With the reign of dance hall and afrobeats in Western mainstream, it’s important for us to celebrate and recognize the roots of these tropical vibes. Coupe Decale, Zouglou and Zouk are Ivory Coast’s own popular music genres that have been creating waves from Africa, Europe to the Caribbean and back. In honor of the Cote D’Ivoire’s 56th anniversary of independence, here’s a brief guide to Ivorian music.
Coupe Decale, the Ivory Coast’s definitive pop music was created in Paris by a group of DJ’s at a nightclub called "Atlantis." These DJs known as the ‘Jet Set’ embodied the Ivorian spirit in the streets of Paris, flaunting their flamboyant style. They would promenade around with large amounts of cash into nightclubs and pass it out to people in the audience. In Nouchi (Ivorian slang), coupé means to cheat and Décalé means to run away. Essentially, their name means to cheat somebody and run away. The person getting cheated is the West/France, Europe per se.
In fact, early Coupe Decale celebrated those who used craftiness to get become successful abroad. The rise of the genre occurred during a tumultuous time in the Cote d’Ivoire. "Sagacite," by the late, legendary Douk Saga of the Jet Set was the rising hit that united the politically divided nation. Coupe Decale became the maintenance of a good mood, with the lyrics addressing relationships, earning money and essentially specific dance moves that refer to current events like “grippe aviaire” (avian flu) or Guantanamo, which references to Guantanamo Bay detention center danced with hands motioning raised as if in chains; Konami, Drogbacite and Kolocite refer back to soccer, accompanied by the relative dance. These global themes are what helped Coupe Decale dominate and spread influence across Africa and the diaspora. Consisting of a very percussive style, African samples, heavy bass and recurring minimalist arrangements, Coupe Decale is used by many Western African countries such as Nigeria, Togo, Mali, Burkina Faso, Congo, Benin and More.
Another prominent genre is Zouglou. Satirical in nature, this popular traditional music started with students of the University of Abidjan. Relative to Reggae and Soca music (the soul of calypso, a genre of Caribbean music), Zouglou music tells a story of the social realities lived by the youth, delivers life advice and also passes a message whether political or humerous. In 1999, Magic System, a famous Ivorian group, brought international spotlight to the Zouglou dance style with the classic "1er Gaou." Emerging in the 90’s and evolving over time, the genre has prominent hints of French folklore from Bailly Spinto or Reggae by Alpha Blondy and even Rock with the help of Gnahoré Jimmy. Written in local dialects, French and nouchi, Zouglou uses humor to address bad news occurring in society: a musical meme, if you will. We can find traces of Zouglou in the evolution of rap in the West today; take J. Cole’s “Can’t Get Enough” for example, in which he samples “Paulette” by Balla et ses Balladins, a Guinean folklore band whose derivative sound is that of early Zouglou. Zouglou was made by and for the youth, it is the pure outcome of cultural Abidjan.
Located in North West Africa, the Ivory Coast is not a Caribbean country but it is influenced in the genre of Zouk music by the French Caribbean. Just like the troubadours in Europe during the renaissance, Zouk’s primary objective is to share love messages with the occasional help of love poems. Traced back to its Dominican roots, Zouk is a genre that connects Afro-latinos, African, Caribbeans and Europeans. Peeling back layers of American rock and soul elements, we find West African rhythms, primarily Ivorian and Senegalese whose influence created its own sub-genre. West African Zouk is heard throughout the French Caribbean, West Africa and Europe. It is slower and smoother than the fast-paced “secours” of body Guadeloupe version.
All in all, Ivorians are known for their positive ambiance. Despite the socio-political drama that may be undergoing in the country, we always find a way to put a smile on our faces. Ivorian music is the eternal manifestation of unity in the country. Reflecting the aspirations of the youth, and giving an insight on what it means to be Ivorian as well as the political climate of the city, Ivorian music style is a prominent and important genre throughout all of Africa.
