Chad is mourning the loss of one of its most influential voices.
Ray’s Kim EDM, a leading figure in Bunda hip-hop and a passionate advocate for youth and social justice, died on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the age of 36 following an illness.
His passing has left a profound void in both the country’s music and political landscape.
Born Djasrabé Kimassoum Yilmian in N’Djamena in 1989, Ray’s Kim EDM discovered his love for music and writing early in life. After the death of his father, he turned to artistic expression as a refuge.
In 2000, he co-founded the group Jeunes Rayons Solaires, before embarking on a solo career in 2006. His first album, Le Bilan, released in 2010, tackled themes of corruption, inequality, and poor governance, establishing him as a fearless voice for the people.
In 2012, his collaboration with singer Mawndoé gave birth to Bunda hip-hop, a unique fusion of rap, slam, and N’Djamena’s local slang. The genre quickly gained traction, resonating with Chadian youth and inspiring a cultural movement.
Hit tracks such as “Baba,” “Clandoman,” and “On est fâchés” became anthems for a generation demanding dignity and justice.
Ray’s Kim EDM’s influence extended beyond music. A committed political activist, he joined the Les Transformateurs party led by Succès Masra and played an active role in mobilisations, including the “Black Thursday” protests in October 2022, where he was shot while advocating for freedom.
In 2024, he was appointed National Transitional Advisor, continuing to merge his artistic talent with political engagement through songs like Libérez-le, calling for the release of political prisoners.
The news of his death prompted widespread tributes.
Succès Masra expressed “indescribable sadness,” calling him “a brave man” and “a Chadian fighter for dignity and respect for all.”
Government spokesman Gassim Chérif described his passing as “an immense loss,” while the Ministry of Culture hailed him as “an icon of the Chadian music scene.”
Ray’s Kim EDM leaves behind a powerful legacy, using music as a tool for social transformation.
His life and work remain a symbol of hope, courage, and commitment to the people of Chad. As he often said, “It’s the people,” a message that encapsulates his enduring dedication to his country and its youth.
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