The Sierre Blues Festival Ambassadors
During its almost 16 years of existence, the Sierre Blues Festival has welcomed over 1,000 artists from all horizons. Some of them have fallen in love with our event at first sight, and have agreed to become its Ambassadors.
- Billy F. Gibbons (2019)
- Shakura S'Aida (2020)
- Sugaray Rayford (2022)
- Mike Zito (2022)
- Paul Mc Bonvin (2023)
- Justina Lee Brown (2023)
- Rick Estrin (2024)
An icon instantly recognizable by his signature hat, Billy F. Gibbons is the guitarist and lead vocalist of the legendary Texas trio ZZ Top, formed in 1969. The band has left an indelible mark on blues-rock history with its distinctive fusion of boogie, blues, hard rock, and Southern wit. Known for his iconic beard and thick, groovy guitar tone, Gibbons is also a passionate collector of rare instruments and a devoted aficionado of vintage sound.
As a solo artist, he delves into the roots of African-American blues, infusing it with a contemporary edge through hypnotic riffs and his deep, raspy voice. A multifaceted musician, he commands respect not only for his virtuosity but also for his genuine authenticity. This cements his status as one of the foremost ambassadors of the Sierre Blues Festival.
Born in Brooklyn, raised in Switzerland, and now based in Canada, Shakura S’Aida embodies the spirit of contemporary blues with unmatched stage energy and a powerful voice. A singer, songwriter, and actress, she has captivated audiences across more than 30 countries, blending blues, soul, and American roots into a vibrant and passionate style.
On stage, Shakura captivates with her magnetic presence and genuine authenticity, forging a deep connection with her audience. Her dedication to human rights and her ability to unite communities through music make her an ideal ambassador for the Sierre Blues Festival.
Originally from Texas, Sugaray Rayford is an American soul-blues singer and songwriter whose musical journey has been shaped by gospel since the age of seven. His album Somebody Save Me (2019) was nominated for the Grammy Awards, and he has twice won the Blues Music Awards for “Soul Blues Male Artist” as well as the prestigious “B.B. King Entertainer of the Year” award.
His album In Too Deep (2022) was honored as Best Soul-Blues Album of the Year. With his powerful voice and electrifying performance, Rayford blends funky R&B rhythms, gospel-inflected vocals, and the raw intensity of the blues. Each of his shows captivates audiences with a charismatic and compelling presence. He embodies the vitality of modern blues while paying homage to his gospel roots, making him a natural ambassador of the Sierre Blues Festival.
Originally from St. Louis, Mike Zito stands as one of the leading voices in contemporary blues-rock. A virtuoso guitarist, passionate vocalist, and accomplished songwriter, he merges raw rock energy with deep blues emotion — always delivered with rare sincerity and conviction.
A multiple Blues Music Award winner, co-founder of the band Royal Southern Brotherhood, and founder of the Gulf Coast Records label, Zito upholds an authentic and generous vision of the blues. His latest album, Life Is Hard (2024), is a powerful testament to his artistic depth and expressive strength.
Mike Zito embodies the essence of modern blues — genuine, passionate, and profoundly human. That’s what makes him a true ambassador for the Sierre Blues Festival.
Originally from Valais, Paul Mac Bonvin is a cornerstone of the Swiss blues and folk-rock scene. For over 50 years, he has artfully blended the raw soul of American rock with the deep-rooted spirit of Alpine tradition. A singer, guitarist, and songwriter, he performs in French, English, and Arpitan — giving voice to the cultural heritage of his homeland.
His album Le Patois (2009) is a heartfelt tribute to local language and identity. On stage, Paul Mac Bonvin moves audiences with his sincere presence and his rare ability to channel deep emotion — making him a true and natural ambassador of the Sierre Blues Festival.
Originally from Lagos, Nigeria, and now based in Switzerland, Justina Lee Brown blends blues, soul, and afrobeat with electrifying stage presence. Winner of the Swiss Blues Challenge in 2019 and a finalist at the European Blues Challenge in 2022, she has made a lasting impression on international stages with her powerful voice and dynamic, vibrant style.
Her 2023 album Lost Child is a striking fusion of raw emotion and rich African heritage, expressing a modern, inclusive, and deeply human vision of the blues. On stage, Justina captivates with magnetic charisma and a rare ability to convey profound emotion. Her artistic depth and authenticity make her a shining ambassador at the heart of the Sierre Blues Festival.
Born in San Francisco in 1949, Rick Estrin is a cornerstone of modern blues. A virtuoso harmonica player, charismatic vocalist with theatrical flair, and imaginative songwriter, he began his professional career at just 18, performing alongside legends such as Lowell Fulson and Z.Z. Hill. In 1976, he co-founded Little Charlie & the Nightcats, a band he shaped for over thirty years.
Since 2008, he has led Rick Estrin & The Nightcats, a group acclaimed for its electrifying performances and quirky humor. A multiple Blues Music Award winner — including “Best Harmonica Player” — Estrin represents a style of blues that is deeply rooted in tradition yet refreshingly modern. He stands as a defining figure at the very heart of the Sierre Blues Festival.