Death of “Le Gros Bedel”: Ivorian showbiz loses a star

This Tuesday, July 2, 2024, the news spread on social networks. “Le Gros Bedel”, whose real name is Ahoua Blétchi Noël, an emblematic figure of Ivorian showbiz, has left us. Known for his multiple talents as a manager and producer, he left his mark on the cultural landscape of Côte d’Ivoire.“Le Gros Bedel”, an emblematic nickname given by the artist Arafat Dj, has a particular history. “It was Arafat who gave me the pseudonym ‘Gros Bedel’,” he said. “I remember he was recording his single ‘Zrôpôtô’. After a studio session, he joined me at the nightclub Le ‘New Ice’ where I was working at the time. He wanted me to listen to his new song. From the first notes, I heard: ‘Le Gros Bedel’ on the beat. I gave him a friendly pat on the back and told him: ‘you have to remove that part where you say Le Gros Bedel’. Arafat replied: ‘Le Vié, leave it, you’ll make a splash and get your points with that, you’ll see’. I didn’t agree, but before I knew it, the song was already playing on Ivoire Mix Dj, and it was too late to change anything. The pseudonym was adopted.”

The departure of “Le Gros Bedel” leaves an immense void in the hearts of his loved ones and the many artists he accompanied throughout his career. His legacy continues to live on through the music and indelible memories he left behind.

Fratmat.info presents its deepest condolences to his family, his friends and to the world of Ivorian showbiz.