Dodo NKishi

Dodo NKishi is a singer-songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist, best known as the drummer for the band Mouse on Mars.

Background

Reggae and Soul form the basis to his approach towards music. Growing up a multi-racial child (his father being from Kinshasa, Congo and his mother from Kleve, Germany), has had a strong influence on his perception and interpretation of sounds and music.

History

NKinshi founded "La Vie", his first group, in 1979. A reggae outfit, which made a name for itself for their mature lyrics and compositions, as well as their entertaining and tight performances. Although they never officially released any recordings, their consistent live performances assured them a fast-growing and loyal fan base, and the founders continued to explore various forms of reggae until 1985.

Following his move to England, in 1986, Dodo soon began working with a variety of bands, musicians and producers, as well as engaging in a brief stint in the world of acting, participating in Ray Shell's musical "Street Angels". Following a sudden signing of a major publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Ltd., in 1991, the indirect result of winning the first price for the Grolsch Question of Style song-writing contest, he started work on his debut album and began putting together a band. But although his efforts made it to the release of the 12 inch single "Bringing in JAH Love" (1991, Node Records), as well as a handful of concerts in London, by the end of the same year, he split with his manager and soon after, found himself bankrupt.