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Nekfeu
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Key Information
Ken Samaras (Greek: Κεν Σαμαράς, Ken Samarás; born 3 April 1990), better known by his stage name Nekfeu (French pronunciation: [nɛk.fø]), is a French rapper, actor and record producer.
He is also a member of the crew L'entourage and the bands $-Crew and 1995. He started his career as a member of $-Crew, with childhood friends Framal, Mekra, 2zer Washington and DJ Elite. He joined 1995 in 2007, participating in open mic duels around Paris.[1]
Released in 2015, his first solo album, Feu, received extensive media coverage; for this album, he won the 2016 Victoire de l'album de musiques urbaines. His second album, Cyborg, was released in 2016, and his third, Les Étoiles vagabondes, in 2019.
Over the course of his career, he has sold over 2 million albums, and holds two diamond discs and a double diamond disc.
Early life and career
[edit]Samaras was born in La Trinité, a commune within the Nice metropolitan area, to a father of Greek descent and a mother of Scottish descent.[2] At the age of 11, he and his family moved to the 15th arrondissement of Paris.[3]
After two extended plays with 1995 (La Source in 2011 and La Suite in 2012), as well as the studio album Paris Sud Minute in 2013, Nekfeu released his debut studio album Feu on 8 June 2015, for which he won Best Urban Music Album at the Victoires de la musique in February 2016, as well as Destins Liés with $-Crew in June 2016. In 2015, he also wrote and performed a song for the French version of the film Creed.[4] In 2016, he released his second album entitled Cyborg.
In 2017, he made his acting debut in the film Tout nous sépare, opposite Catherine Deneuve.[5]
In 2019, he released his third album “les étoiles vagabondes”. The album premiered in cinemas, as a movie accompanied the album. The movie premiered 2h before the album was made available on streaming platforms. The album was extremely well received. It Included a song featuring mainstream Belgian rapper Damso (Tricheur), and many other songs entered the top 20 in the French charts.
Personal life
[edit]Nekfeu is a fan of Paris Saint-Germain, based in the city where he grew up, and his hometown club OGC Nice.[2]
Discography
[edit]Albums, mixtapes and EPs
[edit]As part of 1995
- 2011: La Source (EP)
- 2012: La Suite (EP)
- 2013: Paris Sud Minute (Album)
With Alpha Wann (member of 1995 & L'Entourage)
- 2011: En Sous-Marin (EP)
As part of $-Crew
- 2010: Même Signature (Mixtape)
- 2012: Métamorphose (Mixtape)
- 2013: Seine Zoo 仙豆 (Album)
- 2016: Destins Liés (Album)
- 2022: SZR2001 (Album)
As part of L'Entourage
- 2014: Jeunes Entrepreneurs (Album)
As part of 5 Majeur
- 2011: 5 Majeur (EP)
- 2013: Variations (Album)
Solo
| Year | Album | Peak positions | Units | Certification | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRA [6] |
BEL (Fl) [7] |
BEL (Wa) [8] |
SWI [9] | ||||
| 2015 | Feu
|
3 | 65 | 3 | 5 |
|
|
| 2016 | Cyborg
|
4 | — | 3 | 10 |
| |
| 2019 | Les étoiles vagabondes
|
1 [12][13] |
12 | 1 | 1 |
|
|
Expansion
|
— | 10 | — | ||||
Singles
[edit]| Year | Single | Peak positions | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRA [6] |
BEL (Wa) [8] |
SWI [9] | |||
| 2014 | "Time B.O.M.B." | 86 | — | — | — |
| 2015 | "Égérie" | 49 | — | — | Feu |
| "On verra" | 14 | 37 | — | ||
| "Nique les clones, Pt. II" | 57 | — | — | ||
| "Tempête" | 21 | — | — | ||
| "7:77 AM" (featuring 86 Joon) |
26 | — | — | Feu (Réédition) | |
| 2016 | "Jusqu'au bout" ($-Crew) |
75 | — | — | Destins liés |
| 2019 | "Tricheur" (featuring Damso) |
1 [15] |
1 | 12 | Les étoiles vagabondes |
Featured in
[edit]| Year | Single | Peak positions | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRA [6] |
BEL (Wa) [8] |
