From Dakar to the world stage
Biography
The streets of Dakar
Natty Jean comes from Dakar. He grew up in the Sicap neighborhoods, between street battles and hip-hop crews where he learned to do it all — rap, sing, hold a stage. School ended early. His father was gone. He took odd jobs, but music never let go. He was the one who always arrived first at rehearsals. The one who never quit.
Bamako — The rebirth
In 2007, he left Senegal for the first time. Heading to Bamako, supposed to last two weeks. He stayed three years. Away from the neighborhood's gaze, he was reborn. That's where he met Manjul, the producer who shaped the sound of West African reggae. Two tracks were enough.
"He looks at me and says: 'Let's make an album.' The next morning, I knock on his door. I'm ready."
The studio rat
The album took time to come out, but Natty Jean was in no rush. He lived in the studio, took part in everything being created there, crossed paths with the greats passing through to record — Amadou & Mariam, Tiken Jah Fakoly, Oxmo Puccino, Salif Keïta. He learned. He absorbed.
The jam with Danakil
It was also in Mali that he met Danakil. A jam session, a mic handed over, and everything shifted. When he stopped singing, everyone looked at each other. The French band took him along on their journey.
"Something's happening. We all feel it."
Fifteen years on the road
Fifteen years on the road together. Four albums, hundreds of concerts, stages on every continent. Two sold-out Olympia shows. Natty Jean found his place without ever compromising — his tracks remained his own, more edgy, more urban than the rest of the repertoire. But at some point, he felt it was time: fifteen years of an incredible adventure, and now, his own story to write.
"I learned everything out there. But I had my own story to tell."
The Riddim Crew
In France, Natty Jean tours with The Riddim Crew — a live formation built for the stage. Brass section, violin, percussion: an orchestral reggae, powerful, that takes on a new dimension at every show. A formula he champions and intends to establish on European stages.
The return — Som'One Music
2023. Return to Senegal. Not a retreat — a decision. Bring back here what he built there. Create bridges, open doors for others. In 2024, he founds Som'One Music, his own label, from Nbombo, in the heart of Senegal. Total independence: from writing to production, from recording to distribution.
"The future is now. We're the ones who need to make things happen."
Three languages, one message
Natty Jean sings in Wolof, French, and English. His lyrics tell of an Africa that doesn't wait for permission to exist. An Africa that's strong, clear-eyed, and standing tall.
"I'm Senegalese, I grew up in Senegal, I did everything in Senegal. I don't see why I would defend something in another language."
Values & Themes
Resilience
Absent father, school cut short, but he never gave up.
Authenticity
Never compromised his style, even within Danakil.
Transmission
Back in Senegal to create opportunities for others.
The Journey
The streets of Dakar
First lyrics in the Sicap neighborhoods. Street battles, hip-hop crews. He's the one who always arrives first at rehearsals.
Bamako — The rebirth
First time leaving Senegal. Went for two weeks, stayed three years. A rebirth away from neighborhood eyes.
Meeting Manjul
The legendary African reggae producer listens to his demos. Two tracks are enough: "Let's make an album."
The jam with Danakil
Jam session in Bamako. Someone hands him the mic. When he stops, they all look at each other: "Something's happening."
First snow, first tour
Arrives in France with Danakil. He discovers everything at once: professionalism, tour buses, packed venues.
Santa Yalla — Breakthrough
First solo album. Best African Reggae Album Award. Featuring with Didier Awadi on "Ma Révolution".
Imagine
Second solo album. Natty Jean deepens his musical universe.
Two sold-out Olympia shows
With Danakil, two sold-out Olympia shows despite Covid. Ten years of performing together.
Return to Senegal
Not a retreat — a choice. Bring back here what he built there. Create bridges, open doors.
Som'One Music is born
Launches his own label from Nbombo, Tiafoura. Total independence, from production to distribution.
Lepa Lepp
Third solo album. A journey between Dakar and the world, driven by powerful riddims and committed lyrics.