Tiakola

What if France was targeting a new audience and that it would be located beyond the Channel ? Since a few years now, French artists are aiming at the UK by collaborating with notable local rappers.

By this, I think of Tiakola who’s by far one who succeeded in making himself a name in this scene. Whether by dropping 2 singles « Meridian&Special » with the famous London rapper Dave or even singing along in « BADMAN GANGSTA » with Nigerian artist Asake. Yet besides putting his music on top of the world, a direct reference to his recently created label « Melo World », his main purpose is to promote universal music with a large variety of sonorities. 

Starting as a member of French rap group 4Keus, Tiakola progressively built his sound as an authentic and introspective experience, confirming itself in 2022 with his debut album : « Melo ». A sufficient, solar, and dynamic appetizer with multiple atmospheres that knows how to speak as much to his audience as those who barely know him. 

Parapluie, Si j’savais, amid songs which drew attention and became the summer background tracks such as the most liked « Atasanté » featuring Belgian rapper Hamza. Therefore, Tiakola begins on solid foundations honoring classics of French rap culture without forgetting about his Congolese roots, peaking through songs like « La Clé ». 

Nonetheless, as he introduced last year his latest mixtape « BDLM Vol. 1 », he’s reaching a new stage of his career that marks the transition from music prodigy to mentor of the next generation, by taking under his wing promising rappers and singers. Starring French rap and R&B celebrities such as Niska, Zed, Monsieur Nov while collaborating as much with well-established producers (Ikaz Boi, Pandrezz) as by letting the art of new record producers like Gabriel or Max & Seny express itself. 

BDLM Vol. 1 is above all a cultural and unifying immersion into French music and a breeze of fresh air for the still underestimated R&B scene, yet diverse and talented in either France, Belgium, or even the French part of Switzerland. Among this extensive catalog of sounds, a few pop out including Amapiano, Congolese rumba, Brazilian funk, as well as French variety. 

BDLM (Bienvenue Dans le Milieu), which actually stands for « Welcome in the Game », presents the French music promising artists of tomorrow but also lets us contribute to this movement through a detailed rollout, allowing us to follow every step of the mixtape. From his Colors performance « T.I.A » to the viral « Manon B », without forgetting about the merchandising, his fans were a part of this journey.

So, through his latest project, Tiako proves himself not only as the source of a considerable cultural initiative and its impact on French-speaking music. But passes the torch to this new talented and driven team of artists. Rnboi, Merveille, Genezio, La Mano, Sonny Rave, Jey Brownie, Jolagreen, Prototype, HK, the list goes on, but the future is assured.