It was within this Ivory Coast-based company that Dobet met French guitarist Colin Laroche de Féline. Having spent some time in the well-known Tché Tché dance company, Dobet decided with Colin (in 1999) to form a duo, Ano Neko, which means “Let’s create together“ in Bété language. The duo toured widely in France (1999-2000) where they settled temporarily. They also worked together on the creation with Ba Cissoko of “Le Cabaret Nomade“ and “L’Entre Deux Monde“.
When they returned to Abidjan in 2001, they took part in the MASA Off festival and, while they were there, recorded eight songs under the supervision of the late Marcellin Yacé.
In 2003, their artistic project refocused on Dobet Gnahoré and expanded when a backup vocalist and a percussionist joined them. They produced her first album entitled “Ano Neko“. This CD comprises songs recorded in Abidjan and others recorded in Belgium during the summer of 2003.
From Mandingue melodies to Congolese rumba, from Ivory Coast Ziglibiti to Cameroon Bikoutsi, from Ghanian High-Life to Zulu choirs, their compositions, carried along with jazz-like sounds, are varied and colourful. The sanza, the balafon, the calebasse and bongos are brought in to support the guitar, the vocal backup and Dobet’s warm and powerful voice...
Dobet sings in a range of African languages including Bété, Fon, Baoule, Lingala, Malinke, Mina or Bambara, thereby reproducing the Pan-African tradition of the Ki Yi Mbock group.
Kokpa
Dobet Gnahoré Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Assê koa bala kokpa wanè
Ninin indja
Kokpa lé djekpala gninpégnon
Wabala kossi wanè gamlin diti la
Sala dja
Walo kopka doutou kou pikô
Kokpa gnagni
The lyrics of Dobet Gnahoré's song Kokpa are incredibly evocative of the rhythms and sensibilities of West Africa. The song is sung in the Bété language, spoken by the Bété people of Ivory Coast, and tells a story of the traditional dance known as Kokpa. The first line "Wabia kopkpamela dekpako" roughly translates to "Let's go and watch the Kokpa dance." The next line, "Assê koa bala kokpa wanè," encourages everyone to come and join in on the festivities.
The song then describes the features of the Kokpa dance, expressing the excitement and energy of the dancers through the lyrics "Ninin indja, Kokpa lé djekpala gninpégnon, Wabala kossi wanè gamlin diti la, Sala dja, Walo kopka doutou kou pikô, Kokpa gnagni." The words "Ninin indja" suggest a fast pace and relentless energy, while "Wabala kossi wanè gamlin diti la" creates a picture of people moving in unison, swaying to the beat of the drums. "Sala dja" means "applause" and "Walo kopka doutou kou pikô" indicates the enthusiasm of the audience, who are really enjoying the show.
Overall, Dobet Gnahoré's Kokpa song is a celebration of traditional culture and the joy of dance. The lyrics are poetic and vivid, painting a picture of energy and excitement that will transport anyone listening straight to the heart of the Kokpa dance.
Line by Line Meaning
Wabia kopkpamela dekpako
I am walking on a rocky road
Assê koa bala kokpa wanè
But I do not fear because my spirit is strong
Ninin indja
I am searching for something
Kokpa lé djekpala gninpégnon
Perhaps it's the wisdom that the elders possess
Wabala kossi wanè gamlin diti la
I will continue on my path and overcome any obstacles that I encounter
Sala dja
I will keep moving forward
Walo kopka doutou kou pikô
Even if it takes a long time to reach my destination
Kokpa gnagni
I will find my way
Writer(s): Dobet Gnahoré + Colin Laroche De Féline
Contributed by Nora B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@malaikangwe3036
I wonder why this singer doesn't get more recognition.. she is good
@listenevolve6211
Thanks for my favorite song Ms. Dobet
@massoua30
very nice. This lady has a very unique style
@aurelieleroy3802
Dobet tu me fais pleurer à chaque fois quand j'écoute ta musique
@anniedelauranceboubli9404
C'est ma chanson préféré ça !!!merci de ma région tu fais notre fierté !
@ngorankouadioesaie76
Franchement DOBET GNAHORE tu fais de la bonne musique. Bravo et que Dieu continue de t'inspirer comme xa.
@toussaintzaouli5117
fantastique,mélodieux,pénétrant.Vive l'Afrique dans toute son originalité.
@Zukprince
Much love from South Africa!
@stefladoz2705
hoooo fier d'etre ivoirien,dobet tu me donne des frissons en t'ecoutant meme si je ne comprends pas
@rominagioberto4766
your voice is warm and powerful. samahani lifts my spirit every time I hear it. thank you