The most famous and influential DJs of Ivory Coast | Coupé-décalé music

Established choreographies, bling-bling dress codes on a percussive rhythm and ambianceur, the Coupé-décalé is a dance originating from Ivory Coast. Many say that they draw their inspiration from the traditional dance of the village of Akoupé. Unlike the musical rhythms that are born in Côte d’Ivoire, the Coupé-décalé was born in France, in Paris by a group of friends. This movement was launched by young Ivorians living in Paris, who have fun and enjoy life simply by dancing in Afro-Parisian nightclubs. When they arrive in nightclubs, these young people nicknamed the “Jet-set”, stand out from the others, with a particular dance, a bling-bling style, designer clothes, flashy jewelry, luxury cars. Everything is good to attract attention.
This group of Jet-setteur consists of Douk Saga, The Molar, Lino Versace, Defalet Serge, Boro Sangui, Solo Concrete, Chacoule, Ace of Ace, Abdoul de Bamba … They do not go unnoticed, during their passages in African clubs like Atlantis and Alizée Night Club. Always in order to stand out, they spend large sums of money in bottles of champagne and donations to performers. This way of distributing money to performers is called « travaillement ».
Upon arrival in Ivory Coast, the movement is all the rage in all the nightclubs in the country. “Coupé-décalé-travaillé”, these phrases set fire to the evenings. “Coupé” means “drunk” and “quirky” “go” in Ivorian. According to the journalist, Usher Aliman, author of “Douk Saga, the forbidden story of the coupé-décalé, one of the legends is that the expression Coupé-décalé comes from Ivorian sca “On coupe (we are scammed), on décale (we run away or disappear).”
More than a dance,Coupé Décalé becomes a music, a fashion in its own right, a state of mind that conquers all African nightclubs. In a context of economic, political and military crisis that will last until 2011, this music has become a real musical phenomenon. Fun, carefree, it allows Ivorians to forget their problems by taking life more lightly.
With its success, Coupé-décalé music exports and contaminates all Africa, the West Indies, and African-European nightclubs, thanks to athletes who have popularized some dance steps.
Since the advent of  Coupé-décalé music, the Dj take a considerable place in Côte d’Ivoire. Indeed, Ivorian music is so dynamic that it adapts to eras and generations. These DJ have become in a very short time, thanks to their creativity and their originality, essential stars of African music.

• 1/ DJ Arafat

 
_His real name: Ange Didier Houon
Dj Arafat is one of the iconic figures of the coupe-quirky after generation Douk Saga. Very popular in Côte d’Ivoire and on social networks, Arafat is always talked about him thanks to his many hit hits, his rants and scandals.
Awards and distinctions:

• He has two Kora of African music.
• He received the IvoirmixDj Gold Record.
  He is elected the best African artist Ceremony Equatorial Guinea.
• He is also the Best Male Artist Winner cut off 2016;
• He also received the César of Ivorian Music …
• He is crowned for the second year in a row “Best Artist of the Year” for the second edition of the “Coupé-Shifted Awards”.   

• 2/ Dj Debordeau

His real name: Patrick Sery Tanguy or Debordeau Leekunfa
Thanks to the hit song Kpangor, with Dj Arafat, Debordeau Dj has taken a considerable place in Ivorian music.
Awards and distinctions:

• The rival of DJ Arafat, also won for the second time, the prize for the best concept with its title “Pikimin. “

• 3/ Dj Kédjévara

With his hit Tchoukou-Tchoukou, which was a real success in Ivory Coast. Dj Kédjévara was able to win and get noticed in the middle. Some know him because he is also the son of Antoinette Allany, a well-known Ivorian artist.

• 4/ Dj Leo

The child of Grand Bassam, author of the song “Profitez de la vie “, is one of the most influential Dj of Ivory Coast. Dj Leo ranks at the forefront of quirky coupé artists.

• 5/ Dj Mix PREMIER

His real name: Sofonnou Yaovi Emile Claver
Regarded as the most beautiful voice of the coupé-shifted, Mix Premier received the trophy of the most beautiful voice at the Offered Coupe Awards in 2016. The Ivorian-Beninese artist has made about twenty singles and three albums. He developed his passion for music when he spent time in his mother’s maquis. With the dream of becoming a DJ, he followed a training to reinforce his knowledge in the field. Thanks to his meeting with Dj SAT, he will gradually return to the world of Dj and sign his first contract as a DJ in the maquis “the big court” in Abidjan in the town of Marcory.
Awards and distinctions:

• He received the prize for the most beautiful voice.
• DJ Mix Premier has been awarded for Best Clip: “Headache”

But there are also many talented DJs in Ivory Coast, who have marked the history of Ivorian music, like Dj Doug Saga (who has died), DJ Lewis, Dolisiana Debordo, Francky Dicaprio.

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What is your favorite Dj?