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Have you already heard of Elji Beatzkilla? That guy is kind of the hidden gem of Francophone rap and Afro-urban music. Born in 1990 in Nice, France, he has that thing, that enchanting vibe that grabs you right away – despite his perfectly average height of 1.75m. 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, this brings 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 big Hollywood shows, but his presence is everywhere, on Spotify, in Deezer playlists, Apple Music or even on his YouTube Music channel. His fans are mainly there to vibe with his very personal sounds, sometimes soft, sometimes totally danceable.
Oh yes, if you want to follow him closely, he is very active on Instagram. Quite a few behind-the-scenes moments and life snippets are there, giving a human side, not a big inaccessible star. His Insta is a real appointment.
Who is Elji Beatzkilla? Origins and identity of a rising star
Elji is this guy born from a Cape Verdean fusion in Nice, then becoming a wandering soul in the States. He mixes French rap and kizomba so well, that super sensual Afro rhythm. You might think his identity gets lost between continents, but not at all, it rather enriches there.
He has a career that started well before becoming a major figure in the urban universe: producer, composer, singer, he has worn all the hats. And you know what? His music in Cape Verdean Creole brings a unique breath, not something mainstream, but so authentic.
At 35 years old in 2025, he continues to push 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 gather and move crowds.
He’s not a man to marry under the spotlights, his private life remains a bit more discreet, but he clearly claims 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 a lot of doors. He started very young scratching his first beats, building his first lyrics in his room, a classic, but with a touch of his 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 accessible but never banal musical roots. 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 we have to mention the album Milligan from 2018, a must-listen where urban influences and Afro rhythms mix. 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 blend of languages and styles frankly gives him that signature you don’t forget.
The successes of Elji Beatzkilla and his essential collaborations
It’s especially his collaborations that surprise. His style blends very 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 reunion between passionate friends.
He is also present on tracks like “Loco” with Nelson Freitas, which was a hit in 2019. It’s this kind of feature that helps stand out from the noise of the Franco-Afro music scene and really make a name for himself.
In 2024, he set the stage on fire again with singles like “Money” or “Tony Montana”, sounds right on trend, full of raw energy. Also, his videos have real flair, often very aesthetic. I recommend checking out those available on YouTube.
This year, with “Controla” or the recent “Kataleya”, you feel he wants to hold nothing back. Get ready, he’s likely to keep topping charts and playlists for a while!
Unusual moments and anecdotes from Elji Beatzkilla’s career
So, one anecdote that struck me is when he revealed that the track “Xtraga” was almost an improvisation in studio, the result of a jam session with BEATZBYMARLEY. Such spontaneous exchanges are so rare nowadays.
And his live at the Grand Rex with the song “RABOLA BO CARAMBOLA”, that was a real moment of madness. This kind of performance shows an artist side who loves his audience and lives his art to the fullest.
There is also this very accessible side, which makes fans really feel connected to him, be it through a simple Insta post or a message. His discretion on the private side surely plays in his favor.
We can also highlight his very innovative side, allowing him to stay on top, notably by working with young talents and exploring different styles. Clearly, Elji does not lock himself into a single style.
Recent projects and notable collaborations of Elji Beatzkilla
For 2025, Elji is going full throttle with a bunch of releases. After chaining several singles in 2024, he continues to surprise with varied projects, from rap to Kizomba, with a really 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, keeping an eye on his international career. That alone is a clear sign that he doesn’t intend to stop anytime soon.
To follow his news, including concerts and releases, check his Facebook or Discogs, where everything is always up to date.
- 🎤 Collaboration champions – 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
