Momo Hayek

Imagine working in a restaurant, then dropping a line on a song, and before you know it finding yourself performing in a stadium at an event watched by millions around the world. That is the story of Momo Hayek from the Ivory Coast.

Momo, whose parents come from Lebanon, runs two restaurants in Abidjan. As he tells TIA in this episode, has always loved music, and began hanging out with musician friends in the studio. He started contributing lines to a few songs, one of which, Coup du Marteau by Tam Sir, became an anthem of the 2023 African Cup of Nations, which took place in the Ivory Coast in January and February 2024. It also became a huge hit on the dancefloor and has now amassed 170 million views on You Tube.

Momo Hayek performed at the AFCON final concert, and in Paris. He continues to work in his restaurants but now has a string of songs to his name, though he says he cannot yet call himself an artist because none of these is a solo work. He says his talent is bringing creatives together, and he has not had a failure yet.

Momo Hayek stands out in the video for Coup du Marteau, being the only white man. He talks about his love for Ivory Coast, and believes being born in the West African country has been a huge blessing for him.

Presenter – DJ Edu
Producer – Catherine Fellows
Reporter – Sasha Gankin

10in10 Tracklisting:

Cocoa Butter – Isat ft Drizilik (Sierra Leone)
Nzigulawo II - Spice Diana & Vinka (Uganda)
Stranger - Kuami Eugene & Gyakie (Ghana)
Se nos cayó - BIIG CYPHER & Morad (Morocco)
No Worries (Remix) - Njolo AKA Mr Bomb & Dizmo (Zambia)
HolyGod - Bantu B (DRC)
Cherie Coco - Montana (Mauritius)
On my mind - Yamê & Adekunle Gold (Cameroon/Nigeria)
Uche Jumbo - Taves (Nigeria)
Jege - Rokaa & J Slught (Liberia)