Culture/Tribute : crack cool, It's always flowing 10 years later

“The artist never dies” they say. Riss Cool is no exception to the rule. Torn from the affection of music lovers and enthusiasts of his art, Ulysse Tchekpo aka Riss Cool continues to receive posthumous tributes ten years after his death. The 20 mars 2023, these fans still remembered him through various messages on social networks.

He will have only had a six-year musical career. But these six years are eternal in the imagination of his fans. Six years during which he accomplished his mission as a sower of hope and comforter through his music. Riss Cool has released six albums in which he talks about life, misery but above all the essence of benefit. There is always emotion and thrills when you listen to the creator of Tchinkée dance. Born the 23 October 1980 in Abomey, Ulysse Tchekpo in the civil registry dies on Wednesday 20 Mars 2013 at the Hubert Koutoukou Maga National Hospital Center in Cotonou (CNHU) following a long illness. He had 32 years. If during his lifetime, he was awarded the Conavab prize 2011, awarded to the best artist of the year, the tributes he received posthumously far exceed this reward.

For journalist Mahoussi Capo-Chichi, what our colleagues from the daily Benin Intelligent report, the secret of Riss Cool lies in his themes “His music addressed social issues which allowed him to quickly be adopted by the people speaking the French language.. He touched with words and an indescribable melody the ills that many people suffer from.. To make it short, he sang the daily life of the Beninese. » he confided before adding “His songs were and remain downright anthems for his fans. 10 years have just passed but Riss Cool remains present and very listened to. It’s just incredible how immortal his genius is.”. His premature departure towards the celestial abode leaves his fans orphaned by new sounds “I love his works. I regret that it did not last ; his death was tragic. Listening to him sing, he was telling truths, described the realities. It was very wise of him. Riss Cool told all the truths in his songs. Too bad his life was short. I like playing his songs not for pleasure, but especially when I'm anxious, when I feel alone, when I am desperate” regrets Honoré Ogan.

Arnaud ACAKPO (Coll)