What music do people listen to in Ivory Coast?

Mainly coupé-décalé, zouglou, rap ivoire and Afropop, alongside gospel, reggae and traditional music. In the maquis you mostly hear the latest local hits.

What is coupé-décalé?

A fast electronic dance music that emerged in the early 2000s in the Ivorian scene in Paris, with Douk Saga and the “Jet Set”, and quickly spread to Abidjan and across West Africa.

A style that emerged among students in Abidjan around 1990. The lyrics tell of daily life with humour, in French and Nouchi. Magic System is its best-known group internationally.

Who are the best-known Ivorian musicians?

Among others Alpha Blondy and Tiken Jah Fakoly in reggae, Ernesto Djédjé, Meiway, Magic System, DJ Arafat and, today, rappers such as Didi B.

When does FEMUA take place?

Every year in Abidjan, in the Anoumabo district. The exact dates change each year, so check them with the organisers before you travel.

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Music in Ivory Coast: from zouglou to coupé-décalé.

Music is everywhere in Ivory Coast: from the speakers of the maquis, in shared taxis, at weddings and funerals, in the churches on Sunday. The country has produced its own styles, heard across West Africa — from zouglou, which emerged among students in Abidjan around 1990, to coupé-décalé, which took over the dance floors in the early 2000s. Behind them lies an older tradition of drums, balafon and masked dance that is still very much alive. This page sets out the styles, names the key artists and tells you where to hear the music on the ground.

Drums

Traditional music often has a purpose

Masked dances, initiations and funerals follow their own rules, and some music is not meant for spectators. Ask before you film or photograph, and accept a no. At concerts, in maquis and at festivals this does not apply — joining in is exactly what is expected.

The styles at a glance

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Questions we get asked

Laughing dancer in a raffia skirt and collar with arms spread wide — Dancing in raffia

Woman in a red pagne dancing and smiling in front of seated guests — Dancing at a celebration

Balafons and drums of different sizes on a wooden wall — Balafon and drums

To the music, without driving at night.

An evening in a maquis, a festival in Anoumabo, a concert in Yopougon — and then it gets late. With a driver from one of our partners you get back safely. We advise you on the route and the vehicle.

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