Debordo Leekunfa Biography: Songs, Awards, Religion, Net Worth, Daughter, Lifestyle, YouTube

Debordo Leekunfa is an Ivorian singer, songwriter, and former DJ who rose to prominence in the late 2000s through the Coupé-Décalé movement.

Renowned for his humor, stage energy, and inventiveness, he was one of the genre’s defining voices, particularly through his collaborations with the late DJ Arafat. His solo hits later secured him a long-lasting presence in West African pop culture.

Profile

• Full name: Patrick Tanguy Séry Digbeu
• Nickname: Debordo Leekunfa (also known as Ōpa la Nation, Tchokoroba)
• Date of birth: December 20, 1984
• Age: 41 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Abidjan, Lagunes Region, Côte d’Ivoire
• State of origin: Lagunes Region
• Nationality: Ivorian
• Profession: Singer, songwriter, composer, former disc jockey
• Height: 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)
• Weight: 73 kg (approx.)
• Eye color: Dark brown
• Hair color: Black (often dyed in distinctive colors for performances)
• Parents: Father – Digbeu Séry (deceased)
• Siblings: Has several siblings
• Spouse: Unmarried
• Children: One daughter (born 2020)
• Relationship status: Single
• Religion: Christian (Catholic upbringing; identifies as a believer but not overtly religious)
• Ethnicity: Bété (father) and Gouro (mother)
• Net worth: USD $85,000

Early Life and Education

Born in Abidjan on December 20, 1984, Patrick Tanguy Séry Digbeu is now 41 years old. He grew up in a working-class household in the SICOGI neighborhood of Koumassi, often under the care of his grandmother. He attended Collège Voltaire in Marcory but showed a stronger interest in nightlife culture than academics.

Music and street performance became his refuge early on. Drawn by the booming Coupé-Décalé movement, he transitioned from DJing at local “maquis” (bars) to full-time musical performance in his youth.

Personal Life

Debordo Leekunfa maintains a low public profile regarding his romantic and family life. He has one daughter, born in 2020, whom he occasionally mentions on social media. Despite his flamboyant on-stage persona, he has often spoken about loneliness and the pressures of fame.

Career

Debordo Leekunfa’s professional journey began as a DJ in Abidjan in the early 2000s, performing in popular night venues such as La Cour des Grands and Le Shangaï. By 2008, he had become a household name in Côte d’Ivoire after releasing several hits with DJ Arafat, including Kpangor, Confirmation Kpangor, Lebede 1 & 2, and 25 25 Arachide.

Their collaboration revolutionized Coupé-Décalé with electrifying dance routines and call-and-response performance styles. After their fallout in 2009, Debordo embarked on a solo career, producing major hits like American Soldier (2009) and Opa la Nation (Vérité) (2010), both of which solidified his reputation as an innovative force.

Throughout the 2010s and early 2020s, Debordo experimented with new rhythms, merging Coupé-Décalé with afrobeat and pop influences. His later works, such as Spécialité Ivoirienne (2019), Massaii (2021), and Djénéba Djaba (2024), showcase lyrical maturity and social commentary.

He continues to perform across West Africa and Europe and was received by Côte d’Ivoire’s First Lady in 2024 ahead of a nationwide concert series honoring local music legends.

Awards and Nominations

• 2016: Concept of the Year – Awards du Coupé-Décalé
• 2022: Honorary Recognition – Abidjan Urban Music Festival (for artistic longevity)

Net Worth

Debordo Leekunfa’s net worth is estimated at USD $85,000. His income is derived mainly from live performances, royalties from digital platforms such as YouTube and Boomplay, brand sponsorships, and private events.

Controversy

Debordo’s career has not been without turbulence. His long-standing rivalry with DJ Arafat dominated Ivorian pop headlines from 2009 to 2018, marked by musical diss tracks and public altercations before their eventual reconciliation.

In 2016, Debordo survived a major car accident that left him hospitalized for months and tragically claimed the lives of two dancers.

Social Media

• Instagram: @debordo_leekunfaa
• Facebook: Debordo Leekunfa
• YouTube: Debordo Leekunfa Official

Filmography

• Le Coupé-Décalé, l’histoire d’un mouvement (2021) – Documentary appearance
• Abidjan Groove (2022) – Music documentary (self-appearance)
• Le Retour de l’Artiste (2024) – Short film feature role

Discography

• Au secours (2008)
• Fouka-fouka (2008)
• American Soldier (2009)
• Opa la Nation (Vérité) (2010)
• Rien que la Nation (2011)
• Vive la Nation (2011)
• Célébration (2012)
• Persévérance (2013)
• Pardonne-moi (2013)
• Massada Coco (2013)
• Apéritif Yamoukidi (2014)
• Shake Your Body (2015)
• N’enfant Gâté (2015)
• Gnangan Gnangan Style (2016)
• Pikimin (2017)
• Gloire à Dieu (2017)
• Robot Macador (2017)
• Agaza Gaza (2018)
• Spécialité Ivoirienne (2019)
• QDS (Que du Saal) (2019)
• Massaii (2021)
• Detounounan (2021)
• Toxique Love (2022)
• Djénéba Djaba (2024)