Reine Ablaa makes music that feels alive. It moves with the rhythm of her homeland and breathes with the weight of memory. Every beat carries something ancient, yet the sound feels entirely new. Her voice stretches across Côte d’Ivoire’s landscapes, turning language and rhythm into something that feels like motion itself. Through her, Afro House finds a softer light.
An Ivorian force shaping the language of Afro House, Reine has carved a unique space in the global music scene as the Queen of Ivorian Afro House. With a sound that fuses traditional Baoulé rhythms with modern Afro House beats, she brings the vibrant cultural heritage of her homeland to the world stage. Her music is a celebration of African identity, blending soulful storytelling with electrifying rhythms that resonate deeply with audiences. Through her innovative approach, passionate performances, and commitment to her roots, Reine is redefining Afro House while inspiring a new generation of artists.
Born into the Baoulé ethnic group, one of over 60 ethnic communities in Côte d’Ivoire, Reine draws heavily from her cultural heritage. She describes her creative process as a conversation with the universe, often receiving melodies in her dreams. “Sometimes I wake up at 4 a.m. and start writing without knowing why. It’s like the universe is giving me notes or lyrics,” she says. This spiritual connection, combined with meticulous research into Ivorian rhythms, shapes her distinctive sound. She scours the internet for traditional sounds, like the balafon from the north or drums from the west, and reimagines them with electronic Afro House elements. “I take rhythms from the north, south, center, west, and east of Côte d’Ivoire and fuse them with electronic music,” she explains, highlighting her dedication to showcasing the diversity of Ivorian culture.
Reine’s journey into Afro House began in 2015, inspired by legends like Ivorian singer Dobet Gnahoré and African icons Miriam Makeba and Angélique Kidjo. Their use of ethnic languages in music resonated with her, encouraging her to sing in Baoulé to express her identity. South African pioneers like Heavy-K, Drumetic Boyz, and Oskido also shaped her musical vision, showing her the power of blending tribal sounds with house music. “Listening to them showed me we can do so much with our ethnic, tribal sounds and roots because they reflect our identity,” she reflects. This blend of influences has made her a trailblazer, creating a sound that is both deeply rooted in Ivorian traditions and universally accessible.
Her catalogue of songs reflects this fusion of tradition and modernity. Her debut single, “Mon Amie,” released in 2021, marked her entry into the music scene with a vibrant Afro House track that introduced her unique style. Since then, she has built an impressive discography, including the recently released remix of “Yo Oh” produced by South African producer Drexxbeats. The “Yo Oh” remix, a three-step tribal Afro House track, showcases Reinee’s ability to evolve her sound while staying true to her roots. Accompanied by a visually stunning music video exploring northern Côte d’Ivoire, the remix emphasizes her mission to present Ivorian culture as a global treasure. Her songs often carry cultural storytelling, drawing from village life and themes of self-esteem and identity, making her music a powerful vehicle for cultural pride.
Reine’s collaborations with industry heavyweights have further elevated her profile. Working with South African legends Oskido and X-Wise on “Pakinou” was a transformative experience. “It felt like the universe was saying, ‘You’re becoming a legend too because you’re working with legends,’” she shares. The collaboration embraced her Baoulé identity, with Oskido and X-Wise encouraging her to sing authentically. Initially mistaken for singing in Zulu, her Baoulé lyrics became a centerpiece of the project, creating a fresh Afro House sound. This mutual exchange of ideas underscores Reine’s ability to bridge cultures through music.
Her electrifying performances have earned her the title Queen of the Stage. At major events like MASA 2024 and CANEX Music Factory, she captivates audiences with her boundless energy. Opening for Nigerian star Omah Lay in Abidjan was a defining moment, where the crowd’s enthusiastic response surprised even the organizers. “When I said my name, the crowd went wild, Even the organizers were surprised,” she recalls. These performances have solidified her confidence and expanded her reach beyond Côte d’Ivoire, proving her ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Despite her growing fame, Reine remains grounded, navigating creative challenges with a refreshing perspective. She avoids dwelling on creative blocks, choosing instead to listen to her spirit. “If something isn’t coming, I don’t force it. I wait, rest, pray, or go outside to see the beauty of the universe,” she says. This approach, coupled with her refusal to conform to industry pressures, allows her to create music that is authentic and emotionally resonant.
Looking ahead, Reine is poised to continue her ascent. With “Yo Oh” gaining traction and new projects in the works, she is committed to sharing Ivorian culture globally. Her vision is clear: to unite people through the universal language of music while celebrating the richness of African heritage. As she puts it, “We’re all Africans, connected by our rhythms and heritage.” Reine Ablaa proves herself to be a cultural ambassador, weaving the sounds of Côte d’Ivoire into the fabric of Afro House and leaving an indelible mark on the world stage.