Julina Kaakunga
Ngwaba Yves Idinu, who goes by the stage name Dolar Yves, is a rising singer who began his musical journey in a group called 4×4 Too Much Power.
Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), he moved to Namibia in 2007 after completing secondary school and attended the University of Namibia. However, he was unfortunately unable to complete it due to financial constraints.
During his childhood years, Idinu (36) recalls his father listening to artists such as Franco Luambo, Bob Marley and Papa Wemba, which is where he drew his inspiration from.
“Because of love songs and consciousness songs, I fell in love with music, singing at school. I was always involved in all school fun activities and church choirs,” he said.
With lessons learned from this environment, he incorporates his life’s situations in his music.
In 2012, Idinu decided to embark on his solo music career. His genres are Afro-Fusion and Rumba music.
A few of his accomplishments include his single, ‘Ma Cherie (feat Lize Ehlers) winning an African Hit Award in Australia Banks Radio.
‘Party Tonight’, which he describes as his magic song, was a hit on all local radio and TV music programmes. It was also his first song to hit number 1 on Whatagwan on NBC and Yo Countdown on One Africa TV. It opened platforms for him to perform in Angola, Zambia, South Africa and Brazil.
He currently has one album titled ‘Tomorrow’, released back in 2016. He featured Namibian musicians such as Dice, Lize Ehlers, Nangula, Freeda and some of the 4×4 Too Much Power crew, and it was distributed by Antonio’s Art.
Idinu now only releases singles.
“In the music industry, I look up to Lucky Dube, Koffi Olomide, Fally Ipupa, P-Square, Cheib Kaleb, Youssou Ndour and Jackson Kaujeua. For upcoming musicians, music must be their passion because your music is your identity and your culture,” he advised.
Idinu will be performing at Jokers on Saturday, 2 March for ‘One Night Only with Dolar Yves’. Tckets are available, and guest artists such as Dice, Zyx, Alta Ouses, FortyEight Beerz are expected.
– julinak990@gmail.com