A music melting pot

Côte d'Ivoire, where zouglou was born, has spent nearly 25 years developing the ability to export its music, attract international investment and promote its artists around the world. In the 2000s Douk Saga and the collective Jet Set paved the way with coupé-décalé, before it was reinvented and internationalised by the late DJ Arafat. Its influence is everywhere, even in Ivorian Afropop, spearheaded by Magic System and Josey, who featured on the soundtrack of the recent African Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire. However, it's Ivorian rap that is currently the most successful export, rivalling neighbouring Nigeria's urban sounds. This movement, the mainstay of a new generation, is making its mark on French-speaking hip hop thanks to artists like Didi B and Tam Sir, who wrote the hit ‘Coup du marteau’ specially for the Africa Cup of Nations, and which went viral around the world. The industry is keeping pace: Universal Music Africa and Trace have set up their French-speaking African offices in Abidjan, and festivals are booming, like Mother Africa and FEMUA. Countless artists popular with French audiences, from Tiakola to Dadju and Tayc, are performing regularly in Côte d'Ivoire. This vibrant scene has put Abidjan on the map as one of the continent's new music capitals.