Tiken Jah was born into a family of griots and christened Doumbia Moussa Fakoly on June 23, 1968 in Odienne, north-western Côte d'Ivoire. He discovered reggae at an early age, assembling his first group, Djelys, in 1987. He became well-known at a regional level, but would soon ascend to national recognition.
Concerned by the social and political evolution of his country, it was not long before Tiken Jah was writing incisive works on the political environment in Côte d'Ivoire. One such work was on the death of Felix Houphouet-Boigny in 1993, which resulted in a surge of popularity amongst the nation's youth. In 1998, Fakoly made his first international appearance in Paris.
Tiken Jah Fakoly plays music "to wake up the consciences". His music speaks about many injustices done to the people of his country, and those over Africa. As such, African listeners feel a deep affinity with his lyrics as Fakoly speaks for people whom are under oppression. This connection has helped make Tiken Jah Fakoly a much-listened artist throughout both Europe and Africa.
Discography
1. 1993: Les Djelys (cassette only - discontinued)
2. 1994: Missiri (cassette only - discontinued)
3. 1996: Mangercratie
4. 1999: Cours d'histoire
5. 2000: Le Cameleon (exclusive to West Africa)
6. 2002: Françafrique (a term coined by Francois Xavier-Verschave)
7. 2004: Coup de gueule
8. 2005: Africa wants to be free, compilation to support fr:Survie (association)
NOTE: Mangercratie was released in France in 1999 and in Canada in 2000. Cours d'histoire was released in France in 2000 and in Canada in 2001. The first two albums were only released in Côte d'Ivoire.
Outside Projects
Tiken Jah Fakoly has recorded various tracks with other artists. He is featured on Steel Pulse: African Holocaust, on Rike: Airt Frais, on Bernard Laviliers: Carnet De Bord, on Amadou & Marima: Dimanche A Bamaco, on Dub Incorporation: Life, and on Tata Pound: Cikan. He also appears on the compilation African Consiences with Mebgane N'Dour. He will be featured in the upcoming movie Les Oiseaux Du Ciel, directed by Eliane De Latour.
Awards:
2003: Victoires de la Musique 2003, in the category of Reggae Album/Ragga/World with the album Françafrique.
One Step Forward
Tiken Jah Fakoly Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴
Na na na na na na
Ooh yeah ooh yeah
Na na na na na na
One step forward, two steps backward
Down inna Babylon
One step forward, two steps backward
One day you are dreadlocks (well dread)
Next day you are baldhead (clean shave)
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
Are you a commercialized
Grabbing at the cash-backs?
This is a time of decision
Tell me, what is your plan? yeah
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
Straight is the road that leads to destruction
Ooh yeah
The road to righteousness is narrow
Ah let me tell you say
Indictive feelings enter feeling
The truth is a fact, tell me
Are you a con man, or are you a dreadlocks, eh?
One step forward, two steps backward
Down inna Babylon
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
Ooh yeah ooh yeah
Na na na na na na
Ooh yeah ooh yeah
Na na na na na na
The road is rough and the hill is steep
Ah let me tell you say
The mountain is high and the valley is deep
Oh yeah oh yeah
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
Onward, forward, don't step backward
Step out of Babylon
One step forward, two steps backward
Down inna Babylon
One step forward, two steps backward
Down inna Babylon
Ooh yeah ooh yeah
Ah let me tell you say
Ah let me tell you say
Ooh yeah ooh yeah
Ah let me tell you say
One step forward, two steps backward
Dow
n inna Babylon is a song about overcoming the challenges of living in a society that is oppressive and unjust. The lyrics suggest that moving forward is difficult but necessary, and that it requires determination and perseverance. The repetition of "one step forward, two steps backward" suggests the difficulty of making progress in such a society, but also the importance of continuing to move forward despite setbacks. The reference to dreadlocks and baldheads may be a commentary on the commercialization of Rastafarianism, and the need to stay true to one's beliefs and values despite societal pressure.
The song also touches on the theme of materialism, and the importance of making ethical choices. The lines "Are you a commercialized/Grabbing at the cash-backs?/This is a time of decision/Tell me, what is your plan?" suggest that the singer is concerned about the ways in which individuals are co-opted by consumer capitalism, and the need to resist these pressures in order to move towards a more just and equitable society.
Overall, One Step Forward is a powerful song that speaks to the enduring struggles faced by those fighting against oppression and injustice. It is a call to action, urging listeners to keep moving forward despite the challenges, and to stay true to themselves and their values in the face of societal pressure.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Lee Perry
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Gordao012csc
Q som foda, merecia mais reconhecimento. Um salve do 🇧🇷
@balkanskareggaemuzika8985
So beautiful to see Max Romeo and Tiken Jah Fakoly standing side by side and singing along this marvellous reggae hymn. Without prejudice and big egos, just two simple men and great musicians singing and enjoying in what they do best.
@DrummieSeb
Totally agree. Let's not forget Sly and Robbie and the rest of the musicians, as well as the excellent sound engineering that makes this moment so special. TJK has set a big session there.
@reggae-dubculture9965
superbe duo les gens qui mettent des pouces en bas n'aiment pas le Reggae ... Big up Max romeo & big up tiken Jah
@thflk.0055
Et Manu Katché aussi non ?
@noubamaeva8782
Avoir vue cet homme en concert a été la meilleure décision que j'ai pris je crois
@claudovaldorta362
Caramba...!! Estou arrepiado ouvindo essa música, simplesmente maravilhosa.
@djincemouandza5511
I'm very very happy. Je kiffe tellement cette collaboration. deux monstres de la musique noire.
@j.r.sproduction4708
De la music 🎶 simplement....
@teachermancerezo2114
Wicked!How good and pleasant it is to see big time artists like Max Romeo helping put African artists on the world map.Blessed