Malakey

Malakey, born Malamine Bagayoko in Bamako, is one of the most distinctive voices in French-language rap and Afrobeats. A former footballer who turned to music, he traded the football pitch for the studio without ever losing his fighting spirit or sense of community.

His music creates a constant dialogue between Manding musical traditions, including the kora, balafon and deep vocals, and modern urban production. Moving between Bamako and Paris, he builds a musical bridge that speaks to both urban neighborhoods and villages, the African diaspora and a new generation of African listeners.

In 2024, his collaboration with legendary duo Amadou & Mariam on “L'Incompris”, a notable reinterpretation of a classic from Mali's musical heritage, took his name far beyond the continent. In 2026, he reached another milestone with “La Lettre”, a key song in his French-language songwriting. Its version with Youssoupha, released on May 29, 2026, firmly established him within the contemporary French-speaking rap scene and marked the beginning of his signing with French label ALLMADE.

His collaborations with Sidiki Diabaté on “Diya”, as well as with Faïza and Momo Choco, further strengthen his position as one of the leading figures of Mali's new generation of artists.

With more than ten million cumulative streams across platforms, a loyal audience in Paris, and a growing following throughout West Africa, Malakey continues to tell the modern story of Mali through music in his own distinctive way.