Vocal
Coach.
Artist.
Catalyst.
I don't only build voices. I reveal yours. Artistic identity and vocal coaching, from Dakar to the world.
ABOUT GWEN
"Before technique, there's you. Your story, your tone, your truth. That's where everything begins."
Gwen Thomas is a vocal coach, singer and music producer based in Dakar, Senegal. After 20 years living and singing across France, Switzerland, Spain, Poland, Colombia and China, he now helps singers find the voice that is truly theirs.
As a producer and artistic director, he guides artists from the first idea to the finished record. In 2022 he founded XOL Music, an independent label working with artists across Africa, Europe and Latin America.
A former backing vocalist for Stevie Wonder and winner of the AFRIMA 2019 award for Best Artist in African Jazz, he is a Voting Member of the Recording Academy, a seat at the table for African artists.
He leads the francophone program of Modern Vocal Training, a network of 600+ coaches in 70+ countries, and coaches at vocal camps in Asia, Latin America and Europe.
Identity × Voice
Many singers train their voice and end up sounding like someone else or their favorite artist. I help you sound like yourself.
We start with who you are, your voice in its purest state, then unlock its full potential. Technique becomes a tool for your identity, not a mould.
Work with me
Four ways to begin.
1-on-1 Coaching
Artistic identity and vocal coaching, one-to-one, to find your voice and who you are as an artist. Online or in Dakar.
BOOK YOUR CLASS →ARiA Residencies
Small-group residencies in Africa to write, create and leave with your music. Senegal, Kenya, Rwanda, Ghana.
DISCOVER ARiA →Workshops
African Choir workshops, artistic identity sessions and masterclasses, for camps, choirs and schools worldwide.
INVITE ME →Production & Artistic Direction
From the first demo to the finished record. Production and artistic direction for artists building a project that truly sounds like them.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR PROJECT →CAMPS · CHOIRS · SCHOOLS · FESTIVALS
Bring me to you.
Running a camp, a choir or a school? I love meeting new groups. Invite me for an African Choir workshop or an artistic identity session. In English, French or Spanish.
WHAT STUDENTS SAY
"Every lesson with Gwen was a gift I didn't know I needed."
He immediately identified the problem and the area I needed to work on. He is very precise and incredibly generous. He guided me towards discovering my own voice, towards accepting who I am, without trying to sound like anyone else. He has immense wisdom on so many subjects, from vocal technique to the music industry to creating your own style. I am deeply grateful for every lesson with him. He gave me so much wisdom, faith, strength and courage to be fully myself and copy no one.
Frequently asked questions
How can I book a 1-on-1 session?
Click any "Book your class" button on this page: choose your lesson, pick a time and pay securely online. You can also start with a free 15-minute first session.
Do you coach online?
Yes. Sessions take place online or in person in Dakar, in English, French or Spanish.
Is coaching for amateurs or professionals?
Both. I work with amateur and advanced singers, as well as professional artists building their identity.
What is an ARiA residency?
A few days in Africa, in a small group, to write, define your artistic identity and create your own project. It isn't a singing class: it's a journey towards your sound.
Can I invite you to run a workshop?
Yes, with pleasure. Camps, choirs, schools and festivals can invite me for African Choir workshops, artistic identity sessions or masterclasses. Choose "Invite Gwen" in the form below.
How much does it cost?
Rates depend on the format. Tell me about your project and I'll send you a proposal.