Audio: Monique Seka, the Queen of Afro-Zouk

Cote d’Ivoire’s shining songstress, Monique Seka has captured many audiences with her illustrious talent. Born into a musical family, Seka first appeared in her uncle's Maya Melodye Band, but it wasn’t long before she would step out on her own. Over 2 decades, Seka produced five albums that perfectly blend the traditional sounds of her homeland with pop standards of the West.

Seka is perhaps best known for her album Okaman, which solidified her reign as the queen of Afro-Zouk. Beautiful love ballads like "Bayé," an unforgettable collaboration with fellow Ivorian Meiway, and vibrant dance tracks all contribute to making Okaman one of Africa’s most beloved albums. We hope she’s not done with us yet because we definitely want to hear more from the queen! Stream some tracks from Okaman below.

[audio:https://www.okayafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/01-Okaman.mp3|titles=Monique Seka "Okaman"]

Monique Seka "Okaman"

[audio:https://www.okayafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/03-900kg-DAmour.mp3.mp3|titles=Monique Seka "900kg d'Amour"]

Monique Seka "900kg d'Amour"

[audio:https://www.okayafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/05-Baye.mp3.mp3|titles=Monique Seka "Baye"]

Monique Seka "Baye"

[audio:https://www.okayafrica.com/wp-content/uploads/06-Yaye-Demin.mp3.mp3|titles=Monique Seka "Yaye Demin"]

Monique Seka "Yaye Demin"