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DONALD DOGBO
Arriving in Montreal from the Ivory Coast in 2014, composer, singer and drummer Donald Dogbo offers his different and complementary vision of an alliance between jazz and African music - more specifically that of the west of the continent - spectacularly successful on [his] first album entitled Coubli.
Philippe Renaud - Le Devoir
It was in these dithyrambic terms that Donald Dogbo's very first album, Coubli (Disques Nuit d'Afrique / Believe Digital) , was received by critics.
BIOGRAPHY
Donald Dogbo is an Ivorian musician and drummer, heir to a long tradition of drumming passed down by his grandfather. A true percussion virtuoso, he is distinguished by his unique ability to fuse traditional African rhythms with the effervescent energy of modern jazz, creating a vibrant, bold, and innovative musical signature. His mastery of groove, his boundless creativity, and his magnetic charisma on stage make him a key figure on the international music scene.
Based in Canada since 2014, Donald Dogbo is quickly establishing himself as a pillar of the Montreal art scene. His collaborations with renowned musicians and his electrifying performances captivate an ever-growing audience. On stage, his concerts—which feature percussion, ngomas, drums, saxophone, bass, and piano—reveal the richness of African culture, enhanced by bold jazz sounds.
In 2021, he marked a decisive turning point in his career by releasing his first album, Coubli (which means "to go on an adventure" in Bété, his mother tongue), at MUZ, Montreal's major event for mixed music. This album seduced with its rhythmic finesse and its ability to subtly bring cultures together. Recognition reached a new peak in 2024 when he was named Radio-Canada Jazz Revelation and presented his project at the prestigious Montreal International Jazz Festival.
Donald Dogbo is currently working on his second album, Ségui Sô (“Return to Ancestral Roots”), which is scheduled for release in October 2025. This new opus continues his exploration of the fusion of traditional African rhythms and contemporary sounds, with bold collaborations and increasingly immersive and captivating compositions. He is also the recipient of the Création Jazz 2025 grant from the Conseil des arts de Montréal, which supports the development of this ambitious project.
Following a successful tour with the Montreal Arts Council, Dogbo continues to rock Montreal stages, aiming to expand his musical influence across Quebec, Canada, and beyond. With his music, he doesn't just play rhythms: he tells poignant stories, shares deep emotions, and builds bridges between cultures around the world.
