Tiken Jah Fakoly

Tiken Jah Fakoly

Tiken Jah Fakoly is a reggae singer from Odienné, Côte d’Ivoire, born in 1968. He is also known by the name Doumbia Moussa Fakoly. He comes from a family of griots and begins performing under the name Tiken Jah Fakoly after discovering reggae at an early age.

Career

He forms his first group, Djelys, in 1987. His early work brings him regional attention, then national recognition in Côte d’Ivoire. He writes songs about political and social issues, especially injustice, oppression and the situation in his home country and across Africa. A song about the death of Félix Houphouët-Boigny in 1993 gives him a further rise in popularity among young listeners.

In 1998, he makes his first international appearance in Paris. His music is closely associated with politically engaged roots reggae, and he is known for using his songs to address public consciousness and social criticism.

Discography

His albums include Les Djelys, Missiri, Mangercratie, Cours d'histoire, Le Cameleon, Françafrique, Coup de gueule and Africa wants to be free. The first two are cassette-only releases and are issued only in Côte d’Ivoire. Mangercratie is released in France and Canada, Cours d'histoire is also released in both countries, and Le Cameleon is exclusive to West Africa. Françafrique takes its title from a term coined by François-Xavier Verschave. Africa wants to be free is a compilation made to support the association Survie.

Collaborations and other projects

He appears on recordings with Steel Pulse, Rike, Bernard Lavilliers, Amadou & Mariam, Dub Incorporation and Tata Pound. He also appears on the compilation African Consiences with Mebgane N’Dour. He is also due to appear in the film Les Oiseaux Du Ciel, directed by Eliane de Latour.

Awards

In 2003, he wins a Victoires de la Musique award in the Reggae Album/Ragga/World category for Françafrique.