Tiken Jah Fakoly: Reggae and Messages of Hope at Paral·lel 62
Tiken Jah Fakoly filled Paral·lel 62 with powerful reggae and messages of hope, reminding us of the importance of justice and African unity.
Tiken Jah Fakoly during his performance in Barcelona. Photo by Amaia Garcia Carra.
On the night of November 1, 2024, Tiken Jah Fakoly performed at Sala Paral·lel 62 as part of the Cruïlla Tardor festival. This legendary reggae artist from Côte d'Ivoire has dedicated his career to raising his voice in support of social justice and Africa's liberation from colonialism. His music, filled with messages of resilience and unity, delves into profound topics like oppression, poverty, and the fight for human rights. Through clear and direct lyrics, Fakoly invites listeners to reflect on Africa's history and join in building a fairer future for the continent.
On this occasion, we were able to enjoy his latest work, Acoustic, an album that celebrates the essence of African reggae. This album, marked by an authentic sound without synthetic elements, is a pure representation of his mandenká roots, highlighting his powerful voice and meaningful lyrics. The room buzzed with a diverse and enthusiastic audience eager to experience this long-awaited acoustic show.
As the doors opened, Fakoly's fans immersed themselves in a unique atmosphere brimming with energy and excitement. The concert's first song set the tone for the evening: a rich, melodic reggae that instantly captured everyone’s attention. Fakoly frequently addressed his audience with clear messages about the need to fight for justice and remember Africa’s history to build a better future. His interactions with the crowd conveyed the seriousness of his social commitment and his desire to connect deeply with his fans. There were reflective moments on themes like African unity and respect for cultural roots.
Tiken Jah Fakoly during his performance in Barcelona. Photo by Amaia Garcia Carra.
One of the most moving moments of the concert came when Fakoly performed some of his classic tracks, including "Plus rien ne m'étonne", "Ouvrez les frontières", "Non à l'excision", "Le Balayeur" and "Délivrance". These songs have become anthems of protest and hope for many people across Africa and the world. The audience sang along with him, joining in every word as if they were a single choir for freedom and justice. This connection between Fakoly and his fans made the night truly unique and profound. The artist also shared stories about his life and the inspiration behind some of his songs, creating an even closer bond with the audience.
As fans left the concert, the atmosphere of excitement lingered. “I would definitely come back; I loved the vibe and seeing people dancing non-stop,” said one of Fakoly’s fans.
The event was part of a series of concerts in the Cruïlla Tardor 2024 and marked Fakoly's second time participating in the festival, following his performance at Cruïlla Primavera 2023. In both concerts, Fakoly proved he is more than just a musician; he is a symbol of resistance and African identity.
Tiken Jah Fakoly during his performance in Barcelona. Photo by Amaia Garcia Carra.
