Born and raised in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa, Julien Boussontié is a percussionist at heart who loves God and his family above all.

He started playing hand drums between the ages of 4 and 6. Though he was mostly self taught, his learning was enhanced by his older brother, who taught him the necessary rhythms for the Right of Passage ceremonies.

Julien learned by listening to African rhythms played in the surrounding villages and neighborhoods, then picked up the drums at 9 years old and never stopped.

Though he was shy and afraid of playing in public, he was eventually discovered. He was regularly hiding in the band room at his school after hours to practice and play, until one day he was discovered by the school’s music director. They made a deal so that he could use the facility as much as he wished, but only if he played in the school band once a week.

From that moment, he steadily grew his skills listening to bands such as Meiway et le Zogang, Extra Musica, Paco Séry, Papa Wemba, Manu Dibango, Lucky Dube, Kassav', to name a few. His mother introduced him to Western music through James Brown. He began seeking out new music from across the globe, and overall, he was most influenced by, Paco Séry, Carter Beauford, Dennis Chambers, Manu Katché , Richard Bona, Meiway, Clyde Stubblefield, and his father, Siméon Boussontié.

He moved to the United States in 2005 and worked as a percussionist for the University of Central Oklahoma Dance Department until 2012, and still does now on an as-needed basis.

He has performed with several groups in various genres. He is a very versatile and adaptable musician and keeps growing his craft and passion daily.

Julien has been part of several cover bands and original acts, and is currently the house drummer for the only dueling piano venue in Oklahoma City, OK.

He is currently the drummer for IRONGLIDE (Rock band) and Achilles Tendency (Experimental Fusion band).

He has been hoping and praying for opportunities to collaborate with various companies and is thrilled to be part of the Soultone family on his journey.