Magic System is a musical group from Abidjan, Ivory Coast, founded in 1996. The band comprises Salif "Asalfo" Traoré, Narcisse "Goude" Sadoua, Étienne "Tino" Boué Bi, and Adama "Manadja" Fanny.

Magic System's recordings, in the Zouglou dance style, have featured in the charts throughout Africa (selling over 1.5 million CDs), the West Indies, and in France, where the band became one of the most popular modern African artists. (wikipedia).

As Africans, when we hear the words, "magic system", we immediately start thinking of the song Premier Goau.  Premier Goau burst into our ears around the early 2000's.  It was an upbeat tempo and significantly different that it became a club banger globally.  No party was complete without at least one full rendition of this song, which got people swinging hips and dancing.  This song actually is the 

"autobiographical experiences of lead singer Salif "A'Salfo" Traoré. When he was an aspiring, poor artist, his girlfriend left him, but when he became a celebrity with Magic System, she tried to win him back, but Traoré turned her down.^[1] The song was first released in 1999 in their native Abidjan and was at first a hit in Ivory Coast and other African countries only. But when it was remixed in 2002 and released in France for Mélina Forthin, Magic System's song became a major indie hit". (wikipedia)

 

Take a listen to Premier Gaou

Though many only think of Magic System in the context of this song - personally, I feel that this song does not necessarily cover the range and growth that this group has experienced.  From, the days of premier gaou - this group has gone on to collaborate with artists from different parts of Africa.  Actually, one of few African acts to collaborate with North Africans.  They are truly what we can term an African legendary sensation.  Their ability to mix sounds has allowed them break through barriers (language, social and probably economic) to become a force to be reckoned with in the African music scene. They have a new CD out which will be fully reviewed on this site in the next couple of months.

Enjoy Magic System's collaborations:

a) With Brenda Fassie (south Africa) - popo dipo

b) With  Cheb Khaled (North Africa) Meme Pas Fatigue -

 

** just because this is a fun song - enjoy Zouglou dance -

Discography

• 1997 Papitou including the hit single Momo
• 1999 Premier Gaou; a Bob Sinclair remix of the title track reached number 4 in the French charts in November 2002
• 2001 Poisson d'Avril, re-released as Un gaou à Paris in 2003
• 2005 Petit Pompier, featuring tracks with Alpha Blondy, Bionix on Ambiance à gogo and Kery James
• 2007 Ki Dit Mié
• 2011 Toutè Kalé

 

Have a great day and TGIF!