Frédéric Désiré Ehui Biography: Songs, Ethnicity, Awards, Wife, Net Worth, Record Label, Age

Frédéric Désiré Ehui, professionally known as Meiway, is an Ivorian singer, songwriter, composer, and producer credited with creating and popularizing the Zoblazo genre — a vibrant blend of southern Ivorian rhythms, traditional Akan sounds, and modern dance music.

With a career spanning more than three decades, he is celebrated as one of Côte d’Ivoire’s most innovative and enduring musical icons.

Profile

• Full name: Frédéric Désiré Ehui
• Nickname: Meiway
• Date of birth: 17 March 1962
• Age: 63 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Grand-Bassam, Côte d’Ivoire
• State of origin: Sud-Comoé Region
• Nationality: Ivorian
• Profession: Singer, songwriter, composer, record producer
• Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
• Weight: 80 kg (approx.)
• Eye colour: Brown
• Hair colour: Black (now greying)
• Parents: Father: Désiré Ehui (commercial agent and amateur accordionist); Mother: Thérèse Ehui (née Kouassi, parish choir singer)
• Siblings: Two brothers and one sister
• Spouse: Previously married (1986–2000)
• Children: Eleven children (including: Alex Ehui, Lauriane Ehui, and Josué Ehui)
• Relationship status: Divorced; currently single
• Religion: Catholic
• Ethnicity: N’Zema (Appolo ethnic group, coastal origin)
• Net worth: USD $1.2 million

Early Life and Education

Born on 17 March 1962 in Grand-Bassam, Frédéric Désiré Ehui is now 63 years old. Meiway was raised in a culturally rich household. His father, Désiré Ehui, was an amateur accordionist who encouraged musical expression, while his mother, Thérèse Kouassi, sang in the Sainte Jeanne d’Arc Church choir in Treichville.

At the age of nine, Meiway began singing in church and soon discovered a talent for rhythm and composition. While attending secondary school in Treichville, he joined a youth band called Pace, which won the “Prix Podium” contest in 1978. In 1981, he formed Les Génitaux, who won another national competition.

In 1985, Meiway moved to Paris, France, to pursue his music career, forming the multicultural band Défense d’Ivoire. During this period, he also worked part-time jobs — including as a gas station attendant — to fund his recording ambitions.

Personal Life

Meiway married in 1986, but the marriage ended in divorce around 2000. He has eleven children including Alex Ehui, Lauriane Ehui, and Josué Ehui with six women. In various interviews, he has expressed deep affection for his children while acknowledging the complexities of his personal life.

He has stated that he does not plan to remarry, saying, “I have given all my love to music — marriage is not my destiny.”

Career

Meiway’s career began in earnest with his debut album Ayibebou (1989), recorded in Paris. The record introduced his signature blend of traditional rhythms and contemporary dance beats. However, it was his sophomore album 200 % Zoblazo (1991) that propelled him to stardom, giving birth to the Zoblazo movement, complete with the iconic white handkerchief dance that became his trademark.

He continued releasing a string of hit albums:

• Jamais 203 (300 % Zoblazo) (1993)
• Appolo 95 (1995)
• Les Génies Vous Parlent (1997)
• Extraterrestre (1999)
• Éternel (2001)

Known for his exceptional stage energy and creative music videos, Meiway modernized Ivorian pop and became a cultural ambassador. In addition to his solo career, he collaborated with major African artists such as Awilo Longomba, Angelique Kidjo, Tiken Jah Fakoly, and Alpha Blondy.

He also established Meiway Organisation, his independent production and management label, through which he manages his recordings and supports younger Ivorian artists.

Awards and Nominations

• 1978: Prix Podium (with group Pace)
• 1981: Prix Podium (with Les Génitaux)
• 1990: Best Male Singer, Côte d’Ivoire National Music Awards
• 1996: Kora Awards – Best West African Artist (Sun City, South Africa)
• 1998: Kora Awards – Best Arranger, Best Video Clip, and Best West African Artist
• 2010: Lifetime Achievement Award – Abidjan Music Festival
• 2023: Cultural Excellence Award – Ministry of Culture, Côte d’Ivoire

Net Worth

Meiway’s net worth is approximately USD $1.2 million. His revenue sources include: album and streaming royalties from his extensive music catalog, live performances and international tours, brand partnerships etc.

Social Media

• Instagram: @meiway_officiel
• Facebook: Meiway Officiel
• YouTube: Meiway Official Channel
• TikTok: @meiwaymusic

Filmography

• Zoblazo: L’Histoire d’un Style (2012) – Documentary tracing the evolution of Zoblazo and Meiway’s impact on Ivorian music
• La Légende de Meiway (2019) – Music documentary celebrating his 30-year career

Discography

• Ayibebou (1989)
• 200% Zoblazo (1991)
• Jamais 203 (300 % Zoblazo) (1993)
• Appolo 95 (1995)
• Les Génies Vous Parlent (1997)
• Hold Up (Zo Gang feat. Meiway) (1998)
• Extraterrestre (1999)
• Le Procès (2000)
• Éternel (2001)
• Golgotha (2004)
• 9ème Commandement (2006)
• M20 (Meiway 20 Ans) (2009)
• Professeur (2012)
• Illimitic (2016)
• Légende (2019)

Books

• Zoblazo: Ma Vie, Ma Musique (2021) – Autobiographical memoir reflecting on his childhood, creative journey, and the birth of Zoblazo
• L’Art de Danser le Zoblazo (2023) – Illustrated guidebook and cultural essay on the origins and meaning of Zoblazo as an Ivorian dance heritage