Ivorian Singer Aicha Kone Wins Fans with Pro-Military Regime Songs

Aicha Kone, a 67-year-old Ivorian singer, has gained a massive following on Tik Tok with her latest song, which praises the military regimes of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The song, released on August 26, applauds the leaders who formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) after seizing power in coups between 2020 and 2023.

The lyrics of the song, set to a catchy melody and featuring a photo montage of the leaders, read: "AES, the march towards freedom! AES, you are right!" The song also includes the lines "I want my oil, I want my diamond, I want my gold."

Kone, affectionately known as "Mama Africa," has a long history of singing about political freedom for Africa. Her music draws on the cultural heritage of the Mandinka people, a West African ethnic group. She has replaced traditional instruments with the guitar, piano, and brass, giving her music a unique sound.

Kone’s career began in the 1970s with an appearance on Ivorian state television RTI, where she impressed presenter Georges Tai Benson with her "pure, limpid" voice and clear enunciation. She went on to rub shoulders with some of Africa’s greatest artists, including South African legend Miriam Makeba and Senegalese musician Youssou N’Dour.

The singer’s latest song has resonated with fans, who praise her for her unique sound and her ability to adapt to changing times. Her music has been featured in several concerts and events, including a meeting with Niger’s leader General Abdourahamane Tiani in August.

However, not everyone is pleased with Kone’s latest direction. Some critics have accused her of abandoning her principles and supporting military regimes that have been accused of human rights abuses. Dozens of Burkinabe political dissidents, journalists, judges, and human rights activists have disappeared, been detained, or enrolled by force into the army to fight jihadist groups.

Despite the controversy, Kone remains committed to her music and her message of peace. "I have always sung for peace," she said in an interview. "We all want to be independent, and these young boys have had the courage to stand up and say loud and clear that they want to take their destiny into their own hands."

Kone’s music has become a source of inspiration for many, and her latest song has sparked a lively debate about the role of music in politics. While some critics have accused her of abandoning her principles, others have praised her for her ability to adapt to changing times and her commitment to promoting peace and unity in West Africa.