From the recording TCHAPALO
Tchapalo, composed, written, arranged, and produced by Yakou N'guessan.
My initial composition, originally intended for a jazz quartet band, evolved into a piece characterized by a fusion of jazz elements with classical music accents. It incorporates a strong groove inspired by the Bété tribe from central west Cote d’Ivoire, my mother's heritage. Additionally, the lyrics are in Agni, a dialect of the Akan Tribe from eastern Cote d’Ivoire and western Ghana, and they translate to “Welcome to you.”
• Yakou N - Drums, Synths, Percussions, Background Vocals
• Arnaud N’gaza – Bass, Background Vocals
• Laurent Noh – E. Piano
• Randy Hoexter – Piano
• Deji Coker – Soprano Sax
• Philip Adair – B3
• Keith Grant – Audio Engineer
Lyrics
Akwaba Aniamman (Welcome my brother)
Ati ôklê Ou ti blé (No matter where you are from)
M’sikê é bo klwa ti koun (I know we are all the same)