MHD

Mohamed Sylla, known professionally as MHD, was born on September 10, 1994, in La Roche-sur-Yon, France. With roots tracing back to Senegal and Guinea, MHD’s early life was deeply influenced by the African music he grew up with, including the works of Papa Wemba, Koffi Olomide, Salif Keita, and Awilo Longomba. His family’s West African heritage profoundly shaped his musical identity, inspiring him to blend traditional African rhythms with contemporary Western trap music. This unique fusion gave rise to a genre he coined as “Afro Trap,” which would later become a hallmark of his career.

As a young adult, MHD relocated to Paris and began pursuing music more seriously. He initially joined the rap collective 1.9 Réseaux, but his breakthrough came when he decided to branch out on his own. In 2015, MHD’s career took a pivotal turn when he posted a freestyle video online while on vacation. This video, featuring him rapping over a track by the Nigerian band P-Square, garnered significant attention on social media. Encouraged by the positive feedback, MHD returned to Paris and began creating music that combined his African heritage with trap beats, an approach that was relatively novel at the time.

His debut single, “Afro Trap Part. 1 (La Moula),” released in September 2015, captured the vibrant spirit of his new genre and quickly gained traction. The subsequent release of “Afro Trap Part. 3 (Champions League)” further solidified his presence, especially within the Parisian football community, as the track’s celebratory tone resonated with Paris Saint-Germain fans. MHD’s energetic performances and catchy beats soon made him a sought-after artist, leading to opening acts for renowned French rapper Booba and appearances in notable media outlets.

MHD’s debut studio album, self-titled MHD, was released on April 15, 2016. The album, which includes several parts of his Afro Trap series and features collaborations with artists like Fally Ipupa and Angélique Kidjo, achieved remarkable success. It sold over 200,000 copies within six months and was certified double platinum in France. His innovative sound and dynamic live performances earned him a strong following both in Europe and Africa, and he became an ambassador for Puma.

In September 2018, MHD released his second album, 19, named after the Parisian arrondissement where he spent his formative years. The album, which includes collaborations with Salif Keita, Dadju, Orelsan, and Wizkid, was well-received and sold more than 75,000 copies. MHD’s growing influence extended into film as well, with a debut acting role in Mon frère (My Brother), a French drama released in July 2019.

However, MHD’s career faced a major setback in January 2019 when he was arrested and charged with second-degree murder. He was remanded in custody for 18 months and subsequently convicted in 2023, receiving a twelve-year prison sentence. Despite claiming his innocence, MHD’s legal troubles led to his removal from the music scene for several years. He was released from prison in February 2024 after appealing the verdict, with his trial pending in the appellate court.

In the wake of his release, MHD returned to music with the release of “Afro Trap Pt. 11 (King Kong)” in May 2021 and his third studio album, Mansa, in July 2021. Featuring collaborations with Tiakola, Naira Marley, and Adekunle Gold, Mansa reaffirmed his status as a leading figure in the Afro Trap genre. MHD’s ongoing contributions to music and his resilience in the face of adversity continue to shape his legacy in the industry.