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This self-titled debut is the solo project of Serge Massama Dogo, Togolese founder of the Afropop band Elikeh. Born in Lomé, Dogo has spent the last two decades living in the United States, his musical exploits with Elikeh fusing Togolese beats with American blues and funk. On this record however, outside influences are sidelined as Dogo turns his attention to the plethora of traditions originating from Togo. Featuring guitar, percussion and vocals, the album is acoustic from start to finish and showcases gazo, bobobo and simpa rhythms alongside vodoun melodies. Nothing is overplayed and Dogo draws out only the most essential elements of each style. Despite the diversity of musical genres exhibited, there is a consistent theme to the album; Dogo describes Togo as more tranquil than many of its livelier neighbouring nations, and this calm ambience comes through in each song. Highlights include the opening ‘Zonva’ and ‘Nyé Dzi’ with its uplifting harmonies and heartwarming melody.

Dogo’s first solo endeavour is a huge success. While it may not break new ground stylistically, it is an authentic, well-constructed record; a veritable smorgasbord of the different rhythms and traditions that Togo has to offer.

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Massama Dogo—A.K.A. Dogo du Togo—is a Togolese singer/songwriter/bandleader who has lived between the Washington D.C. area and his birthplace in Lomé, Togo since 2000. His latest project is a return to his roots, and an effort to put genuinely Togolese music on the map. Dogo du Togo’s debut album is a gem, eleven warm and inviting, mostly acoustic tracks with unique rhythms and beautiful melodies. Coming from a country we don’t hear from a lot, the album is a welcome surprise. Afropop’s Banning Eyre reached Massama Dogo over Zoom to talk about his career and the project. Here’s their conversation.

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Born in Lomé, Togo, Serge Dogo (better known as DOGO)moved to the U.S. and settled in the Washington, DC area in the 2000s, where he formed the critically-acclaimed Afropop and Afrofunk band Elikeh.

Currently, a fixture on the regional club and festival circuit in the United States, Elikeh is known for their high energy live performances and original material. Despite that, after releasing Elikeh’s 3 albums and an EP to rave reviews, DOGO was inspired to do something closer to his Togolese roots for his next project and began spending more time in his native Lomé in recent years.
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Serge Massama Dogo sort son premier album solo.

‘Dogo du Togo’, c’est son titre facile à mémoriser, s’inspire de différents rythmes locaux, gazo, agbadja, simpa, akpèssè-Bobono …

‘Mon objectif est véhiculer la culture togolaise. Ceci étant, il était important que les arrangements et l’instrumentation n’enlèvent pas le côté authentique et naturel des chansons. Aussi, il y a eu très peu d’effets utilisés sur les voix et les instruments’, a indiqué l’artiste dimanche à Lomé.

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One of the many pleasures of “world music” is that it sometimes has you going to an atlas or Google just to find out “where . . .”?

Togo is a small but crowded country of about nine million between Ghana, Benin and Burkina Fasa. In colonial times it was part of what was loosely referred to as “French West Africa” and French is still the national language alongside local languages.

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Born in Lomé, Togo, Serge Dogo (better known as DOGO)moved to the U.S. and settled in the Washington, DC area in the 2000s, where he formed the critically-acclaimed Afropop and Afrofunk band Elikeh.

Currently, a fixture on the regional club and festival circuit in the United States, Elikeh is known for their high energy live performances and original material. Despite that, after releasing Elikeh’s 3 albums and an EP to rave reviews, DOGO was inspired to do something closer to his Togolese roots for his next project and began spending more time in his native Lomé in recent years.

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DOGO du Togo is the stage name of Massama Dogo, a native of Togo who has lived in the United States for some time where he fronted the Afropop outfit Elikeh. Now, seeking to reconnect with his roots, DOGO has moved back to Togo and recorded new music that he hopes will resonate with young Africans. One young African in particular is the subject of the sublime acoustic guitar groove “Zonva;” DOGO wrote the song of love for his son, and beyond that the cut is a plea to all to take good care of children.

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