Dobet Gnahoré – Zouzou (Cumbancha, 2024)
Award-winning Ivorian singer-songwriter Dobet Gnahoré will release her new album, Zouzou, on June 28, 2024. This album deftly mixes African rhythms with modern influences and addresses the challenges faced by African children. Dedicated to the youth who will shape Africa’s future, Zouzou also marks the beginning of Gnahoré’s orphanage project in the Ivory Coast, highlighting her commitment to positive change for the next generation.
Zouzou, meaning “Angel” in French, is Gnahoré’s seventh studio album and celebrates African culture and identity. Gnahoré, a gifted singer, dancer, percussionist, and songwriter, is renowned for her dynamic performances and deeply emotional vocals. Her accessible Afropop style, infused with captivating hip shaking hooks, further underscores her extraordinary talent and profound connection to her roots. She won a Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance in 2010 for her collaboration with India.Arie.
After years in France, Gnahoré returned to Abidjan for inspiration from its vibrant music and arts scene. She collaborated with director Jyphael Tayorault and top local designers, makeup artists, dancers, and photographers to create three music videos for the album.
Zouzou features standout tracks that explore themes of resilience, unity, and community.
On the album’s title track, Dobet Gnahoré sings of her faith in the guardian angel that has stood by her throughout life’s challenges.
“The presence of the angel was felt / The angel passed by I couldn’t see him but I felt him / I felt it, I feel it with every beat of my heart
the angel passed and took away my pain / He is with me, he does not abandon me / He is with you even if you do not believe in him /
The angel has passed through our lives / The angel is present.”
Buy Zouzou.
Author: Sonia Keller
