Kossi Mawun Trio

Togolese drummer, composer and bandleader Kossi Mawun creates a powerful dialogue between contemporary jazz and his ancestral rhythms of West Africa. Joined by pianist Joachim Senam Amouzou and bassist Jérémy Marneux, Mawun performs original compositions where traditional percussion, modern improvisation and his distinctive drumming language come together.

Emerging from Lomé’s vibrant jazz scene, Mawun has developed a unique musical voice shaped by the sacred rhythms of his Watchi heritage and the influence of jazz masters including Max Roach, Art Blakey and Elvin Jones. His music explores groove, silence and improvisation, with the drum kit becoming a central voice in the storytelling.

Leading his trio, Mawun creates music that brings together the rhythmic traditions of southern Togo with the freedom of contemporary jazz. His debut album Culte (2025) captures this approach, featuring original compositions inspired by ancestral percussion traditions and the spiritual connections that continue to shape his music.

Following acclaimed appearances at Dakar Music Expo, jazzahead! in Bremen and Jazz à Vienne, Kossi Mawun continues to establish himself as one of the most exciting new voices in African jazz.

“Blown away by Togo drummer Kossi Mawun… rapturous applause for every solo he played. Basically self-taught, he has an original style and rhythm that comes from traditional Togolese drumming and listening to Billy Cobham records.”
— Afropop Worldwide