Here is my favourite soloist story
https://ouragan.cd/2024/04/tolbert-solo-la-percee-dun-genie-de-la-guitareLoosely translated as below
Tolbert Solo: The Rise of a Guitar Genius
He is now reaping the rewards of his patience. Since joining the Wenge BCBG orchestra (Bon Chic Bon Genre) in 2013, the talented guitarist Duma Tuzolele Tolbert has become an indispensable pillar of JB Mpiana's musical group. A breakthrough worthy of a guitar genius.
Known as "Tolbert Solo," his remarkable talent has led him to share his journey and reveal the secrets of his key role as both a guitarist and music arranger. In this interview with Ouragan, we dive into the musical world of Wenge BCBG and discover how this guitar virtuoso climbed the ranks.
Ouragan: When did you join Wenge BCBG and through whom?Tolbert Solo: I joined BCBG at the end of 2013. Initially, I worked as a freelance artist. I met a few artists through my mentor, Sec Bidens. I would often go to him to improve my skills, as he is one of the best arrangers in our country. One day, I was fortunate to meet the great King Kester Emeneya. After hearing me play, he was very impressed and suggested I join the Wenge Clan, believing my style would fit best there.
Have you played in any other bands besides BCBG?Yes, I’ve worked with many artists, including King Kester Emeneya, Kabose Bulembi, Marie Misamu, Baby Ndombe, and many others.
Tell us a bit about your beginnings as a guitarist.I come from a family with many artists for example, my father’s brother, Sec Bidens, and my older brothers, Théo and Leny Bidens. I learned a lot from them. I started out in the Protestant Church in Matadi, known here as "Misioni," where my late parents used to worship.
I later attended the National Institute of Arts (INA) and then the Higher Institute of Computer Science, Programming, and Analysis (ISIPA) to gain more experience.
From 2013 until now, things haven’t always been easy. Did you ever consider leaving BCBG, especially with some of your colleagues departing? Did JB Mpiana promise you a trip to Europe or a car to convince you to stay?No (laughs)... Let me tell you an anecdote. One day, we had a concert at Shark Club in Gombe. I had gathered my trusted guys, and I knew I was going to perform. But to my surprise, I was sidelined. What a shame! And this happened more than once. With all that, if you’re not mentally strong, you’ll quit, and maybe miss out on your career. I knew my time would come because I’ve always worked hard, and our artistic director, Professor Jules Kibens, would often tell me, "Duma, keep it up. Papa Chéri (JB Mpiana) loves hard workers. He sees your efforts."
Do you remember your first performance?It was during a public concert. I was on stage but standing behind the instrumentalists. The boss called me forward and introduced me to the crowd, saying, "Here is our soloist, Tolbert Solo. Listen to him and if you like him, we’ll give him a chance." That’s when I went all out, and the crowd started chanting my name. That’s where it all began. I immediately took charge of two generics (Je Ne Te Calcule Pas and Échauffement) and a song (Correction) from our maxi-single also titled Je Ne Te Calcule Pas. Everyone heard how "Mukulu" (JB Mpiana) dedicated the song Correction to me, saying, " Tolbert Solo betela ngai lindanda wana à connaît pas, à demander muana oyo aye na ngenge mosusu."
Did you contribute a song to the album Balle de Match?Balle de Match is a three-volume album. The first two volumes have been available for several months. My song is on the third volume, which will soon be released. I’m keeping the release date under wraps because that’s the Boss’s privilege to announce. But rest assured, there will be a lot of great melodies, especially mature rumba. I’ve played on many tracks, starting with Zebuka, a melody no one can resist.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?I listen to a lot of foreign music—gospel, jazz, rock 'n' roll, and many others. I try to recreate those sounds in a different way by adding my own touch. My main source of inspiration is my mentor, Sec Bidens Munganga, whom I visit often for advice. There are also greats like Alain Makaba, Ficarré Mwamba, Burkina Faso Mboka Liya, Rigo Star, Roxy Tshimpaka, and, of course, Patient Kusangila.
Any good or bad memories?The bad memories? First, the loss of my parents. My father passed away in 2015. I received the tragic news while I was on stage. My mother passed away two years later, and I haven’t been able to fully come to terms with it.
The good memories are countless. I drove my first car here, I have a new family, and I get to travel the world thanks to JB Mpiana. And the best is yet to come.
What advice would you give to young artists who want to pursue music?Be patient. Music requires a lot of hard work, effort, and sacrifices. For some, success comes quickly; for others, it takes longer than expected. Don’t rush to the point of making bad choices. The real secret is hard work.
Any message for your fans?To all the fans of BCBG and those who appreciate Tolbert Solo, I thank you for your trust. Keep enjoying your album Balle de Match, and stay tuned for the third volume, which you’ll enjoy even more. I also want to give a big thanks to my boss, JB Mpiana, for everything he does for me and for the entire group.
Interview conducted by Eric Kalemba
