Born to a Liberian mother and a German father, George Makinto (“MAKINTO”) was soon interested in integrating both sides of this cultural heritage into his music. He studied classical music in Germany, traditional and modern African music in various African countries. MAKINTO further studied American and other forms of black music, including Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Latin American and Brazilian music, while living successively in Germany, the US, Liberia, Spain, Canary Islands, Ivory Coast and France.
His natural curiosity, his interest in other cultures and music made him travel through over 65 countries. He is a composer, arranger, lyricist, multi instrumentalist and producer, who has collaborated with Tommy Snyder and the HAYAMA label in Paris for many years, recording and producing music for many artists.
His musical career spans over 4 decades of international performances. Highlights of his career include performing with Miriam Makeba and the Philharmonic Orchestra of Rome for Pope Jean Paul II in the Vatican on Christmas 1995; getting lost backstage at the Sidney Opera House in Sidney, Australia, winning First Prize for best musical theater performance of his One Man Theatre Merci Mama Africa at the International Theater Festival of Avignon, France, directing and performing for the “Worship His Majesty” event at Madison square garden, NYC in 2003 and 2004.
His humanitarian engagement at the UN and his recognition as international recording artist gained him the privilege of being appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Peace and Development of WAFUNIF (World association of Former United Nations Interns and Fellows) of the United Nations in 2002, New York City.
Makinto is founder and director of JOYFUL MUSIC & ARTS Music academy in Rolling Hills Estates, Associate Pastor, Worship leader and Musical Director at Los Angeles Faith Chapel, Los Angeles and co-director of AMAHORO INTERNATIONAL, a Christian mission outreach organization associated to Mosaic Mennonite Conference in Pennsylvania as a Conference Related Ministry. He is married to Mukarabe and has 6 adult children. Makinto moved to Harrisonburg, Virginia in the summer of 2024 with his wife Mukarabe and their youngest son Joël, and is currently enrolled in seminary studies at Eastern Mennonite University for a Masters in Christian Leadership.
