The famous AFCON 2023 anthem, ‘Coup du marteau’ (Hammer Blow), which accompanied Côte d’Ivoire to the continental title, is now banned from broadcast throughout the country. This decision, taken on 24 December by the Abidjan Court of First Instance, follows a financial dispute between rapper Tam Sir and Team Paiya over the rights to the song, which has become a symbol of Ivorian pride and competition.
The song ‘Coup du marteau’ (Hammer Blow), the unofficial anthem of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which accompanied Côte d’Ivoire to the continental title, is now banned from broadcast throughout the Ivorian territory… This decision, taken on 24 December by the Abidjan Court of First Instance, follows a financial dispute between rapper Tam Sir and Team Paiya over the distribution of rights related to the song… The song can no longer be broadcast, streamed, played on local radio stations or in public places… Fans are now deprived of an anthem that had become emblematic of the African competition.
The song was a massive hit, with nearly 160 million views on social media, played in all stadiums and during television broadcasts, becoming a symbol of Ivorian ambition and pride. The song accompanied the national team’s exploits, such as their spectacular comeback against Gabon on the final day of the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Beyond music, this case illustrates the challenges of copyright in the African cultural sector. The continental and international success of certain songs could create complex financial and legal conflicts. For the time being, no agreement has been reached between the parties, and the hit song remains banned in the country. The cultural authorities and the Ivorian Copyright Office could play a mediating role to allow for future distribution, while the melody continues to resonate in certain stadiums outside the national territory.
