Биография

Ivorian duo Tour 2 Garde create a highly energetic, percussive blend of Afro-pop, hip-hop, and coupé-décalé. Active since the early 2000s, they became highly popular through their widely viewed, dance-heavy music videos such as 2014's "Makassa" and 2016's "Sheguey." These songs, as well as additional hit collaborations with Aya Nakamura and Abou Debeing, were included on the pair's 2019 full-length Victory. Koné Diarra Adama (aka Jimmy James) and Arthur Koya (Thura) formed Tour 2 Garde in Ivory Coast's capital city, Abidjan, during the early 2000s. Their debut album, Dieu seul le sait (God Only Knows), appeared in 2004, followed by Terre promise (Promised Land) in 2006. Progressing from a more rap-based sound, the duo began making more danceable music incorporating styles like zouk (particularly the 2013 single "Je veux m'en aller," featuring Josey) and coupé-décalé. 2014's "Makassa," with its video demonstrating a dance launched by the duo, became a hit, and was followed by similar clips like "Tiguidi (Makassa 2.0)" and "Pistolet Moutouba." Tour 2 Garde were nominated for the category of best French-speaking artist at the 2015 MTV Africa Music Awards. The duo continued their run of successful singles and collaborations. After "Sheguey" racked up millions of views in 2016, Tour 2 Garde and French-Ivorian rapper Abou Debeing released "Wari" in 2017. "Comme d'habitude" (featuring Still Fresh), "Comme ci comme ça" (with French-Malian pop star Aya Nakamura), and "Nguele" all appeared in 2018. Their 28-track album Victory, which included the majority of the duo's singles from the entire decade, was released in 2019. ~ Paul Simpson, Rovi