Skip to main content
Work with the NEU
Ernesto Djedje was one of the most innovative and successful artists Cote d‘Ivoire has ever produced
(L to R) Ernesto Djedje in 1977; Statue of Djedje at the entrance of Insaac (school of Arts) Cocody, Abidjan [(L to R) Analog Africa; Ariel Palmon/CC]

A RISING star in the 1960s, when he became the guitar player and leader of the group Ivoiro Star, Ernesto Djedje set out to modernise Ivorian music and popularised the ziglibithy style of music, a pulsating hot mix of makossa and funk.

In 1968 he headed for Paris to record his first singles, arranged and produced by Manu Dibango and influenced by US soul, the music of Cameroon and Zaire as well as traditional Ivorian music.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
GR
Album Reviews / 21 August 2026
21 August 2026

Re-releases of the classics Gypsy Rhumba and Buena Vista Social Club, and a stunning album by Palestinian artist Faris Ishaq

IS
Music / 10 August 2026
10 August 2026

New releases from The Jayhawks, Primal Scream, and Max Subar

SJ
Music / 20 July 2026
20 July 2026

New releases from Old Spot, Chris Marksberry, and Clementine Lovell

IS
Music / 3 November 2025
3 November 2025

New releases from The Dreaming Spires, Bruce Springsteen, and Chet Baker