Press release
The jury*, chaired this year by Angélique Kidjo, and the public chose Guinean artist Queen Rima as the winner of the 43rd edition of the RFI Discovery Prize. She was chosen for her energy, her stage presence, and her status as a pioneer in dancehall** in Guinea.
Angélique Kidjo highlighted the difficulty for women to pursue a career in this musical genre: "It's never easy for women to pursue a career, and in dancehall, it's even rarer." " The jury also praised her artistic qualities, which allow her to explore various musical worlds, as well as her determination. A two-time finalist for the RFI Discovery Prize, she has never given up on her ambition.
Queen Rima wins a prize worth €10,000, a concert broadcast on RFI, and a tour of Africa's French Institutes.
Her victory was announced on air on February 18 during RFI's morning show, where she spoke live. She will also be a guest on Claudy Siar's show Couleurs Tropicales tonight at 9:10 p.m.
A rising star of West African dancehall, Queen Rima is a pioneer in this predominantly male-dominated world, establishing herself as the first woman to fully represent this musical genre in the region. Her discipline and determination have enabled her to break down prejudices and assert her artistic identity by fusing the vibrant rhythms of dancehall with Guinean influences, singing in Soussou, French, Malinké, and Pular. Through her lyrics and performances, Queen Rima campaigns for women's empowerment and denounces the injustices they suffer, both in society and in the music industry.
Since 1981, the RFI Discovery Award has been promoting new musical talent from the African continent. Over the years, this award has helped launch the careers of many artists who have since won over international audiences: Tiken Jah Fakoly (Ivory Coast), Amadou and Mariam (Mali), Rokia Traoré (Mali), Didier Awadi (Senegal), Soul Bang's (Guinea), Céline Banza (Democratic Republic of Congo). The latest edition was won by Congolese rapper Jessy B (Republic of Congo).