Discover the infectious sounds of 10 Côte d’Ivoire musicians that you should be listening to, including DJ Arafat, Shado Chris, Bebi Philip, Kiff No Beat, and more.
The first military coup in Ivory Coast occurred in 1999, which also saw the emergence of the Coupé-Décalé subgenre.
DJs Douk Saga, Arafat, Debordeau, and Mix, as well as others in France and throughout the continent, were instrumental in advancing the genre.
The ascent of Coupé-Décalé eased tensions and brought the politically divided nation together. Its lyrics touched on money and relationships, and they also inspired new dance steps. Songs from it were released across the country and beyond.
With its percussion, bass, and West African sounds, Coupé-Décalé remains the best song ever.
Zouglou was also born in the middle of the 1990s. Satire music narrated tales about young people’s socioeconomic circumstances. Both political and life guidance were conveyed through the music. The band Magic System was the main force behind this style; their song “1er Gaou” is a noteworthy classic.
The musicians frequently composed in French and regional tongues, and the genre combined elements of rock, reggae, and French folklore. These days, it may be heard in songs like “Can’t Get Enough” by J. Cole, which samples “Paulette” by Balla et ses Balladins, a folklore ensemble from Guinea whose sound is similar to early Zouglou.
Although there is no denying that urban culture has influenced Ivory Coast musicians, the two aforementioned genres are still there. Dance continues to be important, young people continue to express their opinions, and music continues to be a diversion from political turmoil.
Ivory Coast has a large number of recording studios nowadays, and musicians avoid record companies in favor of freely releasing music on the internet and in pubs and clubs.
Check out our selection of the Top 10 Ivorian Singers Below.
Top 10 Musician From Cote D’Ivoire, Read More Below;
1. DJ ARAFAT
Over the course of his 15-year career, Ange Didier Houon has gone by a number of names, including DJ 3500 voltes, Yorobo, Influemento, Sao Tao le Dictateur, and DJ Arafat.
He is nevertheless regarded as one of the most well-known artists from the Ivory Coast, despite this.
He even invented the subgenre known as “kpangor.” He has greatly elevated the Coupé-Décalé genre in the nation. His popularity on social media, the amount of views he receives on YouTube, the number of features he has, and his more recent mentoring of up-and-coming artists like Ariel Sheney and Kiff No Beat are just a few examples of his influence.
Top 10 Musician From Cote D’Ivoire, Read More Below;
2. ARIEL SHENEY
Ariel Sheney is a producer and musician. He is acknowledged as the creative force for numerous contemporary Arafat beats. His voice has the ability to captivate an audience, and his beats are reminiscent of those of his predecessor. Ariel’s musical career seems to be taking off thanks to hits like “Ca Coule” and “Yelelema.”
3. DJ KEDJEVARA
Yao Parfait is well aware that he has large shoes to fill because his artist name is derived from Argentine rebel Che Guevara! Since 2012, he has been a driving influence behind the new age coupé décalé. His subjects are usually lighthearted.
4. FORCE ONE
This duo isn’t new to this; their beats, which draw inspiration from coupé décalé and dancehall, are authentic. Salamandre, their album from 2003, established the style of the music they have continued to produce.
5. SHADO CHRIS
Numerous national performers have cooperated with this producer/singer. “C Nous Les Boss” featuring Serge Beynaud is among his most well-known songs. His single “Lahan” launched his solo career in 2014.
Despite his reclusive demeanor, as suggested by his moniker, which is derived from “Shadow,” his songs are consistently at the top of the Ivorian charts. He was also able to secure a contract with Moov, the phone carrier, thanks to his fame.
Top 10 Musician From Cote D’Ivoire, Read More Below;
6. DEBORDO LEEKUNFA
Although this former DJ and vocalist began his career in clubs, it was his partnerships with DJ Arafat that would ultimately alter the course of his career.
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He contributed to the development of the Kpangor dance, which spread from the Ivory Coast to Gabon, Burkina Faso, and Cameroon. The previously described would serve as the basis for his independent career.
7. BEBI PHILIP
Bebi Philip came from a family of musicians, therefore it was only natural for her to go into the music business. His father was a Christian guitarist, thus a choir would be the audience for his debut performance. He studied music at the Lycée d’Enseignement Artistique.
Because of his tenacity and work ethic, he was asked to set up jobs for DJ Lewis, Molare, Jimmy Sissoko, and Kédjévara. Its song “Bobaraba” is just as well-known as Magic System’s “Premier Gaou.” He is a musical legend now, and he still has a lot more in store.
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8. SERGE BEYNAUD
Guy Serge Beynaud is a multi-skilled vocalist, composer, conductor, and dancer. He is regarded as one of the most gifted performers from Ivory Coast. Using his own beats, he began his singing career in 2007.
His debut album, Seul Dieu, was released in 2012 and quickly went platinum in just a few short weeks. Furthermore, he packed Abidjan’s Palais de la Culture, a 5,000-seat arena, that same year.
This establishes the tone for travels throughout Africa, the United States, and Europe. Currently, he has three albums that are at the top of the charts, a ton of hits, and admirers all over the world.
Top 10 Musician From Cote D’Ivoire, Read More Below;
9. MOLARE
This artist started Molare Prod, his own production firm, in 2003. Abidjan hosted the inaugural coupé-décalé festival in 2008, which brought many of the performers in the genre together.
Living between Abidjan and Paris, the creator of the décalé chinois has visited Europe, the United States, Canada, and other prominent African towns, including Bamako, Mopti, Kayes (Mali), Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso), Brazzaville, Pointe Noire (Congo), Niamey (Niger), and Cotonou (Bénin) alongside Akon.
10. KIFF NO BEAT
Without including the most well-known rap group in Ivory Coast, our list would be incomplete. These rappers have made a name for themselves in France in addition to being leaders in their native nation.
The ensemble, which consisted of five diverse members, came together in 2009 to create Dirty Décalé, a mash-up of coupé-décalé and American music from the Dirty South. Their entire discography evokes this fusion of genres.