I am Gwen Thomas, a versatile artist from Gabon and Togo. My journey has been shaped by a profound passion for music and an ardent desire to share it with others.
I remember my childhood immersed in Gospel, a time when music took root in my soul. Over the years, my quest for artistic expression has led me to explore the realms of soul, rock, and jazz, enriching my artistic identity with diverse musical horizons. Throughout my journey, I felt the need to hone my skills and develop my vocal and artistic abilities to become a seasoned professional. This drove me to attend the Montpellier School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, where I discovered and learned the beauty of jazz. However, even after completing this program, I realized that I still lacked full control over my voice, and I found myself instinctively relying on it. Thus, in search of continuous growth, I joined the Modern Vocal Training Institute (MVT), immersing myself in the art of vocal coaching. This journey has been truly enriching, as I discovered that learning is an endless voyage.
A significant milestone in my career was collaborating as a backing vocalist for Stevie Wonder during his European tour in 2009. This incredible opportunity filled me with gratitude and inspiration. Witnessing the humility of such a musical giant taught me that even the greatest artists remain humble, recognizing that music is a universal language that connects us all. This experience marked the beginning of my quest for authenticity, a value that I hold dear to my heart.
Years later, receiving the “Best Jazz Artist in Africa” award at the All Africa Music Awards 2019 for my album “African Time” was an honor and recognition of my commitment to authenticity and self-expression through my music.
As a certified Modern Vocal Training vocal coach, I humbly dedicate myself to sharing my knowledge with fellow artists. Each day, I am grateful for the opportunity to accompany them on their artistic journeys, encouraging them to embrace their true musical essence. For some years now, I have also had the privilege of mentoring and training aspiring African artists at the HEMA Music Academy, an African online music school.
Working with talented artists, some of whom are nominated for the Latin Grammy Awards, constantly reminds me that authenticity is the key to creating timeless and meaningful music. That’s why my aspiration is to help singers build musical projects that resonate with their hearts and souls, allowing them to leave an invisible mark on the world.
I am Gwen Thomas, and I am honored to live this authentic and sincere adventure, humbly guided by music and my desire to positively influence the world empowering authentic artistry.