Born in Cameroon, Emmanuel (Gros) Ngolle Pokossi, was raised by parents who exemplified and emphasized the virtues of hard-work, punctuality, dedication, and respect. At the age of 14, Gros quickly learned how to play after being inspired to pick up a bass by close neighbors. Two short weeks after first holding a bass, Gros entered a school band competition where he won second place. Inspired by success, Gros was encouraged to continue playing by fellow Cameroonian musicians: Vicky Edimo, Aladji Toure, Roger Sabbal Lecco, Moustik Ambassa, and Jean Dikoto Mandengue. After playing in Cameroon with the USA Army band, the Yaounde Jazz band, and Prince Ndedi Eyango, Gros departed for Europe where he had been advised that he would have more opportunities.

Gros left Cameroon for France in 1986, spent twenty-five years in Germany, and now lives in Chicago. Some of Gros's most influential experiences include having recorded and toured with the Decoding Society; not only did he have the opportunity to work with great musicians such as Ronald Shannon Jackson, James Carter, and Jef Lee Johnson, but from the experience Gros learned the freedom of improvisation. For two years Gros toured with Trilok Gurtu who taught him the diversity of complex rhythms. Additionally, he worked with Claude Chalhoub whose classic, melodic sense of music influenced Gros. His experience, maturity and patience has allowed Gros to work with and mentor younger artists such as: Nneka, Ayo, and Y'akoto.

http://www.grosngollepokossi.com/