We’ve carefully selected 5 Francophone artists who deserve a place in your music rotation. These artists effortlessly blend their varied cultural influences into their music, creating captivating sounds. Language isn’t a barrier as they find innovative ways to tell their stories through their delivery. One that transcends borders and speaks to the universal power of music.
1. Vicky R
The Franco-Gabonese rapper is known for her hard-hitting lyrical versatility and the ease with which she blends US and French rap with modern hip-hop sounds from Gabon as well as Zouk. She began her career at 16 years old when she dropped her first single “Leggo”. Since then, she has made a name for herself as a promising contributor to the French rap scene with multiple singles, an EP (V), and an album (RHC) in her discography.
2. Meryl
Meryl is a rapper and dancehall artist from Martinique who has made a name for herself in the French rap scene. Her wide range of music and cultural influences come from growing up in Martinique, exposed to soca, dancehall, zouk, compas, and hip hop. Her work in music comprises building her music catalog as well as those of prominent French rappers such as SCH, Niska, and Soprano
3. Pierre Kwenders
A Canadian-Congolese artist and rapper based in Montreal, Canada. Pierre has established himself as a multifaceted artist creating new soundscapes inclusive of hip-hop, pop, rumba, electronic music, r&b, and house. He elevates his artistry by incorporating English, Tshiluba, Kikongo French, and Lingala into his music.
4. Yamê
Yamê is a French-Cameroonian artist who blends hip-hop, jazz, and R&B in his music. His music is identifiable through his captivating vocal play, exploring various falsetto placements and eclectic harmonic structures. Making his debut in 2020 with two mixtapes, the artist has since then released an album and multiple singles.
5. Lynn
Lynn is a French soul artist with a warm honey-toned voice who sings in both French and English. Her music is described to be soothing and healing for the mind, body, and soul with influences of French jazz, neo-soul, r&b, and bossa. Her career began with a single in 2017 (From Me to Myself). Her latest single, “J’aime Pas Le Gout” was released this year.
Written by Anabel Rose Kubabom
