MHD (rapper)

Mohamed Sylla was born in La Roche-sur-Yon (Vendée, France) of a Senegalese mother and a Guinean father; later in life, he moved to the 19th arrondissement of Paris. As a child, he and his family would often listen to music from Africa; he cites Papa Wemba, Koffi Olomide, as influences. His cousin Gazo is also a rapper. As an adult, before reaching fame, MHD was delivering pizza, then worked as a waiter in a luxury restaurant in the 6th arrondissement; MHD has since talked about this experience, and the casual racism he was subjected to by the patrons. After getting his BEP restauration (French foodservice qualification) he began considering a career in the catering industry. == Career ==

2012–2016: The rise of "Afro Trap" In 2012, aged 18, Sylla a.k.a. "MHD" (a stage name derived from his first name Mohamed) joined 1.9 Réseaux, a rap collective in the 19th arrondissement. After years of spending time and money trying to make a breakthrough, he eventually quit the gangsta rap scene. 2016–2018: Studio career His first studio album, named after his stage name, MHD, was released on 15 April 2016. He made successful tours in Europe and Africa, and became an ambassador for clothing brand Puma. His second album, titled "19" (a reference to the 19th arrondissement where he used to live) was released on 19 September 2018, including collaborations with artists such as Salif Keita, Dadju, Orelsan and Nigerian pop star Wizkid; as of 2019, it sold more than 75,000 copies. In 2018, MHD made his film debut starring in Mon frère (My Brother), a French drama directed by Julien Abraham. The film follows the story of Teddy (played by MHD) a young man who gets sent to a youth detention center after being accused of the murder of his abusive father. Mon frère was released in theaters in July 2019, while MHD was remanded in custody and charged with murder. 2021-present: Return to music In May 2021, MHD released Afro Trap Pt. 11 (King Kong), his first song since his release from detention. On 16 July 2021, he released his third album Mansa, including songs featuring artists Tiakola, Naira Marley and Adekunle Gold. In September 2021, MHD collaborated with Argentine producer Bizarrap, and was featured in a music session. ==Legal issues==

Criticism of police misconduct In October 2018, MHD uploaded a video on social media in which two young men –one of which was described by MHD as his "big brother"– appeared to be victims of police misconduct. The video prompted investigation from the General Inspectorate of the National Police, or IGPN, the branch of the French police responsible for internal affairs. A spokesperson for the French police declared that the officers were responding to "threats" coming from the youths in the video. French police found that assailants used a car owned by MHD; they later named MHD as a suspect himself. MHD was put on custody on 15 January 2019; Following his arrest, some of his scheduled concerts were postponed indefinitely, Speaking through his lawyer, MHD denied any involvement in the crime, and during trial he would claim he was unaware of his car being used for criminal activities. His lawyer cited his lack of a judicial record, and added that she would appeal MHD being put on custody. and subsequently requested for MHD to be released under supervision. The request was rejected. In July 2020, after being detained on remand for 18 months, MHD was released under judicial supervision. A three-week trial occurred in September 2023, which resulted in his conviction on September 23 for murder, and a sentence of 12 years in prison. Five of his eight co-defendants were also convicted and given sentences ranging from 10 to 18 years, while the other three co-defendants were acquitted. == Discography ==

Studio albums Extended plays Singles Other charting songs Featured in ==Music videos==

• Mon frère (2019) by Julien Abraham – as Teddy ==References==