Didi B
“Give yourself the chance to succeed!”

The Ivorian rapper has set the pace, mixing hip-hop beats with traditional rhythms. And he is in constant dialogue with a galvanised fanbase.

To coincide with the forthcoming release of his album Diyilem, due out in 2025, we caught up with Didi B, the Ivorian rapper who has now gone gold. We spoke to him between takes at the Majestic Ivoire cinema where he was shooting the video for ‘C'est Ton Jour’, a new song dedicated to Côte d'Ivoire's youth and an ode to the celebration of life. Bassa Zérehoué Diyilem, which is his real name, was born into a family of artists, his father a producer and pianist and his mother a choreographer. As a child, he dreamt of a career in the arts. A former member of the group Kiff No Beat, he launched his solo career in 2019 with the single ‘Assinie’, a reference to the seaside resort popular with young Ivorians. Success followed success. He co-produced the album Mojo Trône – which topped 50,000 million streams – with 92i, French rapper Booba's label, and was awarded the prestigious Disque d'Or in July 2023. With a solid fanbase, this new dad doesn't want to tie himself down to a specific genre, and aims to explore different musical worlds.​​​​​​​

AM: What's your impression of young people in Côte d'Ivoire?

Didi B: I'd like them to be freer, more enterprising, and to make a living from what they love. Everyone needs to develop their own mindset in terms of their business and their talents. We mustn't expect others, be they managers or the state, to help us. We know how difficult it is to get outside support. It's very important for us artists to set an example: that's one of my daily battles. Showing young people that they can set up their own business with a structured and dynamic team, driven by a clear and defined vision. The last thing we need is to be fumbling around. Côte d'Ivoire's youth is bursting with talent: video-makers, film-makers, photographers, fashion designers, artists and stars, many of them under the age of twenty-five. Ivorian beauty queens are increasingly determined to represent the country's colours, as are the football, basketball and taekwondo squads, and those from all other sporting, artistic and even scientific spheres. This new generation offers something more than its predecessors: it intends raising the country's profile on the international stage.

What message would you like to get across to young people?

First and foremost, they need to equip themselves! Before God gives them success, they need several strings to their bow, because the real challenge comes afterwards. Once you've succeeded, you have to be consistent, step up your efforts and prove that you're not an artist or an ephemeral person, but that you're well positioned. Youth gives you the time to train in a number of skills, to perfect your craft: to learn to write, to direct, to develop your talents. Even if you're a footballer, it's important to excel in other areas. By the time you're in your thirties, it's vital to have perfected your skills in a number of different fields. Don't expect anything from state institutions; give yourself the chance to succeed. And to do that, you have to banish shame. There are no lower jobs: you can start out as a waiter, earn a living, and tomorrow become the owner of an establishment. We mustn't neglect the Internet and digital professions either. Today, thanks to digital technology, everyone has the chance to succeed. All you need is a good concept and, above all, perseverance!

Do you see yourself as a role model for your fans?

I don't claim to be a role model. But I do see myself as a good example, especially to my fans, who follow me closely and understand the meaning of my songs. They know that I'm succeeding and achieving what I talked about in some of my lyrics. I try to be as authentic as possible, to be myself, without any filter. The fans who have followed my career know that I've had to work hard and make sacrifices to get where I am today.

In your opinion, what is the key to success?

Hard work above all, but what makes the difference is the path we take to succeed. You have to give yourself every chance, progress in a favourable environment and surround yourself with people who have the same aspirations as you. If your circle is made up of enterprising, inspiring people, then you will be pulled upwards. But if you only have unhealthy relationships and you're surrounded by lazy people, you'll be dragged down. You shouldn't just throw yourself into a void either; you need to have a clear vision and objective.

What do you think is your most famous song and why?

My most famous song is ‘En Haut’, produced in 2022. What's special about it is that it's a crossover between two generations – my own and that of Jr Low and Tam Sir – which has enabled the three of us to reach a wider audience. It also uses the elements of a new musical movement, maïmouna [a flowing, danceable musical style derived from Ivorian rap, Ed.], which at the time was just emerging in Côte d'Ivoire. But it was mainly the theme it tackled that struck a chord with audiences. ‘En Haut’ means relying on God, always persevering, no matter the obstacles, because success is at the end of the road. I also tell the story of my journey, the different challenges I've had to overcome to get where I am, and I think a lot of people could relate to that. Regardless of who you are or where you come from, life is full of obstacles, and this music is a message of hope. With its infectious melody and rhythms, it allows me to get my message across in a powerful and catchy way.

How important is the audience in your life?

The audience is an integral part of my life. On social media or in the real world, I'm in constant contact with my fans. We have a real connection. It's thanks to them and their unconditional support that I do all these great concerts. They're always there for me, and whether it's in Africa or Europe, their love is unwavering. They're the best thing that's ever happened to me, the greatest blessing in my career. My fanbase is called ‘La Conspiration’, (The Conspiracy) and it's my main army, always ready to come to my defence. I consult them before launching new projects, before releasing an album, and even when organising my concerts. It's important for me to live up to their expectations. Before conquering a new audience, I first want them to be satisfied with my work.