Valery
The Ivorian music scene is in mourning. This Saturday, October 12, 2024, at Paris, Valery Vitale, member of groupe Hope 2000, died of blood cancer, KOACI learned from his loved ones.
The sad news has plunged Zouglou fans into deep dismay, especially since this death occurs at a particularly symbolic moment: the groupe was preparing to make a highly anticipated return after more than a decade of absence with the imminent release of a new album.
Valery Vitale, one of the pillars of groupe formed alongside Pat Saco and Shura, marked the history of Ivorian music with hits that have stood the test of time. Hope 2000 stood out with titles like “Gboglo Koffi”, “Système déranged” or even “Abidjan Farot”, pieces that became anthems within the Zouglou movement. Through their music, they were able to combine catchy rhythms and texts reflecting social realities, reaching a wide audience both in Côte d’Ivoire and internationally.
His fight against the disease had never been officially made public, the singer having chosen to carry out this ordeal discreetly. But, according to close sources, Valery had been courageously fighting for several years against blood cancer, a merciless disease which eventually took him to France, where he was to receive treatment.
This death comes as fans were impatiently awaiting the big return ofHope 2000 on the music scene. After a long period of silence and distance, the groupe had recently announced the upcoming release of a new album. This project was to mark a turning point in their career, symbolizing both a return to their roots and a musical evolution after more than ten years of marked absence. Preparations were underway, and this new production promised to reaffirm the place of groupe among the major figures of zouglou.
Through Hope 2000, Valery contributed to making zouglou a means of expressing the hopes and frustrations of Ivorian youth. Their music, much more than entertainment, became a form of social and cultural protest, giving a voice to those who felt marginalized. This ability to combine humor, social criticism and melody has made groupe a true legend in the Ivorian musical landscape.
As we prepared to celebrate this new opus, the disappearance of Valery darkens the atmosphere. Fans are now faced with an irreparable loss, that of an artist who marked their lives through his music and his commitment. The exit of thealbuminitially planned for the end of the year, now takes on a particular dimension. This latest project could be seen as the ultimate tribute to a man who devoted his life to music and his audience.
The departure of Valery Vitale leaves a huge void in the hearts of his loved ones, his fellow musicians and millions of fans around the world. Hope 2000 will never be the same without him, but his mark will remain engraved in the history of zouglou and Ivorian music. His death reminds us that artists, although bearers of joy and intense emotions, are also vulnerable to the trials of life.
Jean Chresus, Abidjan
