Using music to comment on the ills of African society, Tiken Jah Fakoly from the
Côte d'Ivoire became one of reggaes greatest and most contentious stars, his
social commentaries not always meeting with the approval of the authorities.
Growing up a Muslim, he discovered reggae early through listening to Bob Marley
and fellow Côte d'Ivoire singer Alpha Blondy and formed his first group Djelys
in 1987, going on to write songs that reflected the country's social history,
politics and contemporary events. He was particularly acclaimed in 1993 for a
song about the death of Félix Houpho...