Ismaël Isaac Biography: Albums, Age, Parents, Net Worth, Height, Collaborations, Awards, Religion

Ismaël Isaac is an Ivorian reggae singer and songwriter widely regarded as one of West Africa’s most influential reggae artists. Rising to prominence in the 1990s, he became known for his soothing voice, uplifting messages, and musical fusion of Jamaican reggae with Ivorian traditional rhythms.

Often called “The Lion of Treichville”, his music promotes peace, faith, and unity while addressing social injustices and the struggles of everyday people.

Profile

• Full name: Ismaël Isaac
• Nickname: Ismael Isaac, “The Lion of Treichville”
• Date of birth: 1966
• Age: 59 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Treichville, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
• Nationality: Ivorian
• Profession: Singer, Songwriter
• Height: 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m)
• Weight: 70 kg (154 lbs)
• Eye color: Brown
• Hair color: Black
• Parents: Father – Alassane Ouattara (not the politician; a dock worker), Mother – Mariam Coulibaly (market trader, deceased)
• Siblings: Four siblings
• Spouse: Aminata Konaté
• Children: Three children (two sons, one daughter)
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Islam
• Ethnicity: Ivorian (Dioula heritage)
• Net worth: US $1.2 million

Early Life and Education

Ismaël Isaac (59 years old) was born in 1966 in Treichville, one of Abidjan’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Raised in a Muslim family of modest means, he developed an early appreciation for rhythm and storytelling through Dioula folk traditions and the lively street culture of Abidjan.

His father worked as a port laborer, while his mother traded at the Treichville market.

Ismaël attended Ecole Primaire Publique de Treichville, but financial challenges forced him to leave school before completing secondary education. He began performing in small clubs and at community events in Abidjan in the early 1980s, where his soft tenor voice and Rastafarian-inspired message began attracting attention.

Personal Life

Ismaël Isaac is married to Aminata Konaté, with whom he has three children. He rarely discusses his family publicly, preferring to keep his personal and professional lives separate.

Career

Ismaël Isaac began performing professionally in the early 1980s, emerging from Abidjan’s bustling reggae scene alongside pioneers like Alpha Blondy and Tiken Jah Fakoly. His debut album Rahman (1986) marked the start of his journey as a socially conscious voice for the oppressed.

The success of songs like “Mon Frère” and “Treichville” established him as a national favorite. His music combined elements of reggae, Dioula percussion, and African storytelling, earning him comparisons to Bob Marley for his spiritually infused lyrics and charisma.

Through the 1990s, albums like Tchilacala (1998) and Black System (2000) expanded his audience beyond Côte d’Ivoire, solidifying his presence across Francophone Africa and Europe. His 2011 album Allah showcased his devotion to spirituality and his faith in Islam, while his 2018 release Jah Messenger reinforced his reputation as a symbol of African pride and resilience.

Ismaël Isaac has performed at international festivals such as Rototom Sunsplash, Reggae Sun Ska (France), and Africa Reggae Festival, and has collaborated with African artists like Tiken Jah Fakoly, Alpha Blondy, and Awilo Longomba.

His musical influence extends beyond entertainment—his songs are frequently used in civic campaigns promoting peace and anti-corruption efforts in Côte d’Ivoire.

Awards

• Best Reggae Artist, Côte d’Ivoire Music Awards – Winner (1999)
• African Reggae Legend Award, Abidjan Music Festival – Recipient (2010)
• Honorary Award for Cultural Contribution, Ministry of Culture, Côte d’Ivoire – Recipient (2018)
• Lifetime Achievement Award, Africa Music Heritage Gala – Recipient (2023)

Net Worth

Ismaël Isaac’s estimated net worth is US $1.2 million. His wealth has been accumulated through: music sales and streaming royalties, tours, brand endorsements etc.

Social Media

• Instagram: @ismaelisaacofficiel
• Twitter (X): @ismaelisaacoff
• TikTok: @ismaelisaacreggae
• YouTube: Ismaël Isaac Official

Filmography

• Les Enfants du Soleil (2005) – Soundtrack Contributor
• Abidjan Reggae Story (Documentary, 2017) – Featured Artist
• Africa Unite: Reggae Rising (2020) – Interview Appearance

Discography

• Rahman (1986)
• Tchilacala (1998)
• Black System (2000)
• Allah (2011)
• Jah Messenger (2018)
• Paix et Réconciliation (Single) (2010