Djanii Alfa, whose real name is Alpha Midiaou Bah, is a Guinean rapper and activist born in 1985 in Koundara. A true phenomenon of the conscious hip-hop scene in West Africa, he has established himself as one of the most influential voices of his generation thanks to his acclaimed albums such as G 4 Life, Dream of Africa and Sicario Schizophrenia. Mixed with brio hip-hop, afro-funk and pop, his striking lyrics denounce social injustice and advocate democratic values.
A tireless FNDC activist, his engagement even led him to prison in 2022. A complete artist with undeniable talent, Djanii Alfa is much more than just a rapper, he is a respected opinion leader who uses his music as a vehicle for positive change for Africa.
Introduction
Djanii Alfa, whose real name is Alpha Midiaou Bah, is a rising musical phenomenon. Born on February 24, 1985 in Koundara, Guinea, this charismatic rapper managed to impose his unique style, blending conscious hip-hop and African-urban sounds. With a powerful voice and striking words, Djanii Alfa has established itself as one of the leading figures of the West African hip-hop movement. His atypical journey, filled with successes and challenges, makes him an exceptional artist, whose music transcends borders.
Childhood and Education
From a family of civil servants, Djanii Alfa grew up between Koundara, Pita and Conakry, the capital of Guinea. From an early age, he was immersed in the traditional rhythms of his native country, but also in the influences of western hip-hop. After primary education at the Catholic school of Koundara, his mother, who had moved to Pita, took him with her to pursue her schooling.
When he arrived at college, the young Alpha became passionate about rap and began to write his first lyrics. Fascinated by flagship bands such as IAM, NTM and Wu-Tang Clan, he tries to imitate, thus developing his flow and sense of writing. In 1998, he recorded his first single at the BBC studio with a few friends, marking the beginning of a promising career.
Carrier start
After obtaining his patent, Djanii Alfa moved to Dakar, Senegal, to continue his studies. It is there that he meets Stéphane Mario, alias Mr Butcho, with whom he founded in 2002 the band "Katen Decha" (Who loses nothing). Their notable performance at an inter-school competition drew the attention of producer Didier Awadi, who offered them the first part of some of his concerts.
This success opened their doors to the Sankara studio, where they recorded their first album, "Vue ou Vécu". Unfortunately, it will never be born, but this experience will be training for the young Djanii.
In 2009, after obtaining a diploma in multimedia and a professional certificate of marketing, Djanii Alfa returned to Guinea. His encounter with his engineer Bob Dynaa marks a turning point. Together, they formed the independent label "Un Point Un Trait Entertainment" and its associate studio "F.N.F (Fight and Forget)".
It was at this point that Djanii Alfa really embarked on a solo career, determined to impose his unique style of conscious and committed rap. With a powerful flow and striking lyrics, it stands out on the Guinea music scene, reconciling the audience with authentic and deep rap.
Success
In 2012, Djanii Alfa experienced his first major success with the release of his album "G 4 Life". Divided into five chapters exploring different facets of his universe, this revolutionary opus sustained his reputation as a committed and talented artist. Critics praise the subtlety of his lyrics and the power of his flow, while the audience is seduced by this new voice of Guinean rap.
The success of "G 4 Life" is such that Djanii Alfa is named "Revelation of the Year" at the "Space on Stage" event organized by Radio Espace FM Guinea. He also won three of the six Djembé d'Or awards, including the "Best Rapper of the Year" award.
For this first success, Djanii Alfa ranks with two other major albums: "Dêve d'Afrik" in 2015 and "Sicario Schizophrénie" in 2018. The first, acknowledged for his virtuosity and mix of genres, earned him several nominations for musical awards. The second, more personal and introspective, explores themes such as identity, love and inequality, confirming the extent of the artist's talent.
With each new project, Djanii Alfa pushes the boundaries of her music, experiencing new sounds and styles while remaining true to her afro-funk roots. His concerts, with elaborate stages and an electrifying stage presence, attract more and more crowds, making him a real star in Guinea and beyond.
