Il Faut Croire By Les Leaders

Les Leaders’ “Il Faut Croire,” from their EP Poutoulou, remains a steady favorite among fans of Ivorian zouglou, continuing to draw listeners well past its original release.

Les Leaders have carved out their place in Côte d’Ivoire’s music scene as part of the zouglou tradition, a genre known for blending social commentary with communal, danceable rhythms rooted in Ivorian youth culture. The group’s sound leans on collective vocal energy and rhythms built for movement, and “Il Faut Croire,” written by Bereoudougou Valerie and Madou Ble Franck, fits squarely within that tradition while carrying a message of perseverance and faith in better days ahead.

The track runs over four minutes, giving it room to build gradually, layering call-and-response vocal exchanges over percussive, rhythm-forward instrumentation typical of zouglou. The group’s harmonies carry both warmth and urgency, striking a balance between an uplifting, communal feel and a more reflective undertone that matches the song’s title, which translates to “One Must Believe.”

Its continued relevance comes from that same universal message of resilience, a theme that keeps resonating with listeners navigating their own everyday struggles, paired with the genre’s enduring popularity across Ivorian and wider West African audiences.

There’s a real communal warmth running through this record, Les Leaders’ harmonies carrying genuine conviction over a rhythm section built to move people. The message of perseverance lands with sincerity rather than sentimentality, and the result is a zouglou cut that continues to connect long after its release.

“Il Faut Croire” is an exciting track with captivating energy, impressive delivery, and a memorable sound. Make sure you listen to this impressive song and add it to your playlist today.

“Il Faut Croire” By “Les Leaders” BELOW