REGGAE ICON MACKA B SPARKS FAN FRENZY ON CÔTE D’IVOIRE FOOTBALL ANTHEM
A television freestyle just became Côte d’Ivoire’s most spirited football rallying cry.
Internationally respected reggae artist Macka B has channelled spontaneous inspiration into a stirring football anthem for Côte d’Ivoire. During a live performance trip to Abidjan, he appeared on national television and delivered an impromptu freestyle. He reimagined his celebrated 1998 track for Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, replacing the original lyrics with tributes to Les Éléphants.
The studio erupted. Social media caught fire. Fans recognised something genuine unfolding in real time.
Watch Macka B’s electrifying TV freestyle that sparked it all here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRpPviHgs10
What started as improvisation became inevitable. Now Macka B releases Les Éléphants, a pulsating reggae tribute recorded at AZK Productions in Abidjan. The track captures the raw passion surrounding Ivorian football as the Africa Cup of Nations unfolds over Christmas and New Year for the first time. It drops on the day Côte d’Ivoire play their opening group match.
THE RESPONSE LET ME KNOW THIS WASN’T JUST A FREESTYLE. THIS WAS A SONG WAITING TO BE MADE
“The energy in Ivory Coast is powerful,” Macka B explains. “When I switched the lyrics, the response let me know this wasn’t just a freestyle. This was a song waiting to be made.”
Delivered in French and English, Les Éléphants name-checks legendary and current players revered across Africa and the UK. It champions unity, pride and belief. The song bridges continents, linking Africa, the Caribbean and Britain through shared rhythms and football devotion.
With its infectious chorus and crowd-ready energy, the track stands as cultural currency. It’s authentic local spirit blended seamlessly with Macka B’s signature conscious reggae style, a timely celebration built from spontaneity, recorded with purpose, and destined to soundtrack celebrations wherever Ivorian fans gather throughout the tournament and beyond.
CREDITS
Macka B: Artist, Author/Composer
Bahi Tania Marie Guylène: Backing Vocals
Yann Wilfried Goly Zobe: Synthesisers/Keyboards
Serge Assouan (Ashanty Baba): Drum Programming, Sound Engineer/Mixer
Vincent N’djadian Henri: Arrangements
AZK Productions: Producer
Jack Russell Music: Publishers
Baco Records: Distributor
Released: 24 December 2025
ABOUT MACKA B
Macka B stands as one of the UK’s most influential reggae voices. Over four decades, he’s shared stages worldwide with Burning Spear, U-Roy, The Wailers, and Lee Perry. His intelligent lyrics and conscious flow carry unmistakable authority.
Recently, he’s reached millions through viral social media series Medical Mondays and Wha Me Eat Wednesdays. These wellness-themed verses promote plant-based living with natural charm and lyrical precision. His fanbase stretches far beyond reggae purists, capturing health-conscious youths and wellness advocates globally.
