An Ivorian singer, songwriter, and producer, Bebi Philip is regarded as one of the foremost arrangers and instrumentalists of the Ivory Coast's popular coupé-décalé musical movement. Emerging in 2009 with a beats-driven sound that combines elements of Afro-pop, dance, R&B, and electronic music, Philip first found commercial success in 2013 with the release of his full-length debut, Joie de Vivre. Born N'guessan Bebi Philippe Amessan in Treichville, Abidjan, Philip honed his musical skills playing guitar in the church choir. He eventually began writing his own hymns and furthered his studies at the School of Artistic Education. By 2004, he had become an adept musical arranger, working under the tutelage of sound engineer and Ivorian music legend Freddy Assogbah, with whom he collaborated until 2007. He spent the next two years producing tracks for a host of regional artists, including DJ Arafat and Serge Beynaud, and in 2009 he released his debut single, "Swinguita." His 2013 debut long-player, the Serge Beynaud-produced Joie de Vivre, was a commercial juggernaut that featured a slew of hits, including "It Explodes," "Freedom Is Bara," and "Balaumba." More singles followed, with highlights arriving via 2015's "Move Dadass," 2017's "Zepele," 2019's "Blo Blo," and 2020's "Judas." ~ James Christopher Monger