ALTHOUGH they share the same name, DJ Bill Clinton (aka Didier Kalonji) uses music and dance as his platform instead of politics. After the death of DJ Arafat in 2019, Kalonji is seen as the leader of the new generation of rappers in Africa.
DJ Bill Clinton has been performing since 1997 starting in the group Wenge Music Maison Mere. That group showcased a dance move known as ndombolo, which morphed into its own musical genre. And DJ Bill Clinton was the atalaku telling his audience how to do the dance moves. His next group, Marquis de Samourais, had several releases. He then went on to become an influential solo artist.
Congolese musicians compete to remain at the top of their game. To stay competitive requires creativity and digging deep into their musical traditions but the result is an amazingly modern take on traditional sounds. This music has changed Congo, as well as Africa. It is notable that so much creativity and worldwide musical influence emanates from a country that has been beset by so many problems in the last 20 years.
Because of DJ Bill Clinton’s musical mastery, the Elikya Organisation founded in Limerick and UL’s World Music Centre wish to invite him to visit and train students in music, performance, and dance and to hold workshops.
Air Force One may not be landing but a musical force will be!
DJ Arafat and DJ Bill Clinton
