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Have you already heard of Elji Beatzkilla? This guy is a sort of hidden gem of Francophone rap and afro-urban music. Born in 1990 in Nice, France, he has that thing, that captivating vibe that grabs you immediately – despite his perfectly average 1m75 height. Honestly, when you discover his tracks, you feel he’s not just a rapper, he’s a creator with a soul.
He grew up between France and the United States, more precisely in East Providence, Rhode Island. Of Cape Verdean origin, it gives an incredible cultural richness to his music. His roots from the islands of Boa Vista and Sal are palpable in every lyric, every beat. It’s pretty cool because you feel a bridge between two worlds, two lives.
You won’t necessarily see him in major Hollywood shows, but his presence is everywhere, on Spotify, in Deezer, Apple Music playlists, or on his YouTube Music channel. His fans are mostly there to vibe with his very personal sounds, sometimes soft, sometimes really danceable.
Oh yes, if you want to follow him closely, he’s very active on Instagram. A lot of behind-the-scenes moments and life snippets are there, giving a human side, not a huge inaccessible star. His insta is a real meeting point.
Who is Elji Beatzkilla? Origins and identity of a rising star
Elji is this guy born from a Cape Verdean fusion in Nice, who then became a wandering soul in the States. He mixes French rap and kizomba so well, that super sensual afro rhythm. One might think his identity gets lost between continents, but not at all, it rather gets enriched there.
He has a career that starts well before becoming a major figure in the urban world: producer, composer, singer, he has worn all the hats. And you know what? His music in Cape Verdean Creole brings a unique breath, not mainstream stuff, but so authentic.
At 35 years old in 2025, he keeps pushing his projects with crazy energy. Just his latest single “Kataleya”, released in October 2025, with a team of artists like Pempas, Lil Star, SASSA, DENNYH & Gang Mka, perfectly illustrates his ability to bring people together and move crowds.
He’s not a man to marry under the spotlight, his private life remains a bit more discreet, but he clearly asserts his culture and origins. Choices that make Elji even more real, more accessible, don’t you think?
From the start of his musical journey to recognition
Before being on everyone’s ears, Elji had to knock on many doors. He started very young scratching his first beats, building his first texts in his room, a classic, but with a touch of Cape Verdean exoticism that made all the difference.
You wouldn’t imagine him making tea in a waiting room, struggling. Not at all. What’s crazy is that this guy managed to stay true to himself, his musical roots accessible but never banal. His first album Raça Mau in 2014 propelled him into the big leagues.
He didn’t just rap, he also produced tracks for renowned artists like Nelson Freitas. And then there’s the album Milligan from 2018, a must-have where urban influences and afro rhythms blend together. Honestly, an auditory journey that surprises you with every track.
His mastery of Cape Verdean Creole in his clips and songs, like “Dança Kizomba (Revolution)”, is totally his DNA. This mix of languages and styles frankly gives him that unforgettable signature.
Elji Beatzkilla’s successes and essential collaborations
It’s mainly his collaborations that amaze. His style blends super well with other artists from Africa and the diaspora, like Gil Semedo, Jennifer Dias, or Saaphy. Each track becomes a unique moment, a bit like a meeting of passionate friends.
He is also featured in tracks like “Loco” with Nelson Freitas, which was a hit in 2019. It’s the kind of feature that helps stand out from the noise of the Franco-Afro music scene and really make a name.
In 2024, he set the place on fire again with singles like “Money” and “Tony Montana”, sounds right on point with the times, full of raw energy. Plus, his clips have a real style, often very aesthetic. I recommend checking out those available on YouTube.
This year, with “Controla” or the recent “Kataleya”, you can feel he doesn’t want to give up. Get ready, he might still be occupying charts and playlists for a while!
Unusual moments and anecdotes from Elji Beatzkilla’s career
So, one anecdote that stuck with me is when he revealed that the track “Xtraga” was almost an improvisation in studio, the result of a jam session with BEATZBYMARLEY. These kinds of spontaneous exchanges are so rare today.
And his live at the Grand Rex with the song “RABOLA BO CARAMBOLA”, that was a true moment of madness. This kind of performance shows an artist side who loves his audience and lives his art fully.
There’s also this very accessible side, which makes fans really feel connected to him, whether through a simple Insta post or a message. His privacy discretion surely works in his favor.
We can also highlight his very innovative side, which allows him to stay on top, notably by working with young talents and exploring different styles. Clearly, Elji doesn’t lock himself into a single style.
Recent projects and significant collaborations of Elji Beatzkilla
For 2025, Elji is fully committed with a slew of releases. After releasing several singles in 2024, he continues to surprise with varied projects, from rap to Kizomba, with a truly modern urban touch.
His recent collaborations with artists like Pempas, Lil Star, or SASSA in “Kataleya” show his desire to build ever wider artistic bridges, with this rich Afro-Francophone community.
He is also working on new tracks in the studio, with an eye on his international career. That alone is a clear sign he doesn’t intend to stop now.
To follow his news, including concerts and releases, check his Facebook or Discogs, where everything is always up to date.
- 🎤 Champion of collaborations – Gil Semedo, Saaphy, Jennifer Dias…
- 🎧 Unique style mixing rap, kizomba and Cape Verdean creole
- 📅 Several recent singles, including “Controla” and “Kataleya”
- 📲 Strong presence on social networks Instagram & Facebook
- 🌍 Cultural fusion France, Cape Verde, USA
