Jimmy “Chefbeatz” Tenga has claimed his position as Calgary’s very own trifecta of AfroSwing. As an artist who produces and song writes, Jimmy, also known as Chef Du Partie amongst his friends – is pioneering a sound the world didn’t know it was missing. Born in Bo Town, Sierra Leone, Chef travelled through Western Africa – Guinea, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast before making Cow Town the last stop on that journey. Chef masterfully mixes his African roots with his western ties by fusing together Hip-Hop /R&B/ Pop and traditional West African sounds, this evolution and unique integration of cultures resulted in Afro Swing’s hottest new sound.
From Jazzy melodies to traditional African sounds that ride the familiar sounds of Hip-Hop percussions – it is safe to say that Chef is more than willing to push the boundaries of music production as a storyteller who everything from depth and movement – and everything in between.
Chef has been particularly busy as of late; producing local Calgary Afrobeat Artist Shafluss’s hit single “The Game”, “Story Keepers” a video series exploring personal stories relating to Black history in Alberta – a joint production by Glenbow Museum and Afrikadey! Arts & Culture Society, and his own “Sun Lark”; an audio/visual experience that will be released this summer 2021.
Chef plans to release an Extended Play (EP) concept album – it will feature a number of artists he has worked with; showcasing talent and telling a very unique narrative.
Name: Chefbeatz
Genre: Hip Hop, RNB, Afrobeats
Founded: 2017
# of Albums: 2 EPs
Latest Release: Sun Lark EP
Latest Single: Sun Lark EP
Latest Video: Sun Lark Dance Video
Favourite band as a teenager:
Linkin Park
Favourite band now:
Run the Jewels
Guilty Pleasure Song:
The Weeknd – Ordinary Life (Lyrics)
Live Show Ritual:
Stay hyped
Road or studio?
Studio
Early bird or night owl?
Both
EP or LP?
EP
Any shows or albums coming up?
FLM with Kelly BESD
Where can we follow you?
Rapid Fire Qs from Toronto
Favourite Local Artist?
Kelly BESD
Favourite Local Musician?
Cam Buie
Nose Hill or Fish Creek?
Nose Hill
Favourite Street?
Center Street
Favourite Local Restaurant?
Sky360
Favourite Local Music Venue?
Junction
