Tomás Doncker And Frank Benbini Unite On New Alt-R&B Single, Wha-Gwaan!

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, NYC’s genre-smashing R&B rebel Tomás Doncker released Wha-Gwaan! with Frank Benbini, a gritty wake-up call to injustice with a funky edge you won’t want to miss.

Wha-Gwaan!

New York City’s alternative-R&B trailblazer Tomás Doncker is gearing up to dropped his latest single, “Wha-Gwaan!”, through his indie label, True Groove Records. Another bold chapter in Doncker’s storied career, “Wha-Gwaan!” features guest drums and vocals from Frank Benbini of Fun Lovin’ Criminals and UB40 fame. With a sound that defies genre boundaries and a message that cuts deep, “Wha-Gwaan!” is poised to resonate far beyond the five boroughs.

“Wha-Gwaan!” arrives on the heels of Doncker’s September 2024 EP, The AMPlified Soul Remixes, a collaboration with the late, great Amp Fiddler—Grammy-winning “ambassador of funk” known for his work with Prince and Seal. That project showcased Doncker’s ability to blend soulful introspection with electrifying grooves, and “Wha-Gwaan!” seems set to up the ante. With Benbini’s dynamic drumming and vocal flair in the mix, the single promises a fresh yet rooted sound that’s distinctly Doncker—uncompromising, genre-bending, and urgent.

Beyond its musical chops, “Wha-Gwaan!” carries weighty intent. Doncker describes it as a “wake-up call” to the rising tide of social and racial injustice—and the deafening silence that too often accompanies it. In a world where these issues remain stubbornly persistent, the track stands as both protest and plea, channeling the spirit of NYC’s rebellious artistic heritage into a modern rallying cry.

Tomás Doncker

Tomás Doncker is no stranger to pushing the envelope. Since the early 1980s, he’s been a fixture in New York’s vibrant music, arts, and culture scenes, cutting his teeth with pioneering No Wave and Punk Funk outfits like The Contortions and Defunkt.

His journey has taken him across the globe, collaborating with heavyweights like Bootsy Collins, Meshell Ndegeocello, Madonna, The Specials, and the iconic Patti Smith. Now, as the leader of The True Groove All-Stars, Doncker continues to carve out a space as a cross-genre innovator—a reputation bolstered by acclaim from outlets like BBC, CNN, NPR’s All Songs Considered, Rolling Stone, and Blues Matters Magazine, where he recently graced the cover.

“Wha-Gwaan!” feels like more than just a single—it’s a testament to Doncker’s enduring relevance. Few artists can claim a career as eclectic and impactful as his, from punk-funk roots to R&B reinvention, all while staying true to a vision that’s as socially conscious as it is sonically adventurous. With True Groove Records as his platform and collaborators like Benbini amplifying his voice, Doncker’s latest work is a reminder of music’s power to provoke, inspire, and unite.

The legendary Nigerian Godfather of Afro Beat, Fela Ransome Kuti once said: ‘Music is the weapon of the future’. Well…The future is most definitely NOW! ‘Wah Gwaan’ is a Jamaican Patois greeting that means ‘what’s going on?’ or ‘what’s up?’. The lyric is a modern day riff on Marvin Gaye’s classic ‘What’s Going On’. Through an Afro Beat / Funk-Rebel music lens. It was designed to be a wake up call response to the seemingly increasing presence of social injustice in the world today. The hypnotic dub-funk groove is brought to the boiling point by the legendary Frank Benbini (Fun Lovin’ Criminals/UB40/Uncle Frank), who I’m thrilled makes a guest appearance on drums and hype vocals.

-Tomás Doncker

Find more from Tomás Doncker now:

Website: https://tomasdoncker.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TomasDonckerMusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomasdonckerofficial
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6On4s2o0VoJgjFQRdSuAEz?si=oeHm3X9mRHavt2HFXDXTRw
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/tom%C3%A1s-doncker/468939501
Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/artists/B00GVMR32E/tom%C3%A1s-doncker