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Tiken Jah Fakoly: The Engaged Voice of African Reggae Facing Crisis

Tiken Jah Fakoly, whose real name is Doumbia Moussa Fakoly, was born on June 23, 1968, in Odienné, in northwest Côte d'Ivoire. Born into a family of griots and descended from a warrior chief, he grew up in an environment where music and storytelling were tools of memory and reflection. He developed a passion for dance and music early on, founding his first band, Djelys, in 1987.

Tiken Jah Fakoly gained national recognition through his concerts, then won an international audience with activist albums such as Françafrique (2002) and Coup de gueule (2004). His songs denounce social injustices, corruption, and neocolonialism, and the artist does not hesitate to point out the political excesses and conflicts that plague Africa. His commitment led him to exile in Mali in 2003 to escape death threats in Côte d'Ivoire, but he continues to make his voice heard with strength and conviction.

His song "Le pays va mal," from the album Françafrique, perfectly illustrates this commitment. Through a simple yet powerful lyric, Tiken Jah Fakoly denounces ethnic divisions, internal conflicts, and the inability of leaders to respond to the needs of the people. The repetitive and powerful refrain—"Le pays va mal"—resonates like a cry of alarm and a call for collective awareness. Although centered on Côte d'Ivoire, this song has universal appeal and resonates particularly in contexts of political crisis, as is the case today in France. 

With his music, Tiken Jah Fakoly continues to remind us that reggae can be a peaceful weapon to raise awareness, convey messages of truth and inspire citizens to commit to a more just world.

Summary of the song "Le pays va mal"

"Le pays va mal," from the 2002 album Françafrique, is a poignant song in which Tiken Jah Fakoly expresses his dismay at the political and social situation in his country, Côte d'Ivoire, and in Africa in general. Through simple and direct lyrics, he denounces ethnic divisions, internal conflicts, and the inability of leaders to find lasting solutions. The refrain, "Le pays va mal," resonates like a cry from the heart, a call for collective awareness. This song, although centered on Côte d'Ivoire, resonates universally, particularly in France, where it can be seen as a reflection of current political crises.

Excerpt from "Le pays va mal"

[verse 1]

Before, we didn't talk

About northerners or southerners

But today, everything is ruined

The army is divided

Society is divided

The students are divided

Even our mothers at the market

Are divided

My country is in trouble

Discover Tiken Jah Fakoly on Média Caraïbes!

Musical genre: Reggae 

Date of birth: June 23, 1968 (57 years old in 2025)

D’Yani, the new voice of Jamaican reggae who invites us to “live a little”

Real name Andre Chavanie McCormack, the Jamaican singer, better known as D'Yani, is gradually establishing himself as one of the rising stars of contemporary reggae-dancehall. Born on May 24, 1994, in Spanish Town, St. Catherine Parish, the 31-year-old artist captivates with his expressive voice and authentic lyrics, halfway between roots heritage and modernity.

Before devoting himself fully to music, D'Yani pursued an exemplary academic career. A graduate in International Shipping, Supply Chain Management, and Logistics from the Caribbean Maritime University, he ultimately chose to put his professional career on hold to pursue his true passion: music.

His name began to circulate widely in Jamaica and beyond with the remix of his track "Feelings," a collaboration with Jada Kingdom. The song quickly surpassed one million views on YouTube and established the artist as a promising voice. Since then, D'Yani has released a string of notable singles, blending reggae rhythms with R&B influences and a sensitivity that has earned him a loyal following.

His lyrics speak of resilience, love, and the quest for joy, as in "Live A Little," where he encourages us to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the small moments of happiness despite the challenges of everyday life. This philosophy echoes the spiritual heritage of reggae and his deep belief in Jah, a source of strength and comfort.

On stage, he has already won over audiences at major events such as Reggae Sumfest and Sharkies Seafood Festival. He has also collaborated extensively, notably with Nigerian artist Balloranking on the track "We Up," which opened the doors to the African market. He was also recently chosen as an ambassador for the Pepsi Bubbla campaign in Jamaica, confirming his growing visibility.

His recording project, the EP "Muse," is like a declaration of love to his female fans, a constant source of inspiration. With a career that is still young but already marked by key milestones, D’Yani presents himself as an artist to watch closely, capable of making Jamaica shine beyond its borders while remaining faithful to its roots.

Média Caraïbes listened to D'Yani's Live a Little, a track released in 2023, and made it their favorite of the week, but what does this track convey?

D'Yani's song "Live a Little" encourages us to enjoy life despite its difficulties. It reminds us that trials, pressure, work, and sorrows are part of the journey, but that they also hide lessons and blessings. The chorus emphasizes the importance of breathing, slowing down, and savoring the small moments, rather than letting ourselves be consumed by stress. The artist encourages us to seek joy, peace, and freedom, to believe that things improve with time, and to maintain faith (especially in Jah, a symbol of spirituality and inner strength).

In summary: the song conveys a message of optimism, resilience, and a celebration of life, inviting everyone to find happiness in the simple pleasures of everyday life, even in the face of challenges.

Excerpt from Live a Little

[verse 3]

"So much to learn

So much to see

Some make it hard when it can be a breeze

We seek peace and to live at ease

Free as can be like the birds and the bees in the trees

Struggle we face is real

Happiness is scarce and it's easy to steal

There is beauty in despair

Comfort in the fear

Because we know that Jah is always there"

Discover D'Yani on Média Caraïbes!

Musical genre: Reggae / Dancehall (tinged with soul and R&B)

Date of birth: May 24, 1994 (31 years old in 2025)

Gilberto Gil & Stephen Marley

No Woman No Cry

Matieu White feat ‪@BienOfficial‬

Vibrate

Sona Jobarteh performed in Weimar at the invitation of the Franz Liszt University of Music in Weimar and its UNESCO Chair in Transcultural Musical Studies (TMS).

Sona Jobarteh – Acoustic Guitar/Kora/Vocals

Maurice Brown – Acoustic Guitar

Andi McLean – Electric Bass/Bass

Mouhamadou Sarr – Djembe/Congas/Calabash/Bass

Mathieu White

Binôme

Daddy Mory & Tiwony

Ce monde est fou

Maurane Voyer

Aller-Retour

IDY

Wandedu

Kalipsxau

Dernière danse

Misié Sadik

Yenki évè'w

Média Caraïbes, the 2025 back-to-school season promises to be dynamic and always Caribbean-spirited. A new addition to our playlist this week. For the Média Caraïbes staff, this is our summer hit of 2025.

SAÏK - Fout ou dous

SUMMER HIT 2025

Keros-N x Kny Factory

King Kong

Franko

Coller la petite

Afrobeats

Vidéo Mix 25

Afrobeat Grooves 2025

AFROBEAT 2025 MIXTAPE