Imilo Lechanceux

Available for 42 days

Imilo Lechanceux was born in Ivory Coast, but when he returned to the land of his parents as a young man he was determined to win the love of the people of Burkina Faso. As he tells This Is Africa, he wrote songs singing the praises of Burkina Faso, and he began to sing in the local language, More, as well as blending Burkinabe traditional sounds and instruments with coupe decale from Ivory Coast and other genres picked from elsewhere. Imilo had a big hit during last year's Africa Cup of Nations with his song Taper Dedans which was designed to encourage Burkina Faso's national football team, the Stallions. His love of sport is reflected in another hit, Fitness, which has become a favourite soundtrack for gym workouts. In this episode, Imilo also talks about his love of children and his charitable work in prisons, as well as his hopes for peace in Burkina Faso and across the region.