Dobet Gnahoré at Joes Pub July 2nd 2024, “Zouzou” Release Tour

 

Dobet Gnahoré debuted music from “Zouzou” her new album with two New York City shows. A performance at Lincoln Center and a July 2nd show in the intimacy of Joe’s Pub. The music was drawn mostly from “Zouzou” (Angel), her 7th album, and 3rd released on the Cumbancha label after “Na Afriki” and “Couleur”

Recorded in her native country, “Zouzou” is dedicated to children and coincides with her effort to build an orphanage in Cote d’Ivoire.

The set began with a soothing lullaby-like song, “You” featuring instruments a child might use. In one hand Dobet held a small bamboo like tube, blowing air over the opening. In the other hand she shook a square shaker creating sounds evocative of nature including vocal whoops traded back and forth with drummer Mike Dibo.

Live, the starker, spacious interrpretations of her songs in the small group format contrasted with the lush studio production of Abidjan beatmaker Momo Wang. Dobet performed with long-time collaborators Julian Pestre, guitar;  Mike Dibo, drums and Louis Haessler, bass and keys.

Dobet Gnahoré's set at Joe's pub was later posted to her Youtube channel

Ivorian music is traditionally performed in contexts which include dance and story-telling.  Dobet’s radiant songs were sung and danced with exuberance. they explore positive, forward looking themes emphasizing resilience, unity, and community. She played a number of local percussion instruments one the course of the hour long set.

 

 Her training began at home learning from her father Bobi Gnahore, master percussionist and leader of theater group Ki-Yi Mbock who she performed with.

 Pestre’s tightly constructed guitar figures that weave throughout the music may be an influence of the elder master who tutored the younger generation on the traditional Ivorian rhythms. 

That solid grounding is seamlessly infused into her warm melodious afropop, songs that uplift and engage listeners, her fashion sense and spirited stage presence are unmatched, as can be seen in the videos “Akoya” and “Gni” from the album She may be speaking to the youth of her country but it one that is felt, we hope it won’t be 15 more years until she returns to Joe’s.