Tiken Jah Fakoly Biography: Songs, Net Worth, Parents, Ethnicity, Religion, Wife, Age

Tiken Jah Fakoly (born Doumbia Moussa Fakoly) is an Ivorian reggae singer, songwriter, and activist known for fusing traditional African sounds with the political and spiritual ethos of reggae.

Renowned for his powerful lyrics addressing corruption, neo-colonialism, and African unity, he is considered one of the most respected voices in modern African music. His work, characterized by authenticity and cultural pride, has inspired generations across the continent and the diaspora.

Profile

• Full name: Doumbia Moussa Fakoly
• Nickname: Tiken Jah Fakoly
• Date of birth: 23 June 1968
• Age: 57 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Odienné, Kabadougou Region, Côte d’Ivoire
• Nationality: Ivorian
• Profession: Singer, songwriter, musician, activist
• Height: 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)
• Weight: 78 kg (approx.)
• Eye colour: Brown
• Hair colour: Black with grey locks (dreadlocked style)
• Parents: Father – El Hadj Fakoly Doumbia (merchant and community elder); Mother – Mariam Konaté Doumbia (homemaker)
• Siblings: Two brothers and one sister (names not publicly disclosed)
• Spouse: Married to a Malian national (name undisclosed)
• Children: Three (two sons and one daughter, names private)
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Muslim (practising Sunni Muslim)
• Ethnicity: Malinké (of griot lineage)
• Net worth: USD $2.5 million

Early Life and Education

Doumbia Moussa Fakoly (57 years old) was born on 23 June 1968 in Odienné, northern Côte d’Ivoire, into a respected Muslim Malinké family of griot ancestry. His upbringing in a culturally rich environment exposed him to storytelling and rhythm from an early age. Though his family initially discouraged his interest in music, his passion for singing and composing overcame local expectations.

He formed his first musical group, Djelys, in 1987 and began performing in community events and local bars. His unique voice and message gradually gained traction, particularly among youths frustrated by social inequality. Formal education details are not publicly recorded, though he has referenced attending secondary school in Odienné before fully committing to music in his early twenties.

Personal Life

Tiken Jah Fakoly is known for his privacy, preferring to keep his family life away from public scrutiny. He is married to a Malian woman and has three children. Residing primarily in Bamako, Mali, since 2003, he continues to live modestly while investing in agricultural and educational initiatives.

Fakoly is deeply spiritual, adhering to Islamic faith and African cultural values. He has also emphasized environmental sustainability and pan-African solidarity, frequently supporting local education and empowerment projects through his “Un Concert, Une École” (“One Concert, One School”) foundation.

Career

Tiken Jah Fakoly began his professional career in the late 1980s with his band Djelys, achieving regional popularity before national fame in the 1990s. His early albums, Les Djelys (1993) and Missiri (1994), introduced him as a socially conscious artist. His breakthrough came with Françafrique (2002), which confronted neo-colonial exploitation and propelled him to international prominence.

Over the years, he has toured globally, performing in Europe, North America, and Africa. His signature albums—Coup de Gueule (2004), L’Africain (2007), Dernier Appel (2014), and Le Monde est Chaud (2019)—cemented his reputation as a global reggae ambassador and advocate for African unity.

Tiken Jah has collaborated with major artists including Sly & Robbie, Alpha Blondy, Akon, Steel Pulse, and Amadou & Mariam. He continues to produce under his label and operates Tiken Jah Studio in Bamako, which supports emerging West African artists.

Awards and Nominations

• 2003: Victoires de la Musique (France) – Reggae/Ragga/World Category (Françafrique)
• 2008: Freemuse Award – for defending artistic freedom and human rights
• 2014: Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (France)
• 2019: Kora All Africa Music Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2023: UNESCO Recognition Award – for contribution to African cultural heritage and education through music

Net Worth

Tiken Jah Fakoly’s net worth is estimated at approximately USD $2.5 million. His wealth derives from: album sales and digital royalties, worldwide tours, brand endorsements and collaborations etc.

Controversy

Throughout his career, Tiken Jah Fakoly has been outspoken on political and social matters, earning both admiration and criticism. His fearless criticism of African leaders and Western powers led to exile from Côte d’Ivoire in 2003 following threats.

In 2007, he was declared persona non grata in Senegal after condemning then-President Abdoulaye Wade. Despite political pressure, Fakoly remains committed to freedom of speech and continues to use his platform to champion justice and African unity.

Social Media

• Instagram: @tikenjahfakolyofficiel
• X: @tikenjahfakoly
• YouTube: Tiken Jah Fakoly Official
• Facebook: Tiken Jah Fakoly

Filmography

• Un Concert Une École (Documentary, 2009) – Chronicles his educational campaign across West Africa
• Tiken Jah Fakoly: L’Africain (2010) – Music documentary exploring his philosophy and cultural activism
• Le Monde est Chaud (2019) – Short film accompanying his album tour
• Africa Unite: Reggae Roots of Resistance (2023) – Documentary appearance alongside international reggae figures

Discography

• Les Djelys (1993)
• Missiri (1994)
• Mangercratie (1996)
• Cours d’Histoire (1999)
• Le Caméléon (2000)
• Françafrique (2002)
• Coup de Gueule (2004)
• L’Africain (2007)
• Live in Paris (2008)
• African Revolution (2010)
• Dernier Appel (2014)
• Racines (2015)
• Le Monde est Chaud (2019)
• Braquage de Pouvoir (2022)
• Acoustic (2024)

Books

• L’Afrique ne Pleure Plus (2010) – Essay-manifesto on African self-determination and Pan-Africanism
• La Voix du Griot Moderne (2022) – Autobiographical reflection on his life, exile, and vision for Africa through reggae