Iba One

Ibrahim Mahamadou Fily Sissoko (born on March 22, 1989), better known by his stage name Iba One, is a Malian rapper, songwriter and record producer. Recognized as one of West Africa's most prominent hip-hop artists, he is known for his versatile style encompassing hip-hop, Afropop, and conscious rap.

Iba holds the Guinness World Record for the most wins at a single All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) ceremony, having won five awards on 21 November 2021. This historic achievement included the Continental awards for Album of the Year (Mon Empire), Songwriter of the Year, Best African Pop, and Best Inspirational Music – Male Artist, in addition to the Regional award for Best Male Artist – West Africa. He also earned the title of "Best Artist of West Africa" at the 2021 PRIMUD (Prix International de la Musique Urbaine et du Coupé Décalé).

His critically acclaimed double album, Mon Empire (2020), which draws inspiration from the historic Mali Empire, earned him several major awards and made him among the leading voices in African music. Beyond his musical career, Iba is also a noted philanthropist, focusing on supporting orphans and underserved communities. He founded the multiservice company and record label Team Gladia, aiming to nurture the next generation of Malian artists.

Biography Iba One was born in 1989, in Bamako, Mali.

Career He rose to fame in rap in 2010, a year in which he received several awards. In 2013, he won best "Dirty Freestyle" in Côte d'Ivoire.

In 2016, at the Tamani d'Or International Music Festival, Iba One received the title of Best Rapper of the Year and was named Rap Revelation of the Year at the African Moove Awards.

In 2021, he won five trophies at the All Africa Music Awards in Nigeria in the following categories: Best Male Artist in Western Africa, Album of the Year, Best African Pop Duo or Group, Best Male African Artist in Inspirational Music, and Songwriter of the Year. He primarily helps orphans and the most disadvantaged. He has donated food to children of soldiers who died for the country and to several orphanages.

Discography

Albums

2010: The First 2013: Dondo Temena, by Iba One 2013: Rap Champion 2020: Mon Empire Vol.1 2020: Mon Empire Vol.2

The album title "Mon Empire" refers to the reign of Emperor Mansa Musa in the 14th century, who brought the Mali Empire to its peak. Gold mining allowed Mansa Musa to accumulate considerable wealth and ensure the prosperity of his kingdom. He is a source of inspiration for the artist in this double album.

The album consists of 34 tracks. The songs cover various themes: education, the fight against prostitution, the plight of street children, love, conscious Rap; Iba One also engages in "egotrip" (like many rappers, he promotes himself) and "clash" (in rap, attacking someone, often another rapper).

The album earned Iba One several awards in various African countries.