Congolese singer sings Serge Gainsbourg

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Last week we had French actress and singer/songwriter Charlotte Gainsbourg on the show. She told us that she didn’t write songs in French, because of the legacy of her late father, Serge Gainsbourg. Serge Gainsbourg is considered the father of modern French music. His controversial lyrics and inimitable delivery have made him a tough act to follow. Following in papa Gainsbourg’s footsteps is a challenge for any performer. But an unlikely artist is giving it a shot. Little known Congolese singer Jean Paul Wabotai recently acquired the rights to ten Gainsbourg lyrics never before put to music. The World’s Gerry Hadden has his story. Download MP3

• Jean Paul Wabotai’s website
• Watch a video of Jean Paul Wabotai singing from “AmourS Gainsbourg”

Charlotte Gainsbourg

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Charlotte Gainsbourg, daughter of English actress Jane Birkin and the legendary French singer-songwriter and provocateur Serge Gainsbourg. Charlotte Gainsbourg has been defining her own path, though, as an actress and singer. She starred in last year’s controversial film “Antichrist.” And this year… she’s come out with a new album. It’s produced — and largely written — by the American hipster-folkie, Beck. The album is called “IRM”… French for “MRI.” As The World’s Adeline Sire explains, it deals with a frightening time in Gainsbourg’s life. Download MP3

• Charlotte Gainsbourg
• Guardian article
• NY Times article