Yodé et Siro Biography: Members, Songs, Formation, Age, Net Worth, Albums, Origin

Yodé et Siro are one of the most respected zouglou duos from Côte d’Ivoire, famous for using music to speak frankly about politics, social tensions and the daily struggles of ordinary Ivorians. Born out of the 1990s zouglou movement in Abidjan, they turned their gift for humour.

They first came to national attention in the 1990s as members of the group Les Poussins Chocs, thanks to the football-themed song “Asec-Kotoko”, which narrated a tragic incident after a match between ASEC Mimosas and Asante Kotoko.

After the death of a fellow member, the larger group dissolved, and Yodé and Siro continued as a duo, officially launching the project that would produce classic albums like Victoire, Antilaleca, Sign’zo and, many years later, Héritage.

Profile

• Group Name: Yodé et Siro
• Also Known As: Petit Yodé & l’Enfant Siro
• Country of Origin: Côte d’Ivoire
• City of Origin: Abidjan
• Genre: Zouglou (social & political commentary music from Côte d’Ivoire)
• Years Active as Duo: 1996 – present
• Labels (past & present): Universal Music Africa, BY HP and various local partners
• Members: Yodé – real name Gervais Dali Djédjé. Siro – real name Sylvain Decavailles Aba
• Former Group Name: Les Poussins Chocs (4-member group including Yodé, Siro and Fifi Django)

Early Life & Members

Yodé:

• Real Name: Gervais Dali Djédjé
• Place of Birth: Gagnoa, Gôh region, Côte d’Ivoire
• Profession: Singer, songwriter, lyricist
• Active Since: Early 1990s

Yodé grew up in a region known for strong musical and political expression. He started singing zouglou as a teenager and became known in the 1990s within Les Poussins Chocs, where his voice and humour helped make “Asec-Kotoko” a national hit.

Siro:

• Real Name: Sylvain Decavailles Aba
• Place of Birth: Daloa, Haut-Sassandra, Côte d’Ivoire
• Profession: Singer, songwriter, lyricist
• Active Since: Early 1990s

Like Yodé, Siro entered music through the zouglou movement, joining Les Poussins Chocs in the early 1990s. His vocal style and writing complemented Yodé’s, and the pair became a natural front line for the group.

Formation & Origins (Les Poussins Chocs / Yodé & Siro)

During their teenage years in Abidjan, both artists were part of a training group created by Julien Goualo to teach local youth singing and percussion, where they rubbed shoulders with zouglou artists like Pat Sako and Valérie (Espoir 2000) and El Pazo (Les Mercenaires).

They later formed Les Poussins Chocs with other members such as Petit Denis, Bedel and Fifi Django, performing at funerals and community events. A performance in Divo caught the eye of a French-based vacationer, Sylvain Lenoir, who became their manager and entered them into a Marlboro-sponsored orchestra contest. The band won first place, gaining professional studio access and the attention of key industry figures like arranger David Tayorault.

After the death of member Fifi Django and the separation of Les Poussins Chocs, Yodé and Siro decided to continue as a duo. That choice formally launched Yodé & Siro as a brand in the late 1990s.

Career

2000–2003: Victoire & Antilaleca

• Victoire (2000):Their first major album as a duo. It mixed comedy, social critique and everyday stories, quickly making them a household name in Côte d’Ivoire.
• Antilaleca (2002):Continued the formula with sharp lyrics and hits such as “À Paris”, a musical reply to Magic System’s “Un gaou à Paris,” and tracks about living slowly and coping with hardship (“La vie c’est mollo”).

Together, these albums made Yodé et Siro pillars of modern zouglou: funny on the surface, serious underneath.

2003–2007: Songs for Peace & Sign’zo

As Côte d’Ivoire went through political crises and conflict in the 2000s, the duo joined collective projects for peace and reconciliation, singing alongside other zouglou artists like Bagnon and Pat Sako for charity compilations. They reportedly refused payment for these patriotic albums, emphasizing their commitment to the country.

In 2007, they released Sign’zo, an album built around zodiac signs and personality traits, while still including social commentary tracks such as “Marie Jo”, which criticises jealousy and infidelity.

2008–2015: Tours, Best-Of Compilations & Legacy

Throughout the late 2000s and early 2010s, Yodé & Siro toured widely within Côte d’Ivoire and the diaspora, while their catalog was repackaged into several compilations, including Best of, Vol. 1, Best of, Vol. 2 and Best of 20 ans de carrière.

Their songs became staples at weddings, political rallies and street parties, making them symbols of “old-school” zouglou that still speaks to new generations.

2020–Present: Héritage & New Engagements

In 2020, after a long wait from fans, the duo released Héritage, an album positioned as a statement of what they want to pass on to the next generation—musically and socially.

Beyond music, they became even more visible in public debates:

They released songs and made comments addressing political leaders and issues such as injustice and the plight of detainees (notably around the “49 soldiers” case).

They launched and promoted the Fondation YES (Yodé & Siro), which focuses on reforestation in Côte d’Ivoire, organizing a “Grande caravane du reboisement populaire” that reforested more than 180 hectares in 2022 and planned 350 hectares for 2023.

Social Media

• YouTube: Yode et Siro

Personal Life

Specific private details (spouses, children, exact birthdates) are generally kept out of the spotlight.

Net Worth & Influence

Yodé & Siro both has a combined net worth of $10 million, accrued from decades of album sales and concert performances across Côte d’Ivoire and the diaspora etc.

Discography

Studio Albums:

• Victoire (2000)
• Antilaleca (2002)
• Sign’zo (2007)
• Héritage (2020)

Singles:

• Victoire
• Chacun son choix
• Cruel destin
• Un monde meilleur
• Tamalemi
• Pourquoi tu m’en veux
• Bingue
• Le peuple te regardel