Composing the hit for a soccer competition is not an exact science and can leave you completely hammered. Take the recipe for the CAN 2024 anthem: we have the biggest Ivorian music group in history, Magic System, we sprinkle it with pan-Africanism with passages from the Nigerian singer Yemi Alade and the Egyptian rapper Mohamed Ramadan, all with the “Akwaba” (“welcome”) sauce, Ivorian hospitality. On paper, we have the perfect song to enjoy the African Cup... but football fans prefer a more local dish.
In the maquis (the Ivorian restaurant bars), in the nightclubs, in the stadiums, during the dance-cams at half-time and even during the entry of President Alassane Ouattara into the enclosure on the day of the ceremony opening: the hit “Coup du hammer”, produced by Tam Sir, is everywhere at the CAN and has supplanted “Akwaba”.
“Côte d’Ivoire receives Africa, things will heat up,” they warn. "We push, we push, we push. Hammer blow, hammer blow." All with two dance steps that are easy to imitate, notably these thrusts of the kidneys which punctuate the “hammer blows”.
“Not an anthem but an atmosphere”
Originally, there is Tam Sir, a 25-year-old Ivorian producer. “Coup du hammer” is the first track from his future EP which will have six tracks. For the occasion, he collaborates with nine artists including Team Paiya, Ste Milano, Renard Barakissa, Tazeboy and PSK.
"I had the idea for the production, the instrumental: a trumpet that imitates the official supporters of the Elephants, the CNSE [National Committee for Support of Elephants, Editor's note], and their 'bang, bang, bang'. And the artists with me had the idea of the lyric 'Hammer blow'. It's teamwork: we are never strong alone, we are strong as a group", says Tam Sir. “It’s a mixture of the old coupé-décalé, the maïmouna which is a derivative of ‘Rap Ivoire’, and the new coupé-décalé, the biama.”
The artists delivered the title after a long night of work in the studio: “We worked from 10 p.m. to noon! I’m a perfectionist,” smiles Tam Sir.
The real secret ingredient of his hit: “The hand of God”, he explains, very seriously, he who is very religious. “It would be a lie to say that we have broken the rules on how to make popular music.”
Tam Sir is a little overwhelmed by the success of his anthem which triggers madness throughout Ivory Coast. "Frankly, it's the grace of God! Even the president dances to the 'Coup du hammer'. Even the French ambassador," he exclaims. “We have proven that music from our region can inspire the whole world.”
Despite its success, Tam Sir refuses to say that they have replaced the Magic System hit. "We have not dethroned the CAN anthem. There is the anthem and there is the 'Hammer Blow'. 'Hammer Blow' is not an anthem, it's an atmosphere. We made it to be played after matches in bars and maquis."
Integral part of the Elephants' success
The artist's hit is an integral part of the crazy competition contested by the Elephants. Its broadcast during the break between regulation time and extra time during the round of 16 Senegal – Ivory Coast electrified the audience at the Yamoussoukro stadium, bringing the touch of madness which allowed the host country to beat the reigning champion .
To thank their audience, the Ivorians led by Seko Fofana took up the dance steps of “Hammer Shot” to celebrate with the public this unexpected victory on penalties. Since then, the Elephants have swayed to the song with each new success.
Every champion has their unexpected song. France, the 2018 world champion, had its “Bring the Cup Home” from Vegedream which had supplanted the “Magic in the Air” from… Magic System. Same fate for Ivory Coast? Response on Sunday during the grand final against Nigeria.
The France 24 summary of the week
invites you to look back at the news that marked the week
I subscribe
Take international news everywhere with you! Download the France 24 application