Mohamed Sylla, a talented French-Guinean rapper, also recognized by his professional moniker MHD, took his first breath on September 10, 1994, in the picturesque region of Vendée, France.
MHD's journey as a rapper commenced at the tender age of 18, within the cosmopolitan cityscape of Paris, where he was born into a family with ancestral roots tracing back to West Africa.
As a young artist, MHD leveraged the vast potential of social media to disseminate his creative output, gradually cultivating a loyal fan base and garnering widespread recognition.
The culmination of his efforts was the release of his debut album, simply titled "MHD", in the year 2016. This inaugural offering proved to be a resounding success, with sales exceeding 200,000 copies within a remarkably short span of six months.
Prior to his successful solo career, MHD was an integral component of the esteemed rap collective 1.9 Réseaux, where he honed his skills and laid the groundwork for his future endeavors.
Subsequently, MHD's talent and dedication caught the attention of a global audience, leading to widespread recognition and a series of international tours that took him to numerous countries, including:
* Guinea, where he had the opportunity to share his unique blend of music with fans in this West African nation
* England, where he performed in front of enthusiastic crowds and further solidified his reputation as a skilled rapper
* Senegal, where he was able to connect with fans and showcase his artistry in this vibrant West African country
* Morocco, where he brought his high-energy live performances to the stage and delighted audiences with his captivating lyrics and beats
MHD, a notable individual, found himself embroiled in a legal controversy in the year 2019, when he was taken into custody and subsequently charged with the heinous crime of second-degree murder.
The charges stemmed from a thorough investigation into the brutal beating death of a young man in the city of Paris.
Following his arrest, MHD was remanded in custody, where he remained for a period of 18 long months, awaiting the outcome of his trial.
Ultimately, in the year 2023, MHD was convicted of the crime, and as a result, he was sentenced to a lengthy 12-year prison term.
After a lengthy legal battle, MHD finally walked out of prison in February 2024, having successfully appealed the original verdict that had sent him behind bars. However, his ordeal is far from over, as he now awaits the outcome of his ongoing trial in the appellate court, where the judges will deliberate on his case and render a verdict that will either uphold or overturn the original decision.
MHD's formative years were filled with the rich sounds of African music, which had a profound impact on his artistic development. His family would often gather to listen to the vibrant rhythms and melodies, laying the foundation for his future endeavors. Among the many African music legends that caught his ear were the renowned Papa Wemba, Koffi Olomide, Salif Keita, and the dynamic Awilo Longomba. These influential artists played a significant role in shaping MHD's unique sound and style. Moreover, his cousin Gazo, also a skilled rapper, further reinforced MHD's passion for music, ultimately leading him to pursue a career in the industry.
Before achieving widespread recognition, MHD pursued a series of unconventional occupations, including that of a pizza delivery driver, where he navigated the streets of Paris, delivering hot pies to hungry customers. In addition to this demanding role, he also worked as a waiter in a high-end restaurant, serving refined patrons and fine dining experiences. However, his experiences in these roles were not without their challenges, as he was subjected to casual instances of racism from some of the restaurant's clientele. Undeterred, MHD drew upon his encounters to fuel his passion for the culinary arts and, subsequently, earned a prestigious BEP restauration qualification. This achievement not only opened up new career opportunities but also provided him with a sense of accomplishment and a deeper understanding of the culinary industry. Despite the allure of a potential career in the catering industry, MHD's true calling lay in the world of music, where he would eventually make a name for himself as a talented artist.
MHD, a talented artist, embarked on a significant journey in 2012 by joining the renowned 1.9 Réseaux, a prestigious rap collective based in the vibrant city of Paris. For several years, he dedicated himself to honing his craft, striving to make a lasting impression within the music industry.
