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| Soprano (rapper) | |
|---|---|
| Name | Soprano |
| Caption | Soprano performing in 2019 |
| Birth name | Saïd M'Roumbaba |
| Birth date | 1979-01-14 |
| Birth place | Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, France |
| Origin | Marseille, France |
| Genres | Hip hop, pop, rap, R&B |
| Occupation | Rapper, singer, songwriter |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Labels | Indila Records, Capitol Music France, Wagram Music |
| Associated acts | Psy 4 de la Rime, Akhenaton, IAM, Rim'K |
Soprano (rapper) is a French rapper and singer from Marseille known for blending hip hop, pop, and R&B, noted for chart-topping albums and socially conscious lyrics. Rising to prominence as a member of Psy 4 de la Rime, he later achieved solo success with collaborations across the French music scene and appearances in media and charity campaigns. His work intersects with artists, institutions, and events across France, Canada, and francophone Africa.
Born Saïd M'Roumbaba in Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, he grew up in the Quartier des Aygalades near the Old Port of Marseille and the Bouches-du-Rhône department. His family background includes Comorian and Malagasy roots linked to the Comoros and Madagascar, and his formative years were shaped by local culture around the Château d'If and the multicultural districts of La Castellane and Belle de Mai. He attended community centers associated with regional initiatives from the Conseil départemental des Bouches-du-Rhône and encountered early influences from Marseille hip hop scenes centered on venues near the Vieux-Port and festivals like Marsatac.
Soprano began his career in the mid-1990s with the hip hop group Psy 4 de la Rime alongside members Jok'Air, Shurik'n, and Segnor Alonzo, releasing records on labels tied to independent scenes such as 3e Bureau and influenced by collectives around IAM and Akhenaton. His solo debut followed collaborations with producers connected to Tarek Benattia and studios in La Plaine, leading to albums promoted by major companies including Capitol Records and Universal Music France. He toured venues like the Olympia (Paris), played festivals including Les Vieilles Charrues, and collaborated with artists such as Stromae, Maître Gims, Zaho, Amel Bent, and Black M. Soprano's career expanded into television appearances on programs produced by France Télévisions and performances at charity galas associated with organizations like Les Restos du Cœur and UNICEF France.
His musical style blends elements from hip hop, pop music, and R&B, drawing influence from Marseille predecessors like IAM and artists from the international scene such as Eminem, Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., and French contemporaries like Oxmo Puccino and MC Solaar. Production choices reference electronic textures found in works by Daft Punk and orchestral arrangements similar to collaborations with arrangers linked to the Philharmonie de Paris. Lyrical themes engage with urban life in Marseille, family narratives associated with Comoros migration, and broader social topics invoked by public figures like François Hollande and institutions including the Ministry of Culture (France) through cultural programming.
Studio albums include notable releases that charted on the SNEP rankings such as albums produced under Capitol Music France and Wagram Music, with singles featuring collaborations with Lartiste, Vianney, Indila, Rim'K, and Sexion d'Assaut. Key albums and EPs were promoted through tours across venues like the Zénith de Paris, appearances at international festivals including Francofolies de La Rochelle, and releases timed during events such as Fête de la Musique.
Soprano's records have reached top positions on the SNEP Singles Chart and SNEP Albums Chart, earning certifications from organizations such as the SNEP and recognition from industry bodies including the Victoires de la Musique. He has received nominations and awards alongside peers like Kendji Girac, Jul, and Christine and the Queens for sales milestones acknowledged by labels such as Universal Music Group and awards presented at ceremonies televised by TF1 and France 2.
He is known to maintain ties to Marseille and family connections that trace back to the Comoros and Madagascar, participating in cultural events at institutions like the Mucem and community projects supported by the Ville de Marseille. Public information links him with charitable endorsements alongside figures such as Zinedine Zidane and entertainers who participate in national campaigns organized by Emmaüs and Secours populaire.
Soprano has participated in charity concerts and campaigns for organizations including Les Restos du Cœur, UNICEF France, and Secours populaire français, performing at benefit shows and public events alongside artists such as Johnny Hallyday tributes, fundraisers supported by Fondation de France, and televised charity programs on channels like TF1 and France Télévisions. He has used his platform to address migration issues linked to the Mediterranean Sea migrant routes and to support youth programs run by municipal partners in Marseille and regional cultural initiatives backed by the Région Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur.
Category:French rappers Category:People from Marseille