Logobi

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Logobi, sometimes written as Logobie, is an Ivorian music genre and dance from Côte d'Ivoire. It began in 1986 and became popular on university campuses in Abidjan. It is based on the traditional Zouglou dance but adds new elements. Zouglou and logobi are often used interchangeably, with logobi being the newer development.

In Nouchi, the local slang, logobi means to earn money through clever or crafty means to become rich. Many logobi dances show images of bandits and street life, including fight moves, weapons, gang signals, and bold social gestures. The music and dance talk about poverty and hardship while hoping for a better future with prosperity, justice, and peace. The dance is sometimes called “la danse des gros bras” or the dance of big arms.

In Europe, especially France, logobi has taken on electric and tecktonic influences. This has made it more geared toward children and young adults and softened some of the original gang imagery.

Since its beginnings, many artists have joined the genre not only in Côte d'Ivoire and nearby countries but also in Europe and among African communities abroad. Notable artists include Les Garagistes, Espoir 2000, Magic System, Yang Systeme, Les Mantanien, and Les Youlés.

Popular songs include “Djolo National” by Yang Systeme, “Logobi” by Les Mantanien, and “Logobi” by Les Youlés.

Logobi remains a lively, evolving part of African music and dance.