Ivory Coast: Emma Dobre Opens Up on Challenges of Producing for Kerozen
During the ‘Show Buzz’ program broadcast on March 13 on the NCI channel, prominent female figures from the Ivorian music world took the floor. Among them, Emma Dobre, who manages the career of Kerozen, spoke up about the hurdles she faced, including acts of sabotage from the artist’s entourage.
The televised session was an opportunity to highlight influential women in the Ivorian show business including Sophie Kouadio, Miss Kouame Yellow Jersey, Erika, and Emma Dobre. These women shared their experiences as managers and producers in a predominantly male industry. They recounted how they got their starts, whether it was through connections with radio, their love for Zouglou music, or other more personal paths.
In front of the cameras, they discussed challenges related to their positions in this industry, their recurrent lack of rest, and the need to sometimes fend off inappropriate advances. Emma Dobre noted that she did not face family difficulties in her career but admitted to facing resistance from people close to Kerozen. She mentioned that some discouraged her from continuing to support him, predicting possible ingratitude on the part of the artist, although she did not disclose their names.