ZO on Music Theory Print

Zoomergaze

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Etymology#

“Zoomergaze” is a portmanteau of “shoegaze” and “zoomer” (meaning Generation Z). In a 2024 article for WhyNow, writer Harvey Solomon-Brady used the term to refer to the fusion of hyperpop and shoegaze. In a 2024 article for Nina Protocol, music blogger Eli Enis called the style “VSTi-gaze” and “compu-gaze”. Writing for Pitchfork, Kieran Press-Reynolds attributed the term “cloud-rock”, popularized by Nina Protocol as a “progeny of shoegaze”. He later defined a “Post-Pandemic Alt-Rock” scene which overlapped with cloud rock, citing groups who arose alongside Bar Italia, blending influences from the Cure, Dean Blunt, Blur, Pavement, trip hop and shoegaze.

Zouglou

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

The export of the phenomenon#

It was in 1989 that the zouglou as dance, language and philosophy, exports of the city of Yop to that of Abobo. Opokou N’ti, with real skills choreographic was blessed by Joe Christy to “liberate” (dance) to the city of Abobo to demand “teachers” who had invited them to fraternize. A few weeks later comes the demonstration zouglou in non-student in the hall of Kumasi, when the Ziguehi was a reality in Côte d’Ivoire, facilitated by Alain Gaston Lago and Tahi (Commissioner Tricot). The man of letters and culture Alain Tahi (student at the time) would already spread phenomenon. Evolving in time, zouglou created and proposed successively dance steps without changing the truly musical form: Gnakpa, Kpaklo. Although in 1999 the zouglou achieved international renown thanks to Magic System, the genre remains relatively unknown. It currently has several dozen groups or artists and zouglou: Yodé & Siro (Best Album 2009 Zouglou sign with Zo, Mèlèkè Lago Paulin Khunta & Cisco (Gochinago) Patterns, New Leaders, Coco Hilaire, Old gazère, Oxygen, Hope 2000, The mechanics … Zouglou emerged in the ’90s as a musical genre and innovative Ivorian made by and for young people. If until that time singers like Bailly Spinto or Alpha Blondy much better known had managed to wear the colors of the Ivorian music, their songs were either inspired French folklore for some or all reggae for others. Rock, with such Gnahoré Jimmy at that time was also trying to get a place. Other traditional songs also drew them out of the game but this time music “Ivorian” was born, music is purely outcome of the cultural and Ivorian Abidjan.

Zouk

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Zouk béton#

The original fast carnival style of zouk, best represented by the band Kassav’, became known as “zouk béton”, “zouk chiré”, or “zouk hard”. Zouk béton is considered a synthesis of various French Antillean dance music styles of the 20th century, including kadans, konpa, and biguine.

Zouk love (music style)

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Characteristics#

Zouk love is typically slower and more melodic than its parent genre. It features soft, romantic vocals—mostly sung in French—combined with smooth synthesizers, electronic drums, and light percussion. The genre shares similarities with modern compas from Haiti, especially in rhythm and dance style, but emphasizes emotional balladry with a focus on romantic themes.

History#

Zouk love originated in the mid-1980s as a slower and more romantic evolution of the fast-paced zouk béton popularized by Kassav’. By the 1990s, the genre became even more languid, dropping in tempo to around 95–100 beats per minute. Brass instruments were phased out in favor of synthesizers and drum machines, and the music adopted a more commercial sound. The lyrics often shifted toward sentimental and romantic themes, avoiding controversial or political content. French replaced most Antillean Creole in the lyrics, and zouk love took on the qualities of international pop, distancing itself from its roots in local tradition. The dance associated with this music became more intimate and minimalist, performed in close embrace with subtle hip movements. Artists like Francky Vincent popularized a playful, sensual version of zouk love with hits like “Fruit de la passion” and “Alice ça glisse.” Others, such as Gilles Floro and Jocelyne Béroard, focused on deeply emotional and sentimental ballads. In the 2000s and beyond, the genre continued to evolve, with some musicians incorporating elements of contemporary R&B and pop production. Notable artists include Slaï (Patrice Sylvestre), Princess Lover, and Njie. Since 2010, a new generation of zouk love performers has gained popularity and remains influential today, including Lynnsha, Layannah, Nesly, Kim, Mikl, Marvin, and Fanny J.

ZO on Music Theory Print

Zoomergaze

Etymology#

Zouglou

The export of the phenomenon#

Zouk

Zouk béton#

See also#

Zouk love (music style)

Characteristics#

History#