiki (2006)
- Grammy nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Performance – As It Is (2002)
- Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Jazz Album – Speaking Of Now (2002)
Asanté Trio
Afro-Cuban and world music mixed with vibrant Afrobeats and Latin classics in this exhilarating new project. Renowned Grammy-winning bassist and vocalist Richard Bona brings together the extraordinary talents of pianist Jesus Pupo (Cuba) and drummer Ludwig Afonso (USA), creating a dynamic trio.
Bona reimagines some of his signature songs alongside beloved jazz classics and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Asante Trio promises an unforgettable musical journey that transcends genres and cultures. Captivating improvisation that celebrates the essence of global music. With sold out shows throughout the US, Canada and Europe, this fresh new take on Bona’s sound is the perfect compact show for your venue/festival.
Richard Bona & Alfredo Rodriguez
RICHARD BONA and ALFREDO RODRIGUEZ first became aware of one another’s talent through their shared mentor, Quincy Jones. After years of friendship, the duo went into the studio to work together on Rodriguez’s album Tocororo, which was produced by Quincy Jones. On the album, they released two songs together, Raíces (Roots) and Ay, Mamá Inés that showcase how their unique musical backgrounds can cohesively come together to produce inspiring sounds.
After meeting Quincy Jones at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2006, Alfredo left Cuba and his family behind to immigrate to the United States to pursue his dream. Alfredo was schooled in the rigorous classical conservatories of Havana. His riveting artistry is informed as much by Bach and Stravinsky as it is by his Afro Cuban and jazz roots. Over the past decade, Alfredo grew from a young local Cuban artist to a globally recognized GRAMMY-nominee.
Hailing from a small town in Cameroon, Richard Bona became fascinated with the great American bassist, Jaco Pastorius, at a very early age. Pastorius inspired him to pick up the instrument, and years later, Bona would eventually become one of the most highly-acclaimed bass players in the world. After winning his first GRAMMY in 2002, his fourth-studio album Tiki was nominated for “Best Contemporary World Music Album” at the 49th GRAMMY Awards. He has dedicated his 30+ year career to promoting peace, happiness, and unity through his music, and is currently fulfilling his mission of touring every country in the world.
The duo can now be seen together on the GRAMMY-winning Netflix documentary QUINCY. They are back in the studio together creating new music that they will tour around the world in 2021.
Contact Info
For More Information | https://ffm.bio/richardbona
Label | Bonayuma Publishing
Management | contact[@]richard-bona.com
Publicity/Marketing | Severina Yotova p/ + 1 917 810 8860 e/ pr[@]musicavenueco.com
Discography | Richard Bona on AllMusic.com