5 ivorian tradi-modern gems selected by Ohjeelo

"I go back to this one when I need an energy boost or when I just want to shake a leg. It’s very dancey and always puts me in a good mood, with an hypnotizing music video full of cheesy retro special effects."

"One of my first ever electronic music loves. This song showed me that minimal doesn’t mean boring — it’s an understated, hypnotic masterpiece. I also remember many walks to my first job out of high school at a restaurant, listening to this song on repeat and finding myself in some sort of hypnotised, mellow state."

"Always vibing hard to this one, it’s a heartwarmer. I couldn’t find the original track but this jazz-hop-y remix is perfect. I have to mention the ethereal music video showing Allah Thérèse in traditional baoulé garments. It brings up many family memories."

"This is the first ivorian jungle track I ever stumbled upon, it was during a deep digging session looking for ivorian bass music. I find it so powerful to hear ébrié dialect on a jungle beat, it holds a special place in my heart and I play it as much as I can. RIP Angelo Dogba, legend from Blockhauss, Abidjan."

"Last but not least, “Union fait la force” meaning “Union makes strength” is a wholesome anthem for positivity and community. Another ivorian jungle gem with Reine Pelagie, singing in bété, I discovered while researching tracks for a 100% ivoirian women singers tribute mix I made couple years ago."