Ivory Coast people have been everything about this music. 2026 has been everything about this album. I was at the bus terminal when I came across it. The energy of the music matched the energy of the place — movement, noise, and life happening all at once. That is where Vision d'Or belongs. Not in a quiet room, but in the middle of the everyday hustle. It pulled me in immediately, and I found myself replaying tracks before my bus even arrived.
Ste Milano emerged on the Ivorian music scene in the early 2020s, maintaining a deliberate distance from his private life while focusing entirely on his artistic career. His early appearances were alongside established names: "Bodrin Mowdi" with Blackiller in 2022, followed by "Hymne du paiya" with Zagba Le Requin and Doupi Papillon. Those collaborations introduced him as an artist rooted in the pure tradition of American trap, but with a distinctly Ivorian sensibility.
He gradually broadened his palette. "Chebaba" in 2023 found him moving toward Afropop, working with Doupi Papillon, 3XDavs, and Tazeboy. Then came his solo breakthrough. "Ormayou Ormada" and "Papa N'golo," both released in 2023, established his trap sound while opening it up to traditional Ivory Coast rhythms. With several million listens, Ste Milano became one of the new faces of Ivorian rap.
2024 accelerated everything.
Numerous singles followed, and he appeared on Lala &ce's SOLSTICE album on the track "Djinzin." "Remontada," released in August 2024, quickly surpassed the million-listener mark. By the time Vision d'Or arrived in February 2025, Ste Milano had already built a foundation. The album was the culmination.
Vision d'Or was released on February 14, 2025, through Zigenshor Prod, with distribution handled exclusively by ADA France and Warner Music Africa FR. The album runs nine tracks and just over 23 minutes. It features collaborations with Wantché on "Comme ça" and Lil Jay Bingerack on "Oser."
The tracklist moves through a range of textures. "Guerrier" opens the project with a two-and-a-half-minute statement. "Comme ça" with Wantché follows, a track that Shazam's musical analysis describes as melodically clear and memorable. "Ça commencer" and "Faroter" continue the momentum before "BOUCHEKARAILLE" shifts the energy. "Petit Zady" and "Oser" with Lil Jay Bingerack lead into "Petite Melo" and the closing track "Abodan."
"Abodan," produced by DAUDET, has already accumulated over 39,500 plays on Audiomack, with 454 likes, 2 re-ups, and 370 playlist adds. That playlist number is notable — it suggests curators are actively adding the track to their rotations. The album itself sits at 1.49 million total plays on Audiomack as of release.
On Qobuz, the album is categorized as World music, available in 24-Bit/44.1 kHz stereo. The production credits include DAUDET on "Abodan" and Dafé on "Comme ça." The sound is polished but not overproduced. Ste Milano's voice sits clearly in the mix, and the production gives each track room to breathe.
Vision d'Or is a strong debut. It does not try to be everything at once, but it also does not limit itself to a single sound. Ste Milano moves between trap, Afropop, and traditional Ivorian rhythms with ease, and the guest features — Wantché and Lil Jay Bingerack — add texture without overwhelming the project.
The album's title is fitting. "Vision d'Or" translates to "Golden Vision," and that is exactly what this album represents: a young artist with a clear sense of where he is going and what he wants to say. It is not a perfect album — at nine tracks and 23 minutes, it leaves you wanting more, which is both a strength and a limitation. But as a debut statement, it works. Ste Milano has arrived, and he has something to say.
Worth listening? Yes, if you follow Ivorian rap and Afropop. No, if you are looking for a full-length album experience.
Browse the Ivorian Rap/Afropop section for similar releases.
Stream Vision d'Or on Audiomack, Qobuz, and all major streaming platforms below.
Share it with a friend who knows Ivorian music runs deeper than the hits.
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