KONGOS

Jesse Kongos

About

Paiste Artist Since
March 2014

Nationality
United States

Main Affiliation
KONGOS

Jesse Kongos

Setup

Jesse Kongos

Cymbals listed from left to right

16" Formula 602 Modern Essentials Crash (as hi-hat top)
16" RUDE Crash/Ride (as hi-hat bottom)
18" Signature Traditionals Thin Crash
20" Formula 602 Modern Essentials Crash
22" Signature Traditionals Light Ride

Videos & Pics

Kongos_Jesse_gallery_1.jpg
Kongos_Jesse_gallery_1.jpg

Biography

Jesse Kongos was born in 1983 in London, England. He is the second of four sons of John Kongos, South African/British singer songwriter, most known for his 1970s hits “He’s Gonna Step On You Again” and “Tokoloshe Man.” He began playing piano at 3 years old and studied into his late teens. Growing up in a musical environment, with access to all kinds of instruments and a recording studio, he became interested in the drums at around 10 years old. He is a self-taught drummer, learning from a few instructional videos and by emulating his favorite drummers. At sixteen he started to play in jazz combos with his older brother, Johnny, at Arizona State University. It was also around this time that he met Arizona session drummer, Todd Chuba, who served as an informal mentor. In 2003, together with his three brothers, the rock band KONGOS was formed. Since then it has been Jesse’s sole focus and project. Like his brothers, he plays various instruments in the studio, but live he plays drums and sings lead on several songs. Major influences and favorite players include Jack DeJohnette, Tony Williams, John Bonham, Carlos McSwain, Aaron Spears and Levon Helm.

Setup Cymbals

Only standard models appear in this section.