Dj Arafat
An influential Ivorian DJ, singer, and producer, DJ Arafat (born Ange Didier Houon) became a fixture of the coupé-décalé movement in the early 2010s and remained at the fore of the scene until his death in 2019. Known for his signature blend of dance, R&B, and hip-hop, Arafat released 11 albums and a stockpile of singles throughout his 15-year career, including the hits "Dosabado," "Kpangor," "Zoropoto," "Enfant Beni," and "Moto, Moto." He took home the best artist of the year award at the 2016 and 2017 Coupé-Decalé Awards.
Born in the Abdijan suburb of Yopougon and the son of popular singer, musician, and sound engineer Pierre Houon, Arafat started DJing at the age of 14. Taking his moniker from Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat -- a nickname given to him by some Lebanese friends -- he began releasing records in the early 2000s. By 2009, he had become one of the most popular African artists in Francophone countries across the world and had begun to find success in other regions as well, with the BBC describing him as the "king" of coupé-décalé. Subsequent efforts like Kpankaka (2012) and Renaissance (2018) continued to resonate with fans, but tragedy was just around the corner. A hardcore motorcycle enthusiast, Arafat had one of his biggest hits in early 2019 with the single "Moto Moto." Sadly, he passed away later that August from injuries sustained from a motorbike accident.
© James Christopher Monger. /TiVo
Discography
37 album(s) • Sorted by Bestseller
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Renaissance
Pop - Released by Universal Music Africa on 28 Dec 2018
Available in24-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Best Of DJ Arafat
Electronic - Released by Obouo Productions on 12 Aug 2022
Available in24-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Pandou Koule
Pop - Released by Universal Music Africa on 21 Sep 2018
Available in24-Bit/48 kHz Stereo -
Enfant béni
World - Released by Universal Music Division Polydor France on 15 Sep 2017
Available in24-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
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Renaissance
Pop - Released by Universal Music Africa on 28 Dec 2018
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Yorogang
World - Released by Universal Music Division Polydor France on 9 Sep 2016
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
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Moto Moto
Pop - Released by Universal Music Africa on 17 May 2019
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
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Faisons la fête
World - Released by Obouo Productions on 20 Jun 2011
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Faut chercher pour toi
Pop - Released by Universal Music Africa on 15 Dec 2017
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Mouvement Patata
Dj Arafat, Mr Behi, JM on the Track
Miscellaneous - Released by Mr Behi on 12 Aug 2024
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -
Dosabado
World - Released by Universal Music Africa on 21 Jun 2018
Available in16-Bit/44.1 kHz Stereo -