BAYFashion Nov 2011
F E L Y TCHA C O by Emmanuel Nado
featured crooner
IFelyf beauty is all it takes for success, well then Ivory Coast music sensation Tchaco embodies this quality and more. She is one of the San Francisco bay area music scene’s best kept secret. Born in Cote d’Ivoire the West Africa, Fely, s passion with music began in her early teenager years. She remembers escaping many nights to the neighborhood local bands. After realizing her path, Fely came home one day and told her father that music is what she would love to do. Against her father’s negative response, she decided to take matters in her own hands, left home and quit school, then later on joined a group in Yamoussoukro the political Capital as a lead singer. In her native country the Cote d’Ivoire, competition is though as the country is home to many awesome performers and creators of many African music styles who have went to become international super stars such as Alpha Blondy and many more. In her debut, Fely adopted Latin rhythms, mixed a good crafted musical style of her own, steeped in the traditional rhythm of both her gouro and Bete ethnic culture. She subsequently released 2 albums in the style.
A music video of one of the albums “Mon Espoir” (my hope) sung un French which featured an American actor Tinny Lister won the outstanding
music video honor for “Ivoire Clip Show” in 1998, on the national TV. Both albums critically acclaimed sent Fely on concert tours throughout West Africa and rocketed her to national stardom, reveling her talent as a singer songwriter, performer and dancer. Television appearances on many entertainment shows coupled with music magazines interviews making headlines celebrating her talents, Fely became a household name. Her latest release is “ aturite”, a collection of songs with a strong message of hope and peace not only for her country, but for the entire world. Fely sings in many different languages, English, French and in her native Gouro language, emphasizing on her cultural background, infused with traditional folk rhythms. The central theme of “Maturite” is Africa; Fely pays tribute to Africa for its contribution to the world. “Goba” the first track on the album has been selected as a finalist in the world music category by the international songwriting competition listening committee.
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F ely is a total package with a powerful persona, positive aura, she is a dynamic performer and dancer as well specializing in rhythms of the forest like Gbegbe, Gaou Alloukou and Zaouli etc...
F ely Tchaco wants to be the bearer of the unique rhythm and represent her culture through the music she grew up with. As she explains “our cul-
ture is disappearing, it is therefore my duty to break new ground throughout the United States and expose it to the audience. I am devoted to this.” As in her previous albums, Fely writes her songs and self-produces her albums. She also designs and assumes the art direction. As versatile she may be, she also has remained true to her roots.
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