Passi

December 21, 1972 — Brazzaville, Congo

Passi, real name Passi Balende, is a Franco-Congolese rapper, singer-songwriter and producer. He is regarded by the specialist press as one of the founding fathers of French rap, along with NTM, IAM and MC Solaar. Passi first came to prominence as a member of Ministère A.M.E.R., the group he formed with his friends to record the soundtrack to the film La Haine, before embarking on a solo career. Passi made his television debut in Mamady Sidibé's series Inspecteur Sori : le mamba, then went on to appear in the film No Way, co-produced by Ivorian director Owell Brown. After a few appearances and small roles, in 2019 he landed the lead role in Lisa Bierwirth's film The Prince, which he co-stars in with Austrian actress Ursula Strauss, playing in English for the first time.