Ivoirian tour-de-force Dobet Gnahoré announces the upcoming release of her next album Zouzou with the release of the first of three singles. “Ayoka,” which means “Thank You Very Much” in the Bété language, is a an upbeat Afropop gem with a funky stutter-beat groove and catchy, sing-along melodic hooks. The single and the album were produced by Momo Wang, aka Dr. Wang, one of Abidjan’s most in demand beat makers and producer for top international talents such as Malian R&B superstar Aya Nakamura, leading coupé-décale singer Ariel Sheney and many others.

On “Ayoka,” Dobet expresses her gratitude for natural world and the life it supports. “Thank you to the universe for its protection / Thank you to the wind for its oxygen / I give thanks to life for its gifts / When I am sitting outside and I see the magic of life / I am captivated, I am in awe / I'm stunned, I'm amazed.”

The release of the “Ayoka” single is accompanied by a vibrant music video filmed at Lagune Aguien, a lake and rural community on the outskirts of Abidjan. The video was directed by Jyphael Tayorault, a rising talent in the thriving artistic community of Africa’s sixth most populous city.

With her amazing voice, incredible dance moves, powerful stage presence, and colorful sense of style, GRAMMY-winner Dobet Gnahoré is one of Africa's most revered and respected talents. Zouzou is the follow-up to Gnahoré’s acclaimed 2021 album Couleur, and it continues her efforts to draw on the creative energy of Abidjan, a bustling African metropolis that has emerged from years of conflict to become one of West Africa’s most important economic engines and creative centers.

To create her upcoming album and music videos, Gnahoré worked with a selection of her country’s top music producers, video directors, costume designers, dancers and photographers. The project serves as a powerful tribute to contemporary Africa’s impressive creative energy and the rich traditions that continue to inspire a new generation of artists.