Kery James

Born to Haitian parents and raised between Guadeloupe and Orly, Kery James — whose real name is Alix Mathurin — quickly established himself at a very young age as a unique lyricist in French rap. Spotted at 11 for his writing and rapping skills, he recorded his first feature on MC Solaar’s album Qui sème le vent récolte le tempo before founding Ideal J and joining the Mafia K’1 Fry collective.

For nearly thirty years, Kery James has been a major figure in French hip-hop. His humanist rap, deeply committed to fighting inequality, has earned him lasting success: over 700,000 albums sold, sold-out legendary venues (7 Olympia, 4 Zénith, 2 Accor Arena) and a multifaceted career spanning music, theater, and cinema. His plays À vif and À huis clos drew large audiences, just like his film Banlieusards, a smash hit on streaming platforms.

On November 28, 2025, Kery James unveiled his new album R.A.P – Résistance Amour Poésie, an intimate and powerful project. To mark the occasion, he is touring stages ahead of his exceptional show at the Accor Arena in Paris on November 15, 2026.

On stage, surrounded by 4 musicians, Kery James will share his new tracks as well as his timeless classics. Charismatic and passionate, Kery James continues to unite a loyal audience around a body of work where poetry, clarity, and hope intertwine.