Summary

Coupe Decale is a music genre and dance style that originated in West Africa, particularly in Ivory Coast. It is a fusion of Ndombolo and pop. It is characterized by its high-energy, high-tempo sound and fast-paced dance moves. It is often accompanied by a call-and-response vocal style with lyrics that are both playful and humorous. It has become popular in African and African-diasporic communities, and is often used in celebrations and parties.

Influences
HistoryCoupé-Décalé is a dynamic dance music genre that originated in Côte d’Ivoire. It draws inspiration from the traditional dance of the Akoupé, a sub-group of the Attié people, who are part of the larger Akan ethnic community in Ivory Coast. The genre also incorporates elements from the 1990s Ivorian zouglou dance music and the lively rhythms of Congolese Ndombolo.  The genre was pioneered by a group of Ivorian DJs in Atlantis, an African nightclub in northeast Paris. These DJs, collectively known as the Jet Set, included figures like Doug Saga (the genre's pioneer), Molare, Lino Versace, Serge Defalet, Boro Sangui, Solo Concrete, Chacoule, Ace of Ace, and Abdoul De Bamba. Their extravagant and flamboyant style, both musically and visually, defined Coupé-Décalé’s early image.
The name "Coupé-Décalé" originates from Noushi, a street language spoken in Côte d’Ivoire, where coupé means "to cheat" and décalé translates to "run away" or "disappear." This phrase reflects a lifestyle of acquiring wealth quickly. Journalist Usher Aliman, author of Douk Saga, the Forbidden Story of Coupé-Décalé, explains that the term originated from the phrase “On coupe (we get scammed), on décale (we escape).” 
The genre developed in three waves: 
First Wave (2002–2004): This period marked the rise of the Jet Set and artists like DJ Jacob, DJ Allan, and DJ Arafat. 
Second Wave (2005–2006): Football-inspired dances such as la danse de la Moto, Konami, Drogbacité, and Kolocité defined this era. Boulevard DJ, DJ Bombastik, DJ Rodrigue, and Shanaka Yakusa were among the prominent artists.
Third Wave (2006–2010): New artists and innovative dance styles emerged, accompanied by a shift towards Congolese rhythms and influences, marking a phase of stylistic evolution.
The dance associated with Coupé-Décalé is characterized by movements inspired by football dribbling and steps borrowed from Ndombolo. Musically, the genre blends computerized beats with Ivorian rhythms, enhanced by samples of Congolese music, creating a unique and energetic sound.
Elements 
Form and Style

One of the most distinctive features of Coupé-Décalé music is its use of electric guitars, which are often played in a fast, percussive style. The guitar is usually accompanied by a rhythm section consisting of bass guitar, drums, and percussion instruments such as congas, bongos, and shakers. Keyboard instruments, such as pianos and synthesizers, are also frequently used in Coupé-Décalé music to add texture and color to the sound. Brass instruments, such as trumpets and saxophones, may also be used in some Coupé-Décalé songs, and contribute to its lively, celebratory feel. Vocals are an important part of Coupé-Décalé music and are typically performed by a lead singer and a chorus. The vocals are often sung in French or a variety of West African languages and are characterized by their catchy melodies and harmonies.

Singing Style

The singing style in Coupé-Décalé music is characterized by its catchy melodies and harmonies, and is often performed by a lead singer and a chorus. The vocals are typically sung in French or a variety of West African languages and may feature a range of vocal techniques, such as melisma, vibrato, and vibrato. In Coupé-Décalé music, the vocals play an important role in conveying the message and emotion of the song. The lyrics of Coupé-Décalé songs often deal with themes of love, relationships, and social issues, and the singing style is often used to convey the emotions and sentiments associated with these themes.

Theme

Though born during a period of political unrest, Coupé-Décalé focuses on themes such as love, success, and maintaining positive energy, often referred to as bonne ambiance. The genre's lyrics are crafted using a blend of French, Dyula, Bété, Baule, and Noushi street slang.

Culture

Coupé-Décalé music is shaped by the flamboyant style of artists both musically and visually. It reflects the lifestyle of acquiring wealth quickly.

Timbre

The timbre of Coupé-Décalé music is energetic and lively, with a wide range of instruments contributing to its rich, complex sound. The occasional use of brass instruments, such as trumpets and saxophones, may also be used in some Coupé-Décalé songs, and contribute to its lively, celebratory feel.

Arrangement

Coupé-Décalé is characterized by its fast tempo, energetic rhythms, and catchy melodies, and is often played with electric guitars, keyboards, and percussion. Coupé-Décalé music has been influenced by a variety of musical styles, including soukous, zouglou, ndombolo and hip-hop. The melodies in Coupé-Décalé music are typically carried by the vocals and the lead instruments, such as the electric guitar and keyboard. The melodies are often catchy and memorable and are often supported by harmonies sung by the chorus. In terms of the arrangement, Coupe Decale music is typically structured around a repeating pattern of bars, with each bar consisting of a specific number of beats. The rhythms in Coupe Decale music are often complex and feature a variety of syncopated patterns, and are played by the drums, percussion instruments, and electric guitars.