For the African band Doliho, hard work has always been a staple in getting the job done.

Loosely translated, Doliho means “work hard and get reward,” which is exactly what has gained the earned the band national acclaim in Africa.

As bassist for the culturally eclectic band, Yawo “Armstrong” Attivor holds the band in check with solid rhythmic foundations.

Originally from Togo, West Africa, Armstrong came to Iowa through the YMCA International Camp Council Program. Despite the transcontinental and cultural jump, Armstrong has enjoyed the change.

“It’s fun,” Armstrong said. “But it’s too cold, man.”

Coming to the United States has not only helped Armstrong read and write in English more proficiently, it has also helped him to get updated with technology.

He is currently enrolled at Drake University, taking music theory classes. Armstrong said the United States has offered him more opportunities than in Togo.

“There was a lot of political turmoil in my country, so I applied for political asylum because I was involved with student activities there against the government,” Armstrong said.

While he was in Iowa, Armstrong met up with an international tour group called Up With People.

“I went to the Iowa State Fair, and I was walking near the theater, and I heard some African music coming out of the theater,” Armstrong said. “I said, ‘Who is playing African music in Iowa?'”

After an interview, he was accepted into the group of musicians and dancers. He toured for two years with the group as a bass player and vocalist.

Armstrong is still writing for Up With People on the side, but he is heavily involved with Doliho.

Doliho was originally formed when Armstrong’s cousin Ro Bezz asked him if they could record some music together, just for fun.

“We didn’t know that we were going to become a band,” Armstrong laughed.

In the beginning, the group consisted of Armstrong, keyboardist Ro Bezz (Kodjo Attivor), world renowned singer Sarah (Abgeto Vinyona) and guitarist Matt Hupton. The group recently added drummer Russ Tomlinson to complete its groove.

Ro Bezz, who has national prestige in Togo for his piano skills, has worked with a variety of musicians throughout his professional career, including Manu Dibango, Akofa Akoussa and Myriam Makeba.

Ro Bezz decided to start the band because he was “tired of working for other people.”

Technically, Doliho plays world beat music, sprinkled by western influences from the United States.

“Back there in Africa we call it ‘Afro Beat,'” Armstrong said. “It’s a blend of African traditional concepts, ideas and music.”

“It’s a blend of different cultures,” Ro Bezz added.

Armstrong’s musical influences include Shalamar, an old school funk band; Carole King and Sting, but he especially admires the late Jaco Pastorius.

“Jaco Pastorius was probably the best bass player on this planet,” he said.

Armstrong penned five of the songs on the band’s self-titled album, including the fun and funky “Igossan.”

“All the words are made out of sounds and onomatopoeia. They are not words that actually exist in language,” he said. “I call it the language of the cave, the language of the ancestors.”

In Togo, Doliho’s album is the No. 1 requested record.

“We are very proud of it. We believe we have to make it work,” Armstrong said.

The band has many goals, some small, and some of mammoth multicultural proportions.

“I’m a piano player. The keys are black and white, and they all go together. I think the world is black and white, and if we can think like that, we can bring the world together,” Ro Bezz said.

The band certainly has a lot or work cut out for it, but with a little “Doliho,” its musical experience should be promising.

Doliho play at Boheme May 6 at 9 p.m. Tickets are $6 at the door.