Shortly after I moved to Leipzig in autumn 2012, I found a jam session to go to on a random evening. I didn’t know anything about who was going to be there (yes, I often go places just to see what’s up), but then I came across Dolus Mutombo. The music of this Congolese singer-songwriter turned out to be deeply relatable to me: musically, it reminded me of the instantly joy-inducing Caribbean rhythms I had grown up around in Miami (I am thankful for transnational transfers); sentimentally, one of his songs, especially, gave a close description of a romantic situation I thought I was living with someone at the time. Oh, our (bittersweet) illusions! That became my favorite song of his, and I share it with you via the YouTube video below:
Back to said jam session: I got to talking, trying to make new acquaintances, and told someone in the audience that I liked to sing and she told Dolus I wanted to get up on the stage. Which I (pretended) I didn’t. But Dolus called me on stage anyway and somehow we managed to perform some reggae songs together, there in total improv. We continued jamming together, and still do from time to time. He often gives other artists space to showcase their talents, on his own tracks and at the open mics and jam sessions he organizes.
Dolus has a nice Web site where you can find out more about him and his work, and keep up to date on his doings and concert dates.
He regularly performs around Leipzig and Germany. Hopefully you will have the pleasure to hear him live one of these days.
Here is what some people have to say about the music of Dolus, according to his Web site:
“His music is full of sun and light. Yet simple in arrangements but rich in sentiments flavoured by the African roots”
“A one of a kind concert artist… his music reaches people of all generations”
“Dolus’ vocals carry a smooth, yet rustic sincerity. His eloquent sense of rythm both cradles and commands pure, collaborative musical artistry. As heat broken by a merciful rain, his sound resonates steam and shine.”- Katherine Steiger – Poet, L.E. Writers
