Papy Tex Matolu Dode is a prominent figure in Congolese music, best known as one of the core members and co-founders of the influential soukous band Empire Bakuba. He began his musical journey as a contemporary of the renowned Congolese musician Pepe Kalle, with whom he co-founded the neighborhood band African Choc. Their connection deepened when they were both under the mentorship of Grand Kalle, the "father of Congolese music." Papy Tex is credited with composing the song 'Pardon Papi' which was one of Pepe Kalle's first studio assignments.
In 1972, Papy Tex, alongside Pepe Kalle and Dilu Dilumona, founded Empire Bakuba in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo). They were all members of the band Lipua Lipua at the time. The group quickly became one of Kinshasa's leading youth bands, establishing a constant presence in the Congolese charts and becoming a major part of the soukous scene throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Papy Tex was one of the lead singers, and his "soothing voice" harmonized with Pepe Kalle's powerful vocals, contributing significantly to the band's distinctive sound. The band was known for its lively rhythms, upbeat melodies, and highly scenographic live performances.
The apex of Empire Bakuba's success had passed by the 1990s, and the band faced a significant crisis following the death of its frontman, Pepe Kalle, in 1998. Shortly thereafter, Papy Tex was involved in a serious car accident, which led the media to believe the band had ceased to exist. However, after more than a year in the hospital, Papy Tex recovered. In 1999, he became the new leader of Empire Bakuba, a transition marked by his inauguration by the traditional chief of the Bakuba tribe in the Kasaï province. Papy Tex has since led the band, although he is now the sole band leader after the departure of other key members like Dilu Dilumona.