Known for his captivating melodies and incisive lyrics, the performer of "Assinie," Didi B, opened his dressing room to Pouvoirs d’Afrique, Powers of Africa, and L’Observateur du Maroc just before his opening concert at Mawazine 2024 for this interview full of revelations.
Upon entering the stage, the Ivorian rapper plunged the crowd into a boiling atmosphere of sound during his performance at the 19th edition of the Mawazine-Rhythms of the World festival, organized from June 21 to 29 under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Under a summer sky adorned with a full moon, Didi B captivated the audience with his strong stage presence, precise dance moves, and electric performances, thanks to a skillful mix of his most well-known hits. "Tu es dans pain," "Approchez regardez," and "Tala" are just a few of the exciting and original tracks that provided the audience with a true sensory and emotional experience.
The atmosphere reached a peak when the artist performed "Assinie," creating an enchanting atmosphere among fans, music lovers of various African nationalities, and Ivorians in particular, who sang along in chorus. Amidst a torrent of applause that filled the stage and the entire Rabat waterfront, Didi B's fluid and controlled transitions between songs and hip-hop beats mixed with African rhythms kept the audience's excitement at its peak.
The Ivorian artist took the opportunity of his participation in Mawazine to sing an exclusive excerpt from his upcoming album, expressing his joy at being able to perform in Morocco, the "beautiful country," and especially in the capital Rabat. Didi B also danced to the rhythm of the song "Ghazali" by DYSTINCT ft. Bryan Mg, then waved the Moroccan flag under the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd.
Born Bassa Zerehoué Diyilem on April 3, 1992, in the village of Ki-Yi, Abidjan, Didi B is a former leading member of the African hip-hop group Kiff No Beat, often punctuating his style with striking lyrics that depict the ills of today's society. In 2019, Didi B released his first solo track "Assinie," and in 2022, his first solo album "Mojotrône 2." At the 2022 International Urban and Coupé-Décalé Music Awards (PRIMUD), Didi B won the awards for Best Ivorian Rap Artist, Hit of the Year, and Best Urban Feat.
That same year, at the Africa Talent Awards, in addition to winning the Grand Prize, he received the awards for Best Album, Best African Rapper, Song of the Year, Best Record, and Intercontinental Song. Moreover, at the 8th edition of the "All Africa Music Awards" (AFRIMA), Didi B won the Song of the Year award. Interview.
You are returning to Morocco for the second time. How do you feel about reconnecting with your Moroccan audience and performing on the African stage of Bouregreg at Mawazine?
It's a great pride for me to perform on an international stage like Mawazine. It's a way for me to show what I can do and represent my country, and I'm happy to be here. This is the second time I'm performing a big show in Morocco, and I'm excited to present something different. It's a very good festival... Not to be missed.
You were born into a family of artists (a choreographer mother and a pianist and producer father). Was it almost a given for you to follow this path?
Not at all. At first, I had to continue my studies to be able to work as an ordinary citizen, but as I progressed, I felt more into music, so I had to follow my own path with the support of my parents. I continued in music because I felt good in it, and it made me who I am today.
Why Rap and Hip Hop?
Because my parents were into world music, which I liked, but it wasn't suitable for a young person like me. So, I chose Hip Hop because my idols, my favorite artists, are rappers: Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Booba... And even though I now try other genres, my gateway was Hip Hop.
You have been recently criticized for moving away from Rap and opting for a more colorful style with more dance. What do you say to them?
I do what I know how to do, I don't limit myself. I learned to do Hip Hop, but dance is innate in me. I see my parents dancing, I know how to dance, and I want to do Hip Hop in an African way.
Is it a way to export Ivorian Rap internationally and make it more accessible?
Yes, of course. Lil Wayne already exists; it's not about making a second one, but you have to do your own rap to stand out in the world. You shouldn't be a copy.
You have tried other musical genres like Maimouna. Why this choice?
This choice happened naturally. I liked the style; the young people who created it were very ingenious. They combined Hip Hop with coupé décalé and added dance, something we didn't necessarily do in African Hip Hop. It's magic that captivates everyone, and I thought, why not try it?
A gold record, then a concert at the Olympia, and an EP "Before l’Olympia"? Is it a bit of a consecration?
We can say it's an achievement, but we are always striving for excellence. We try to find other goals, we try to improve... The Olympia was a great moment. We released "Before l’Olympia" to mark the moment because an African artist performing at the Olympia, especially a modern urban artist, was not seen all the time.
How is African rap doing?
Very well. Besides, we are at Mawazine... It's a team effort; we work hard. There are concerts everywhere, we are often on the same stages, we continue to do features together to push it even further... to go further, and it's doing very well.
Your projects?
For the coming years, we will try to fill the stadium in Abidjan. Internationally, we will always seek recognition, find the formula to export ourselves; it's the most important for me. I'm preparing a new album; it will be a personal rap album that will talk about me. It's called "Diyilem," my real name. It will talk about everything I've experienced, my father, my mother, my wife, my group, all the controversies on social networks, an album where I will respond to my detractors. It will be all about my life.
What was your reaction after the Elephants' victory in the last CAN?
When I finished the opening show, I wanted to leave the stadium quickly. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to get out; I had faith we would win... I went out to have fun in the streets of Abidjan; it was magnificent.
A football team you particularly like?
Real Madrid. Because for me, it's excellence; it's Zidane, Ronaldo, Benzema... Currently, there is Luka Modrić... They have shown for a long time how to remain constant as a great club. I've been a fan since my childhood, and I love it.
Any idea about Moroccan rappers? Anyone in particular you would like to collaborate with?
Yes, I'm in discussions with El Grande Toto; we are preparing a track together. I know others, but given our schedules, we try to set something up as soon as we meet.
