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Kimberose, whose real name is Kimberly Rose Kitson-Mills, will kick off the music portion of the Book and Jazz Festival on Saturday evening at L’Esprit. For her first visit to the Caribbean, the artist has put together a special set just for the Saint Barthélemy audience. An interview with the musician who, throughout her albums, instinctively blends the musical styles—past and present—that inspire her every day.
You explain that you tend to make music instinctively, which is often considered the very essence of jazz. What can the audience at the Saint-Barthélemy festival expect?
First of all, we’ve put together a special set for this festival. We’ve chosen songs from my three albums and mixed them together. This is the first time I’ve ever done it this way. So I’d say they can expect to discover a good part of my world! At least, the one I’ve presented so far. The concert will be a sort of fusion of my albums. Besides, as I always say, music is pure emotion. It can be melancholy, joy, upbeat songs, others less so, but always something emotionally charged. That’s what I hope!
Jazz, soul, pop—your musical influences shine through in your albums. What can you tell us about them?
My influences are quite broad. I grew up in a family where we listened to very different kinds of music. From classical to soul, R&B, pop, and African music on my mother’s side, so I was raised on a wide variety of sounds. Then, as I grew up, I developed a passion for soul and jazz, but I remain very open-minded. What I love most when I make music is not overthinking the style but rather going with my instincts. Doing what I feel like doing in the moment! And when it comes to writing, they’re always true stories, inspired by real life—things that have happened to people around me or to me.
On your new album, you’ve included five tracks in French, which is a first. What inspired you to do that?
It happened in stages. I already had a song in French on my previous album “Out” (“L’envie de valser,” with Sofiane Pamart), and that opened this door for me. Then, I was invited by Grand Corps Malade to do a song (“Nos plus belles années”) with him on his album, and that kept nurturing this little seed in my mind—that it would be fun and exciting to sing in French. For me, it was uncharted territory. Like a challenge. French is a difficult language to write and set to music. But I think it was the right time for me.
Which artists speak to you or, why not, get you excited in 2026?
There are so many… First off, I’m sticking to my classics! I still listen to Billie Holiday, Nina Simone—those great singers who gave me chills and made me want to sing. Right now, I’m also listening a lot to Michael Kiwanuka, an incredible soul and blues artist, and James Blake, an Englishman who’s created his own style… There are so many others, I could spend the whole afternoon on this (Laughs)! I also love the voice of Amie Blu, an English singer who’s on the rise… I’m listening to a lot of soul right now, and folk too. (She pauses) Jeff Buckley—he’s a goldmine. I also discovered a band—it’s a bit embarrassing to admit… (She searches for the band’s name) There it is, Fleetwood Mac! It’s old, and I didn’t know them. I stumbled upon the song “The Chain,” which is incredible. I’ve been listening to it on repeat; I just can’t get enough of it. Music is a bottomless well, and thank goodness for that. Every now and then, we get a real eye-opener!
How are you feeling ahead of this premiere in the Caribbean?
I’m really curious to discover the island of Saint Barthélemy, which I’ve never been to. A friend of mine goes there often and always talks about it with stars in his eyes, so I can’t wait!
