Adolphe unmasked

Caroline Nyanga

To most fans of the original Wenge Musica Four by Four, Adolphe Dominguez was the man to watch, not least for his dance moves and sense of fashion. After performing alongside big names like JB Mpiana, Werrason, Alain Makaba, Blaise Bula, Alain Mpela, Toutou Caloudji, Roberto Ekokota and AimÈlia Alias, Adolphe continues to play in the big league even after the break up of Wenge. Indeed, his energetic stage performances and bewitching vocals have ensured his staying power.

Looking fit and relaxed during the interview, the musician, who refuses to disclose his age, says he is now the leader of Le Sape (a movement of Congolese fashion aficionados that literally worships well-designed clothing, shoes and hairstyles), since the original ‘pope’, Papa Wemba, is way past his prime. Indeed, Adolphe insinuates, his flamboyant dressing has earned him the nickname Le Chouchou (ladies’ choice).

Although fans refer to his group as Wenge Tonya Tonya, Adolphe attempts to set the record straight, claiming his band is Wenge Musica Adolphe Dominguez.

"Tonya Tonya is the title of one of my bands. Fans were probably confused by the fact that it was done by my Wenge group," he says, adding that he runs two other bands: One based in Paris, France, and made up of people of different nationalities, and another in Cape Town mostly comprising South Africans. This, he says, is to cater for fans of different tastes.

Asked why he has kept a relatively a low profile compared to JB Mpiana and Werrason, even eliciting suggestions that his fortunes had dwindled, Adolphe says most of his shows have been in France, Belgium, UK, and southern African countries like Mozambique, Malawi, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa.

"I operate between Paris and Cape Town," he says. His heart is, however, in Congo where he has been working hard to promote peace, alongside Monuc, the UN mission in the country. The musician, who is also involved in charity, is expected to stage a concert to promote a United States of Africa in Libya next month at the invitation of the country’s president and African Union chairman Muammar Gaddafi.

"I have composed a song, Fardc, for peace. In the video we are dressed like soldiers proclaiming peaceful coexistence," he says.

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To prove his intent, he reveals he has just completed his seventh album, Suspension, which is currently doing well: "For two years I was busy recording my 15-track album in Plus 30 Studio Paris. I am glad it has been worth the time," says Adolphe.

Music distribution

As for why his music is not available locally, he blames piracy and lack of reliable distributors for his reluctance to venture into the Kenyan market. "However, my music is available in Congo (DR), Europe and South Africa. I hope to soon get a distributor in Kenya," he says.

Having worked with many international artistes, he believes that he, JB Mpiana and Werrason are the best Congolese musicians.

"The rest like Koffi Olomide and Papa Wemba lag behind us. As for Ferre Gola and Fally Ipupa, they are my students in music and I’m glad they are doing well," he says.

Adolphe denies allegations that there is widespread use of witchcraft in Congolese music. Success, he says, depends on talent, discipline, and practice.

So what should his Kenyan fans expect tomorrow during the performance at Nairobi’s Club Afrique?

"I will be introducing new dancing styles, including Mama Port Moi/Mama unibebe (Carry me mum), besides incorporating others like Ndombolo and Lopele," he says.