About Madhero documentary

Born to a poor family in the former French colony of Martinique, Jean Claude Madhero picked up his first guitar at the age of 7 and it became his life passion. 

When he turned 18, he did his military service in France. But, his papers were stolen, along with his guitar and he ended up homeless for two years. When a good samaritan gave him an apartment to stay in and a new guitar, he was almost born again, playing to the streets of Paris. Enchanting the passing crowds with his unique voice and latin creole music. 

Now at the age of 70, he has never given up on being an artist. In fact, he is still growing. He is a sage, a poet and musician, all rolled into one. Taking the good with the bad, the ‘night and the day’, he teaches us to never give up on our own passion and to be forever true to ourselves.

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A word from the director- William Grave: 

I saw the doc Searching for Sugarman, and was inspired to see Rodriguez

at the Royal Albert Hall. Seeing him live was like seeing a giant of music, an Elvis or Sinatra. His talent is immense and his persona is bigger than life. 

Coming across Jean Claude busking in London last summer as another lightning bolt moment. I was looking for a latin sound for my short Tumble and after hearing his voice I turned 100 metres around, back to him. His music was magic, his voice was something unique. Working with him, it astounds me he has been an unknown talent for so long. 

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As we recorded and worked together, I soon discovered his incredible life story of homelessness and hope. An artist who never gave up on himself and is still growing at the age of 70. When you as a creative person sometimes have your ups and struggle with the downs, he is an incredible inspiration to us all.

For a press pack and more information on the film, contact willgrave@gmail.com 

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