SERGE BEYNAUD: A SYMBOL OF COUPÉ-DÉCALÉ MOVEMENT

Guy Serge Beynaud Gnoulou but professionally known as “Serge Beynaud” is an Ivorian singer, songwriter and music producer, associated with styles such as Coupé- Décalé and Loko Loko. He was born on 19^th September 1987 in Yopougoun in the South – east of Abidjan in the Lagunes region. He has been composing songs since childhood.

In, 2007, Douk Saga found interest in him and called him to participate in their composition. He soon rose to prominence in the fields of composition and sound design. He started out as a Sound arranger for a number of Ivorian musicians.

In 2009, he launched himself into the spotlight with his song “Kouma Lébé” which turned out to be a great success in Africa. Ever since, the song continued to rise in the ranking of African Urban music and dances. Following his singing with David Monsoh’s label, Obouo Music, he self-produced his debut album, “Seul Dieu” in 2012. The coupé-décalé community regards this album as one of the genre’s greatest “classics”. His second album “Talehi” was released during the summer of 2014 and with the singles “Côté sensible” with Colonel Reyel and “Kababléké”. The album featured many guests including Colonel Reyel and Bebi Philip. Serge’s career has spanned four albums and numerous successful singles, including “Marabout”, “En haut”, “Tipé”, “La Daba”, “Ye Dja” and many others.

Serge has featured with many renowned artists internationally like Diamond Platnumz, Iyanya, Krys, Molare, Debordo Leekunfa and many others.

He has been honoured several times due to his wonderful work of art like; in 2016, he won “Song of the year” at the Coupé-Décalé Awards, still in 2016, he won “Best French Speaking” at the MTV Awards, he got awards at the AFRIMMA Awards in 2015 and 2016 as “Best dance in a video” and “Best male West Africa”, and many other awards he has earned due to his talents.

Serge Beynaud is no doubt a musical genius, a composer of unique melodies, a man with great sense of style, a guru in Coupé-Décalé who has contributed a lot in Africa and the world at large.

Delia Nyadi