Zeynab

Oloukèmi Zeynab Abibou, known as Zeynab Abib or Zeynab, is a Beninese singer born on 25 September 1975 in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. Eightth of a family of more than sixteen children, she takes part from school in television singing competitions, then returns to Benin in 1993 for her studies at the Allada College.

She made her weapons on stage in Cotonou, notably as an animator of a karaoke at Alex's Hotel, before releasing her first album, Intori in 2002. Her album From one place to another, with Lokua Kanza, confirms her talent and is worth a continental recognition.

In 2005, she won the Kora Award for Best Women's Artist in West Africa, and since 2007 has been a national goodwill ambassador to UNICEF in Benin and has been putting her voice in the service of children's rights, girls' education and the fight against child marriage.

Her music mixes traditional Beninese rhythms, including bolojo yoruba and nagot, afropop and world music. She sings in several Beninese languages and multiplies collaborations, from Fanicko to Toofan and Smarty on "Tomorrow it will be all right".

She was still active and published "Les Enfants de Dieu" in December 2024, "Leave Me Love You" with Axel Merryl in 2025, and remains a major figure in Benin's major scenes, such as the French Institute of Benin in May 2026.