Discography
Albums
- G 4 Life (2012)
- Rêve d'Afrik (2015)
- Sicario Schizophrénie (2018)
- Les 7 Jours de Bagdad (2021)
- Les 7 Jours de Bagdad, Vol. 2 (2021)
- Chef Rebel (2022)
Notable Singles
- "La Route" (feat. Black M)
- "Antoun" (feat. Djo Dioubate)
- "Dangerous" (feat. Albert Kekson)
- "Banlieuz'Art" (feat. Soul Dag'One)
Collaborations
Thro his career, Djanii Alfa has collaborated with many renowned artists, including Katy Senegal, Khady Diop, More Bless, Master X, Cheick Omar and Didier Awadi. These featurings helped widen his audience and affirm his stature as an indispensable artist of the African urban scene.
Activism
Beyond his music, Djanii Alfa has established itself as an influential voice in the struggle for human rights and social justice. His songs unwaveringly denounce injustice, police brutality, racism and corruption. He has participated in numerous demonstrations to defend marginalized communities and promote equality.
Education is also a matter of concern to him. Convinced that access to knowledge is crucial to breaking the cycles of poverty and oppression, he has often expressed himself in schools and universities, encouraging young people to continue their studies and to use their knowledge to shape a better future.
FNDC and Imprisonment
Djanii Alfa is a fervent defender of democracy and political transparency. An influential member of the National Front for the Defence of the Constitution (FNDC), a citizen movement created to promote civil rights, he actively militated against the regime of former President Alpha Condé.
His engagement led to him being arrested and indicted in July 2022, along with two other FNDC leaders, Foniké Mengué and Billo Bah, for "insulting a magistrate". This decision by the Attorney-General, regarded as arbitrary by many observers, has provoked public indignation and political opposition.
After a week of detention, the three activists were finally released by the Dixinn court for "unconstitute crime". This episode has only strengthened Djanii Alfa's determination to fight for a genuine rule of law in Guinea.
Promotion of Democracy
For Djanii Alfa, democracy is a daily struggle. He is tirelessly campaigning for free, transparent and inclusive elections, relentlessly denouncing endemic corruption and authoritarian drifts.
His voice extends far beyond Guinea's borders, making him a respected spokesman for the democratic movement in West Africa. His courageous stance and his refusal to compromise earned him the respect of his peers and committed citizens.
Environment and Sustainable Development
Djanii Alfa is also an ardent defender of the environment and sustainable development. Aware of the challenges posed by climate change, he has continuously promoted renewable energy and eco-responsible practices through his music and public interventions.
Working closely with environmental NGOs, he has participated in numerous rallies demanding ambitious policies to protect the planet. His commitment to a sustainable future for future generations makes him an inspiring example for African youth.
Awards and Recognitions
Djanii Alfa's talent and commitment has been praised many times over the years. In 2022, he won the "Best Urban Album of the Year" award at the Victoires de la Musique Guinéenne for his opus "Chef Rebel".
In 2019, he was awarded the prestigious K7 of Gold, a pan-African award for the best artists on the continent. The same year, the magazine Guinea Hit Music named him "Best Guinean Rapper of the Year".
But beyond artistic awards, it was mainly for his activism that Djanii Alfa was honoured. In 2011, he was appointed "HIV/AIDS Ambassador" in Senegal, a recognition of his humanitarian commitment.
Conclusion
With its powerful and engaging music, Djanii Alfa has established itself as one of the most influential and respected voices of the new generation of African artists. His atypical journey, filled with obstacles but also with remarkable successes, makes him an inspiration model for young talents on the continent.
Beyond his thriving musical career, it is his uncompromising activism for human rights, democracy and the environment that truly shapes his legacy. A complete artist, Djanii Alfa embodies a new era where music is not only entertainment, but also a vehicle for social and political change.
Whether on stage or in demonstrations, his voice carries a message of hope, unity and progress for Africa and the whole world. Djanii Alfa is much more than a talented rapper, he is an opinion leader whose influence continues to grow, making him one of the most outstanding artists of his generation.
