This is the Ivorian phenomenon of the moment: the song “Djeneba Djaba” (literally: “onion seller” in Dioula), by the Ivorian Debordo Leekunfa has had nearly 5 million views since October 25 on YouTube… For this lightning success, in just two days, the star of the offbeat coupe surfed his community on TikTok.
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Report from our correspondent in Abidjan, Benoit Almeras
At the forefront of Debordo’s followers is Viviane, a very connected mother. “ The first time I heard it was on TikTok. And Djeneba Djabba, it gave an Ivorian dance with the posterior, with the chest, it is danced, it wiggles “.
At the origin of Djeneba Djabbathere is a rivalry… At the beginning of October 2024, Debordo took over “Vivienne” by Cameroonian Prince-Aimé. A remix, criticized in Yaoundé and Douala.
“ The way we consume music has completely changed »
So the Ivorian Tiktokers defend the star of the offbeat coupe by swaying to an old improvisation. Charly Kamikaze is a music producer in Abidjan: “ It is the whole of Côte d’Ivoire which has decided that this music Djenneba Djaba will be a hit. All our influencers participated and the videos had reposts that were not possible “.
The videos are viewed millions of times. Debordo is taking advantage of the trend. He released an official version of Djenneba Djaba.
Proof that Tiktok is essential, for Charly Kamikaze: “ If you don’t use TikTok today to reach the general public, it will be very very very complicated. The way we consume music has completely changed and TikTok can take anyone at any level and make them a star. »