DJ Mehdi: The musical legacy of a pioneer between rap and electro

Mehdi is an energy, a vision, a simplicity. He broke down barriers with his music, and this documentary shows it well. Kery James, Pedro Winter, MC Solaar and A-Trak speak out to highlight one thing: Mehdi had this ability to innovate without ever losing sight of the very essence of music. He shed light on movements that were often ignored, at a time when rap and electro represented the voices of revolt, the outlets of a youth in search of meaning. If you want to understand why DJ Mehdi remains etched in the collective memory, just look at the archive images that are scattered throughout the documentary. It's a whole section of the history of music, and even of French popular culture, that parades.

What is most striking when watching Made In France is Mehdi's simplicity, even at the height of his career.

Here is a man who, despite his success, maintained a disarming modesty. Generous with those around him, loyal to his friends, he did not seek the spotlight. However, with hits like Truc de fou or Signatune, he marked an entire generation, and not only in France. He did not just produce hits, he created links between people, genres, and even continents.

Let's not forget the social context that shaped this artist. Mehdi came from the suburbs, from a world where rap asserted itself as a cry of resistance. With Mafia K'1 Fry , he helped lay the foundations of modern French rap. But what makes his career unique is his transition to electro, a movement that, at first glance, seemed far from the concerns of the suburbs. However, Mehdi made this fusion a playground where everything seemed possible.

The documentary does not fail to highlight this human dimension that characterized Mehdi. This is where all his charm lies: he was not only a musical genius, he was above all a man with his doubts, his joys and his passion. His premature death in 2011 at only 34 years old left an immense void in the musical world, but his mark is still there, very much alive.

The tribute paid to Mehdi in this documentary is therefore much more than a simple career story. It is the story of a generation, of a man who knew how to reinvent himself without ever forgetting where he came from. Whether in the tracks he produced for 113, Ideal J or Booba, Mehdi always knew how to bring that personal touch, that subtle detail that made all the difference.

The six-episode series, broadcast on Arte , is a must-see for those who want to understand why DJ Mehdi is, and will remain, a key figure in music in France. But it is also a poignant reminder of the importance of humanity in artistic creation. Mehdi never did things for glory, he did them because he loved it. He left an indelible mark, not only on music, but also on the hearts of those who knew him.

On September 14, a tribute evening at the Gaîté Lyrique in Paris will mark the anniversary of his death, a moment to celebrate his life, his art, and all that he brought to French and international music. He will be remembered as a creator, a visionary, but also as a humble man, faithful to his values.

And in the end, that's perhaps the most beautiful thing.