Tchapalo is a traditional drink in my home country, often served to welcome valued guests or during social gatherings. I named my debut album “Tchapolo” as a warm greeting to my new listeners. The album features seven original tracks along with one well-known song that I have rearranged. Through this work, I aim to share my musical journey, which various genres and cultures have influenced. The album highlights deep and vibrant rhythmic patterns, harmonically bridging elements from jazz to pop.

Yakou Daniel N’GUESSAN is a versatile percussionist originally from Côte d’Ivoire, now making his mark in Atlanta, GA. Starting his musical journey in church choral societies, he earned a master’s degree in Contemporary Jazz and Music Production from INSAAC in 1999. With a unique fusion of African folk rhythms and various global music genres, Yakou has been captivating audiences since 1995.

His career highlights include collaborations with world-renowned musicians such as Russell Gun, Lionel Giles Louéké, Paco Séry, Lori Williams, Jorge Garcia, Wendy Moten, Jody Mayfield, William Green, Mausiki Scales & The Common Ground Collective, Bradie Speller, Ron Helman, Kaya’s Embrace, to name only a few …. Yakou is also deeply involved in the local music scene, working with many Atlanta-based artists to create rich and innovative sounds. A recipient of the prestigious Berklee African Scholarship in 2007, Yakou has taken part in many album projects and festivals around the world, from Africa to the Middle East and Asia. Since moving to the USA, he has continued to electrify audiences in jazz clubs, festivals, and beyond with his distinctive drumming style.