Ivorian popular music has undergone a remarkable evolution, especially since the 1950s, moving from a blend of traditional and foreign genres to the creation of unique styles that have conquered the African continent and beyond.
The era of pioneers and « tradimodern » music
This period (1950s-1970s) was marked by the emergence of a modern music style directly inspired by local rhythms while embracing Western influences (Ghanaian and Nigerian highlife, jazz, Congolese rumba).
The artists of the time created what would become known as « tradimoderne. »
Key Artist: Ernesto Djédjé, nicknamed the « King of Ziglibithy, » was a major figure of this era.
He modernized ziglibithy, a traditional dance of the Bété people, by adding funk and soul sounds, creating a very popular style.
Also worthy of mention is Lougah François, who fused Bété tradition with gospel and funk.
The Emergence of Zouglou
The 1980s saw the birth of Zouglou, a musical genre deeply tied to the country’s social and political context.
Born on the university campuses of Abidjan, Zouglou is a protest music, sung in Nouchi (Ivorian slang), which humorously and ironically denounces the difficulties of youth daily life.
Key Artists: Groups like Magic System (which achieved worldwide success in the 1990s and 2000s), Les Poussins Chocs, and Espoir 2000 are the emblematic figures of this movement.
The genre has also given rise to other styles such as Zoblazo, popularized by the artist Meiway, which incorporates traditional Nzema percussion.
The Reign of Coupé-Décalé
The period from the 1990s to the 2000s was dominated by a new musical genre, Coupé-Décalé, which emerged among the Ivorian diaspora in Paris in the early 2000s.
It is a festive and dance music, with lyrics often centered on money, ostentation, and optimism.
It differs from Zouglou in its more festive and less politically engaged approach.
Key Artists: The movement’s « president, » Douk Saga, is the pioneer.
The genre has been popularized by numerous DJs and artists such as DJ Arafat, Serge Beynaud, and Kedjevara, who have made Coupé-Décalé an international phenomenon.
2010 to the present: a fusion of cultures and the influence of social media
Ivorian popular music continues to evolve, increasingly embracing international sounds and new technologies.
New trends: Zouglou and Coupé-Décalé remain popular, but are becoming increasingly intertwined.
New genres are emerging, such as « Afro-Zouk, » popularized by Monique Séka, or fusions with Nigerian Afrobeats and Jamaican Dancehall.
DJ Arafat: A Shooting Star in the Ivorian Sky
He made his debut in the famous maquis of Treichville, Abidjan’s red-light district.
The 2003 hit « Jonathan » brought DJ Arafat his first recognition in the coupé-décalé movement.
He continued his career in coupé-décalé, a festive style he popularized, a mix of rap and electro.
He then traveled to France twice for shows.
He died in a motorcycle accident in Abidjan on August 12, 2019, at the age of 33.
His most recent album, Renaissance, was released in 2018.