What is zouglou music?

Zouglou music is a popular genre of music that originated in Côte d'Ivoire during the 1990s, particularly among the young people of Abidjan. It is characterized by its upbeat rhythms, catchy melodies, and lyrics that often address social and political issues. The term "zouglou" is derived from the Beté language spoken in the western region of the country, and it can be loosely translated to mean "hard times" or "life is tough."

Zouglou music is influenced by a variety of musical genres, including traditional Ivorian music, soukous, reggae, and hip hop. The use of percussion instruments such as the djembe, congas, and bongos is also a defining feature of the genre. The lyrics of zouglou songs often touch on topics such as unemployment, poverty, corruption, and other social issues that affect the youth in Côte d'Ivoire.

One of the most popular bands to emerge from the zouglou music scene is Magic System, whose hit song "Premier Gaou" became a national anthem in Côte d'Ivoire and helped to popularize the genre across Africa. Today, zouglou music continues to evolve and gain new fans both in Africa and around the world.