The Chadian music and political scene is in mourning following the death of Djasrabé Kimassoum, widely known as Ray’s Kim Edm, a rapper and spokesperson for the Transformers party. He passed away on October 7, 2025, after a prolonged illness.
Ray’s Kim first rose to prominence in 2007 during the N’Djamena Hip-Hop Rap Festival, quickly becoming a voice for young Chadians through his incisive lyrics.
His 2010 debut album, Le Bilan (The Balance Sheet), criticized the governance of the late President Idriss Déby Itno and addressed injustices affecting the country’s youth.
In 2015, he embraced the street culture of N’Djamena, adopting the local slang Bunda and releasing the 2016 album Bunda Phenomenon, earning the nickname Bunda Boss.
His music combined social commentary with the rhythm and language of the streets, resonating with a generation navigating political and economic challenges.
Ray’s Kim transitioned into politics in 2019, joining the Transformers party led by Dr. Succès Masra. Renowned for his mobilization skills, he became the party’s spokesperson and an influential figure advocating for reform.
His activism came at a personal cost. During protests against President Déby Itno’s fifth term in 2021, he was shot in the knee, and in 2022 he was temporarily reported dead amid demonstrations against the transitional regime.
He later went into exile along with other party leaders, returning after the Kinshasa Agreement in November 2023 to serve on the National Transitional Council, Chad’s provisional parliament.
Even as his health declined, Ray’s Kim attempted a musical comeback with a major concert in March 2025 under the slogan Return to True Love. His weakened condition was evident at the funeral of a cultural promoter in August, prompting public concern.
“He is the faithful of the faithful. Faced with pressure from power, he never gave in. Committed to Justice and Equality, he remained faithful to the end. Just this morning, he posted a message on his page calling for the release of Dr. Succès Masra,” said Valéry Djasrabé, a party official.
Ray’s Kim Edm leaves behind a legacy of artistic innovation and political commitment, remembered as a fearless advocate for justice and a symbol of resistance in Chad’s cultural and political landscape.
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