Togolese festive rhythms, ritual voodoo melodies and political lyrics form the base of rising Togolese artist DOGO’s music. While his studio recordings have an acoustic feel, churning guitars and call-and-response vocals blend seamlessly with bass, drums, and horns to give DOGO’s rooted grooves a full, modern sound when performing live.
In his home country of Togo DOGO has cemented himself as a musician to watch, with a growing fanbase and constant radio play. Now audiences in the United States and Europe are starting to take note as well.
Born in Lome, Togo, Serge Massama DOGO played in several bands in the Togolese capital before moving to the United States. He founded the DC based Afropop/Afrofunk band, Elikeh in the 90s and has grown that group into a fixture on the regional club and festival circuit with high-energy live performances and original material. Elikeh has released 3 albums and an EP, receiving positive reviews from The Washington Post, National Public Radio, Financial Times and other national media.
For the past several years, DOGO has been spending more time in his native country, pursuing his roots. He recorded his first single “Von Na Agbeto” in 2017. The song is based on the Simpa rhythm played in the northern part of Togo by the Tem people. When released, “Von Na Agbeto” was one of the top songs on many radio stations in Togo, and DJs began calling DOGO “L’enfant du pays” (the native son) for the way he expertly weaves Togolese culture and tradition into this new, exciting sound.
At home and abroad, DOGO du Togo is poised for lift-off!
