'Ayoka' is the first single from Dobet Gnahoré's upcoming album Zouzou, which will be released by Cumbancha in early 2024. 'Ayoka' ('Thank You Very Much' in the Bété language) is described as "an upbeat Afropop gem with a funky stutter-beat groove and catchy, sing-along, melodic hooks".

The single and upcoming album were both produced by Momo Wang, also known as Dr. Wang, who is considered one of Abidjan’s most in-demand producers - he has worked with Malian R&B superstar Aya Nakamura and leading coupé-décale singer Ariel Sheney, amongst others.

On ‘Ayoka’, Dobet expresses her gratitude for the natural world and the life it supports, singing: "Thank you to the universe for its protection / Thank you to the wind for its oxygen / I give thanks to life for its gifts / When I am sitting outside and I see the magic of life / I am captivated, I am in awe / I’m stunned, I’m amazed".

A music video for ‘Ayoka’ has also been released. It was filmed at Lagune Aguien, a lake on the outskirts of Abidjan, and was directed by Jyphael Tayorault.

Zouzou will be released in early 2024, and will be the Ivory Coast singer's first full-length since 2021's Couleur.