Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Denegros Dollars

What is your earliest memory related to music?

My meeting with Christ D. Mavouangui, the head of Mediatop Distribution. We talked, and I realized I was right: I was meant to be a musician.

How did your passion for music creation begin?

From a very young age in Lubumbashi, I wasn’t even 10 years old, and I was always looking for artists’ records, even though they were expensive and hard to find. If I knew someone who had one, I would ask to borrow it.

What is the story behind your current music project?

I’m working on “Les légendes de demain, Vol. 2.” It’s an incredible compilation, the first volume of which was released in December 2023, produced by Mediatop Distribution. Since then, I’ve been in the studio working on three tracks that will be included alongside several other artists from the sub-region, from Gabon, Tanzania, and Congo.

How would you describe your style to someone who has never listened to your music? It’s Afro-urban. A true fusion of African sounds with foreign urban melodies like Latin and K-pop, for example.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned that has completely changed your songwriting process?

To keep things simple sometimes. Too many lyrics can sometimes kill the beauty of the song.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential to your creative process?

It depends, but I’d say my phone because when I have an inspiration, I record myself on my phone and send it to one or two beatmakers I work with. It depends, but it’s mostly H’Beatz, who’s also a friend of mine, so he can find me the best beat. I also send it to Christ D. Mavouangui because that guy is talented; he has a great ear for music.

What indie artist or song are you listening to right now?

It’s surprising, but it’s a gospel artist. It’s Lody Sonia. I think she’s truly the future superstar of religious music in Africa. Plus, she’s more structured now and has really taken off since Mediatop Distribution took over her career.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

Yes, it’s largely about life experiences and mood. Experiences and crazy moments, setbacks with women, for example, inspired me to write songs like “TULALE” with a touch of irony, and even “OPONGA.”

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take away from your work?

With me, you can be yourself. You don’t need to invent a life for yourself or be ashamed of certain things, whether it’s vices or a lack of self-confidence due to this or that, whether it’s physical or otherwise.

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

Anything is possible for those who work at it.

What’s your dream venue or festival where you’d love to perform?

Victoires de la Musique awards, I listen to pop music too.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would you choose and why?

From the past, I’d say Nicki Minaj, and from today, Royal T Kov.

Where can our listeners follow you and support your music? (Website, Spotify, Instagram, links)