Operanauts is proud to introduce that Blue Marlin Events, an emerging ensemble from Kinshasa, will perform a set of opéra folklorique, a brand-new musical genre of their own invention, during the Grand Finale Concert of the Joy Concours on April 2, 2022.

Opéra folklorique is a unique category that combines elements from early Italian opera with stories from Congo’s tradition of griot folklore. It originated after Operanauts brought a collection of early Italian songs and opera arias, donated by Alfred Music Publishing, to Kinshasa in 2018. Pianist Diego Tara and his street musician friends began to improvise over the Italian songs, incorporating opera vocals and griot performance as they went. Before long, a new genre was born.

“Blue Marlin sera présenté comme un orchestre d’accompagnement fusionnant l’Opéra au folk Congo, il prouve que l’Opéra se mélange avec tous les types de musique,” said Diego Tara, founder of the ensemble.

“Blue Marlin has created an orchestral accompaniment that fuses opera with Congolese folk music,” Tara said. “It proves that opera can meld with all kinds of music.”

Blue Marlin’s set at the Grand Finale Concert of the Joy Concours will take place after the Finalists have presented their opera arias, as the Operanauts Team counts the scores and votes to determine the Concours winners. In addition to the April 2 set, Blue Marlin will perform another opéra folklorique set after the Requiem at the CONGO YETU charity concert on April 9, 2022.

Musicians in Blue Marlin Events ensemble include: 

Diego TARA (clavier/arrangeur, founder)

Jorluquin OMANDJE LOHOMBOLO (Griot et Danseur) 

Grâce BOTAKILE LOFULO (Griot et Danseur)

Patrick LISAMBOLA BOKOTA (Guitare Bass)

Christian BOLA MPOTE (Guitare Solo acoustique et accompagnement) 

Alexis DONGWA IKONGA (Percussioniste)

Jean-Marie MONGI MONGI (Batteur avec la gourde rempli de sable) 

Exaucé MUKATA ENGONDO (Ngongi, Maracas)

Béni MABANZA MONGOMBO (Pianiste folk)

Dorcas Masika NENDE (Chanteur, danseur, metteur en scène et gestionnaire)

Jonely Mulonji KATOTO (Danseur)