During an appearance on the “Mood by EK” show hosted by Emmanuelle Kéita, Ivorian singer Gadji Celi addressed the accusations that he copied the fashion style of Franco-Congolese rapper Maître Gims.
Since his return to Côte d’Ivoire after more than a decade of exile in France, Gadji Celi has become the center of media attention. The renowned Ivorian artist was recently the featured guest on the “Mood by EK” show, which highlights the fashion styles of celebrities in the country. However, it was his response to an intriguing question about his eyewear that caught everyone’s attention.
The iconic former captain of the Ivory Coast national football team was asked about his tendency to constantly wear glasses, even in public. The direct question posed by Emmanuelle Keita, the show’s host, raised questions about a possible imitation of the style of the French rapper Maître Gims, known for often wearing glasses. “It’s very rare to see you without glasses. Is this a way of imitating Maître Gims?” EK asked him.
Gadji Celi did not mince his words when answering this question. He clarified that his choice to wear glasses had nothing to do with Maître Gims and that he was not following any recent trend. Going back to his beginnings in the music industry in 1984, Gadji Celi emphasized that his preference for glasses was partly due to his shyness.
“You have to be one of my close friends or family members to see me without glasses. But it has nothing to do with Maître Gims. I’ve been singing since 1984. Maître Gims hasn’t been singing for that long. So, it’s not me copying him; it might actually be the other way around. Behind my glasses, there’s a bit of shyness. Out of respect for everyone, I prefer to hide behind my glasses,” he stated.
This moment of honesty from the artist helped shed light on his relationship with this particular fashion accessory and debunk the speculations surrounding his clothing choices. Beyond the speculations, Gadji Celi continues to captivate his audience with his music. His live performances, including at the Palais de la Culture in Abidjan and the Hôtel Ivoire, have been acclaimed and have reaffirmed his lasting influence in the Ivorian music scene.
