SDM

SDM, born Beni Mosabu on November 28, 1992, in Clamart, France, is a prominent French rapper known for his deep, aggressive voice and mastery of both lyrical sharpness and melody. Of Congolese descent, SDM grew up as the fourth of ten siblings in a vibrant, musical household. His father, who passed away in 2017, was a producer for renowned Congolese artists like Koffi Olomidé and was associated with Fally Ipupa’s circle. Though SDM did not grow up with his father, he was deeply influenced by Congolese rumba, Afrobeat, and R&B, all of which played a role in shaping his musical style. Inspired by artists such as Booba and 50 Cent, SDM’s immersion in music was inevitable. His journey took off in his teenage years when he adopted the stage name SADAM KADAFI 92 and performed with friends in a group called Microbe Thug’z.

SDM’s breakthrough began in 2019 when he released his first single, “Shottas.” Shortly afterward, he caught the attention of the legendary rapper Booba, who was captivated by SDM’s distinctive sound. This pivotal encounter led Booba to sign SDM to his label, 92i Records, in early 2020. Their collaboration yielded the hit single “La Zone,” which marked SDM’s official entry into the French rap scene. This success was followed by tracks like “Yakalelo” and “Titulaires,” featuring artists such as Koba LaD, which further solidified his presence.

In April 2021, SDM released his debut album, Ocho, a powerful body of work featuring collaborations with Booba, PLK, Fally Ipupa, and Bramsito. Named after his neighborhood, “Ocho” symbolizes the essence of his roots and the spirit of his community. The album debuted impressively, securing the second spot on the SNEP (National Syndicate of Phonographic Publishing) charts in France and achieved gold certification by October 2021, followed by platinum status in mid-2022. This release showcased SDM’s uncompromising perfectionism as he sought to blend personal storytelling with rhythmic depth. In December 2021, he expanded Ocho with a deluxe version, adding ten tracks, including the hit single “Passat” featuring Maes, which went on to earn a diamond certification in 2023.

Following his debut album’s success, SDM continued his ascent with the release of Liens du 100 in December 2022. The album, marked by collaborations with artists like Niska, Tiakola, and Zed, quickly rose to the third spot on France’s album charts and earned gold certification within weeks, achieving platinum status by May 2023. The standout track “Bolide allemand” became a massive hit, dominating music charts and streaming platforms, ranking first on Spotify and Apple Music, and achieving diamond certification. This track solidified SDM as a key figure in contemporary French rap, resonating widely across platforms like TikTok, where it inspired over 150,000 videos.

SDM’s dynamic performances further established his reputation, especially during his sold-out concert at the Olympia in April 2023, where he invited notable artists like Aya Nakamura, Tiakola, and Fally Ipupa. His December 2023 show at the Zénith in Paris included an announcement of his forthcoming album À la vie à la mort, featuring Tiakola, Werenoi, Hamza, Josman, and Skread, which would be released in September 2024. Throughout his career, SDM has amassed two platinum albums, three diamond singles, and numerous gold and platinum certifications. Known for his spontaneous and allegorical lyricism, SDM continues to influence the French rap landscape with his innovative style and commitment to authenticity.