Tiken Jah Fakoly

Tiken Jah Fakoly follows in the footsteps of his illustrious elder, Alpha Blondy. His committed lyrics have made him the new griot of African reggae. Doumbia Moussa Fakoly is born on 23 June 1968 in Odienné, Ivory Coast. In 1987 he forms his first reggae band, Djelys, which enjoys regional success and notably supports Solo Jah Gunt in 1992. Increasingly in the spotlight, the band releases a first album ("Djelys", in 1993), then a second, "Missiri", in 1994.

It is at this time that Tiken Jah Fakoly develops his political side. As the elections following the death of Houphouët Boigny after 30 years in power spark numerous demonstrations, Tiken Jah Fakoly gives voice to the demands of the young. Now a solo artist, he releases "Mangercratie" in 1996, which makes him famous. "We've seen all the other "-cracies", now we want mangercracy or nothing", chants the title track. It is only in 1998 that France can discover this album, on Barclay. Success is on its way. In 2000 his album "Cours d'Histoire" comes out. Tours follow one after another: he is seen at the Garance Reggae Festival at Bercy, then supporting Israel Vibration. In February 2002, "Françafrique", recorded in Jamaica at the Tuff Gong studios, finishes cementing his popularity.

His message, sometimes naive, is always rooted in everyday reality. His uncompromising lyrics on African administrations force him into exile: it is impossible for him to return to Ivory Coast without fearing for his safety. "I am not afraid", he declared at the time. "If I have to be killed because I tell a truth, no problem, I am ready. Someone has to say these things, and I'll take it on." His fame only increases his commitment to Africa. In 1998, during the World Cup in France, he appears at the Forum du Monde. He takes part in the compilation "Drop the Debt" in 2003, and is seen at the opening concert of "Un autre sommet pour l'Afrique", a counter-demonstration organised in response to the France-Africa summit. And when he is awarded at the Victoires de la musique française for his album "Françafrique", he does not hesitate to use it as a platform to spread his message.

Tiken Jah Fakoly returns to the front of the stage in 2004 with his best album, "Coup de Gueule": the griot has not laid down his arms.