Portrait featuring Blakkayo

Behind the star, the chart-topping tunes and oversized sunglasses, lies someone whose profound convictions, values and Faith guided him to use his talent to highlight societal issues, scourges and injustices. The reason why he appeals to his fans – who he affectionately calls “soldats” (soldiers) - of all ages, ethnicity and socio-economic backgrounds is his unwavering dedication to create and to give (of himself).

His songs are almost always reflective of the three core themes he deeply cares about: family, youth and national unity.

Blakkayo is surprisingly timid and his interviews are far and few between. I was honoured that he graced us with his presence to give us a glimpse of the man behind the fame.

We talk about how it all started, OSB, what inspires him to create music, what is destroying youth today, why he continues to fight the good fight and his next album.

Special episode also featuring our dear colleague Béatrice Phanjoo who is a die-hard fan of ‘Yo.

00:00 - Intro
01:04 - Kifer Blakkayo?
02:03 - Kan parcours la in commenser?
03:02 - Début OSB
04:43 - Approche engagée
05:39 - Thèmes ki pli tousse ‘Yo
07:58 - Santer ki sanz carrière Blakkayo
09:03 - Ouvert la porte
10:18 - Opportunités pour ban zennes
12:20 - Patience guéri la galle
13:41 - Bann zennes
15:53 - Talent v/s discipline
17:49 - Envie abandonner
18:51 - Nouvo album
20:58 - Vey lor nou
22:25 - Tattouaz ‘Yo
23:23 - Old is Gold Hennessy
24:35 - Trouve le bon dan tou dimoune
26:26 - La foi dans l’humanité
27:34 - Le secret de ‘Yo