Some songs have a rhythm that transcends language, and Magic System’s massive hit “Premier Gaou” is undeniably one of them. Hailing from Côte d’Ivoire, the group crafted a track that not only dominated African airwaves but became a global dancefloor staple. The somg is sang mostly in French but don’t worry the video contains English subtitles and I’ve put the English lyrics beneath this post.

Before we dive in I just want to say that what Antou did wasn’t a good thing at all. However, we wouldn’t have received this banger song.

One of the most recognizable Song Intros

The intro melody 🎶 for Premier Gaou is easily recognizable the moment ot starts playing. It’s played on the guitar, by the time the first bar is done the audience should recognize the song.

The Story Behind the Beat

While the infectious Zouglou beat makes it impossible to sit still, the story told in the lyrics is a classic tale of heartbreak, betrayal, and success. The song narrates the experience of a man who was abandoned by his girlfriend when he had nothing. However, after he finds fame and fortune through his music, she suddenly returns, hoping to rekindle their romance and enjoy his new lifestyle.

The central message is captured perfectly in the chorus. The phrase “Premier Gaou n’est pas Gaou, c’est deuxième Gaou qui est Niata” essentially means that being fooled once makes you naive, but letting yourself be fooled a second time makes you a true fool. It is a sharp, witty narrative disguised as an incredibly upbeat party anthem.

A Cultural Phenomenon

Magic System brought the Zouglou music genre, which originated in Abidjan, to the international stage with this song. The rhythmic storytelling and vibrant energy resonated with millions, proving that you don’t need to speak the language to feel the music. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to its brilliant production and the universal themes of its lyrics.

Whether you are listening to it for the storytelling or simply to enjoy the incredible rhythm, “Premier Gaou” remains a vibrant, nostalgic masterpiece that continues to get people moving worldwide.

It’s when I was down that the girl Antou left me When I had little Morning, noon, evening We were together At the “Rue Princesse” At the “Mille Marquis” Together at the “Santos” But once the money was gone Antou changed sides No more money And she changed boyfriends You are crazy, you are crazy

Thank god for I knew how to sing a little I did my demo tape, people saw me on TV Morning, noon, evening, it was me singing on radio Antou saw that and said the fool made it Wait, let me go and take his money

It is said that the first fool is not a fool It’s the second fool who is the real fool (Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me)

Sunday morning, Knock - knock, someone’s knocking at my door To my great surprise it’s the girl Antou I see Jokingly I say it’s been a while since we’ve seen each other She tries to lie to me saying: “Darling I had travelled, but I am back now, I belong to you, take me as a gift and do what you want with me”

I say sweet darling what do you want to eat Without hesitation she says barbecued chicken I say sweet darling, its chicken you want to eat But a chicken is too small and won’t satisfy you I will give you barbecued Cayman instead Elephant “Kedjenou” of elephant is what you are going to eat

She is upset and says she is going home But if she goes home, horniness is going to kill me So I ask for her forgiveness and she accepts Then at one point, she messes it all up She stops asking for chicken and now wants fried plantain If its fried plantain, that’s not complicated Its a banana plantation that you are going to fry Instead of a fork that can’t fill you up Its with a rake that you are going to eat

Kader is a fool, Blé is a fool Soro Guillaume is a fool, Sabine is a fool Angelo is a fool, Hotorino is a fool Blé is a fool, Dieu is a fool Kader is a fool, Kader is my fool Blé is a fool, Michel is a fool Emile is a fool, Honoré is a fool

I tell you to dance Look out for yourself And dance

Lyrics by Ziki African Music Project