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Dynamax and Ivorian DJs (Photo: Honore Koffi/US Embassy)

The American Hip Hop Maestro Dynamax Steals the Show in Côte D’Ivoire

The American hip hop artist, Dynamax was a star of attraction when thousands of spectators in Yopougon cheered him at an open-air concert designed to round off his week-long tour in Abidjan. The show was a great success as it featured local DJs, and music lovers from all walks of live.

Dynamax, who arrived in Côte d’Ivoire’s economic capital September 25, led workshops for local musicians, musicologists, American Corner members, local DJs, Ivoirian traditional gospel and hip hop singers, teachers of the National School of Music. During sessions with local DJs, he gave them an insider’s look at the music business, what it takes to ‘make it’, and the obstacles that musicians encounter.

He presented a short history of the origins of hip hop and showed them American mixing, and also encouraged them to become more professional – making demo CDs and learning for themselves the intricacies of business, management. They, in turn, showed him Ivoirian “Atalakou-styles”, which consist of integrating traditional praise singing into deejaying, as well as local music – including the current rage, “Coupé-Décalé”.  He left Cote D’Ivoire promising to return one day.