PASSI
A leading figure in French rap, Passi has been one of the most iconic and respected voices on the French-speaking music scene for over 30 years.
A founding member of Ministère A.M.E.R., Secteur Ä, and the Bisso Na Bisso collective, he has left his mark on several generations through his talent, vision, and commitment. Blending rap, African influences, and innovative projects, Passi has helped shape the history of urban music in France.
With his new project, Bande Originale, he continues his journey by bringing together legendary artists and the next generation, reaffirming his essential role in the evolution of French-language rap.
PASSIonate about sports and music, he discovered rap at a very young age. In 1987, he co-founded the Ministère A.M.E.R. (Action Musique Et Rap) association with his friends. The group put in countless rehearsals, made appearances on local radio stations, and performed their first live shows before releasing their first EP in 1991. Their debut album, "Pourquoi tant de haine ?", was released in 1992. Their success solidified with "95200" in 1994.
PASSI then dropped out of school to devote himself entirely to music. Along with Stomy Bugsy, Kenzy, and their partners, he founded Secteur Ä, a label that would go on to launch the careers of artists such as Neg’Marrons, Ärsenik, and Doc Gynéco. In 1995, A.M.E.R. contributed to the soundtrack for the film "La Haine". After holding several sales jobs, PASSI embarked on a notable solo career. His first solo album, "Les Tentations" (1997), became a massive hit and sold over 500,000 copies. He went on tour repeatedly and founded his label, Issap Productions, in 1998. That same year, he created the collective Bisso Na Bisso, which blends French rap with African influences. The group achieved international success with over 200,000 copies sold in France and several awards at the Kora Music Awards in 1999.
In 2000, PASSI released his second solo album, "Genèse", which was certified gold. On it, he explores themes of identity, inequality, religion, and integration. Beginning in 2002, he diversified his activities to include music video directing, television, film, and production. In 2004, he concluded his musical trilogy with "Odyssée", featuring the hit single “Face à la mer,” a duet with Calogero. In 2005, he recorded "Paris on Fire" with Wyclef Jean. The following year, he co-produced and starred in the film "No Way". In 2007, he was appointed UNDP Goodwill Ambassador to the Congo and released the album "Évolution". At the same time, he continued his acting career, served on the "Star Academy" judging panel, and led several cultural and humanitarian projects in Africa.
In 2009, he revived Bisso Na Bisso with the album "Africa" and organized numerous tours across Europe, Africa, and Canada. He also published the book "Explication de textes" in 2013. In 2014, Ministère A.M.E.R. celebrated the 20th anniversary of the album "95200" at the Olympia. PASSI then created the Auzärt brand and joined Warner Music in 2016 to head the In Fact label. Between 2017 and 2018, he participated in the successful tours of "L’Âge d’Or du Rap Français" and "Secteur Ä". He is also involved in several humanitarian initiatives, particularly in support of Haiti. Starting in 2019, he has been developing new musical and film projects, notably the film "Le Prince", which has been acclaimed at several European film festivals. In 2021, he received the Culture and Arts Award as well as the Medal of Honor for Culture. With a career spanning more than 30 years, PASSI continues to pursue his work in music, film, entrepreneurship, and cultural engagement.
In 2026, he released "Bande Originale", a project bringing together historic figures of French rap, young artists, and representatives of the Afro-Congolese scene, showcasing his major role in the evolution of Francophone rap.