SWI [9] | |||
| 2014 | "Voilà" (Sneazzy featuring Nekfeu) |
145 | — | — | |
| 2016 | "Paris la nuit" (Rim'k featuring Nekfeu) |
161 | — | — | |
| "À deux pas " (Alpha Wann featuring Nekfeu) |
172 | — | — | Alpha Wann album Alph Lauren 2 | |
| "Les princes" (MZ featuring Nekfeu) |
18 | — | — | MZ album La dictature | |
| 2017 | "Skurt Cobain" (Sneazzy featuring Nekfeu) |
165 | — | — | |
| "Tu rêves" (Dean Burbigo featuring Nekfeu) |
95 | — | — | ||
| "De l'autre côté" (Ninho featuring Nekfeu) |
2 | — | 71 | Ninho album Comme prévu | |
| "Zone" (Orelsan featuring Nekfeu with Dizzee Rascal) |
12 | — | — | Orelsan album La fête est finie | |
| 2018 | "Juste pour voir" (S.Pri Noir featuring Nekfeu) |
70 | — | — | Non-album release |
| "Éternité " (Jazzy Bazz featuring Nekfeu) |
46 | — | — | Jazzy bazz album Nuit | |
| "Waow" (PLK featuring Nekfeu) |
32 | — | — | PLK album Polak | |
| 2019 | "Paire d'As" (Dadju featuring Nekfeu) |
10 | — | — | Dadju album Poison |
| "Ce soir" (Doums feat. Nekfeu & Naë) |
27 | — | — | Non-album release | |
| 2020 | "Zéro détail" (Sneazzy feat. Nekfeu) |
42 | — | — | Sneazzy album Nouvo mode |
| "Étincelles" (Sneazzy feat. Alpha Wann, Nekfeu & S.Pri Noir) |
48 | — | — | ||
| "Turn Up" (Kalash Criminel feat. Nekfeu) |
22 | — | — | Kalash Criminel album Sélection naturelle | |
| "Moins un" (Dinos feat. Nekfeu) |
1 | 27 | 49 | Dinos album Stamina, | |
| "Ce soir" (Doums feat. Nekfeu & Naë) |
27 | — | — | Non-album release | |
| "san andreas" (Nekfeu, Lesram) |
35 | — | — | Alpha Wann album don dada: mixtape, vol 1. | |
| "aaa" (Alpha Wann feat. Nekfeu) |
18 | — | — | ||
| "malevil" (Nekfeu) |
34 | — | — | ||
| "3095 pt2" (Alpha Wann feat. Nekfeu, 3010) |
69 | — | — | ||
| 2021 | "C'est quoi l'del" (Gims feat. Nekfeu) |
— | — | — | Gims album Le Fléau |
| "Agent orage" (Dean Burbigo feat. Nekfeu) |
103 | — | — | ||
| "Special" (Laylow feat. Nekfeu & Foushée) |
7 | 45 | 91 | Laylow album L'étrange histoire de Mr. Anderson | |
| "Jeune d'en bas" (Da Uzi feat. Nekfeu) |
21 | — | — | Da Uzi album Vrai 2 vrai | |
Other charted songs
[edit]| Year | Single | Peak positions | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRA [6][16] |
BEL (Wa) [8] |
SWI [9] | |||
| 2015 | "Reuf" (featuring Ed Sheeran) |
72 | — | — | Feu |
| "Rêve d'avoir des rêves" | 111 | — | — | ||
| "Ma dope" (featuring S.Pri Noir) |
125 | — | — | ||
| "Martin Eden" | 129 | — | — | ||
| "Mon âme" (featuring Sneazzy) |
152 | — | — | ||
| "Princesse" (featuring Nemir) |
172 | — | — | ||
| "Plume" | 13 | — | — | Feu (Réédition) | |
| "Mal aimé" | 51 | — | — | ||
| "Question d'honneur" (featuring S-Crew) |
78 | — | — | ||
| "Deux-trois" (featuring 1995) |
56 | — | — | ||
| "Pars avec moi" (featuring 1995) |
46 | — | — | ||
| "Les Bruits de ma Ville" (featuring Phénomène Bizness) |
44 | — | — | ||
| "La Ballade du Frémont" (featuring Doums) |
52 | — | — | ||
| 2016 | "Mauvaise graine" | 7 | 18 | 72 | Cyborg |
| "Squa" | 15 | — | 67 | ||
| "Humanoïde" | 19 | — | 69 | ||
| "Galatée" | 21 | — | — | ||
| "Saturne" (featuring Sneazzy and S.Pri Noir) |
25 | — | 76 | ||
| "Avant tu riais" (featuring Clara Luciani) |
56 | — | — | ||
| "Réalité augmentée" | 67 | — | — | ||
| "Esquimaux" (featuring Népal) |
71 | — | — | ||
| "Nekketsu" (featuring Crystal Kay) |
75 | — | — | ||
| "Besoin de sens" (featuring Framal and Jazzy Bazz) |
106 | — | — | ||
| "Le regard des gens" (featuring Némir, 2zer, Mekra and Doum's) |
113 | — | — | ||
| "Vinyle" (featuring Alpha Wann) |
142 | — | — | ||
| "O.D" (featuring Murkage Dave) |
152 | — | — | ||
| "Programmé" | 197 | — | — | ||
| 2019 | "Dans l'univers" (featuring Vanessa Paradis) |
2 | 50 | 29 | Les étoiles vagabondes |
| "Elle pleut" (featuring Nemir) |
3 | — | 32 | ||
| "Cheum" | 4 | — | — | ||
| "Les étoiles vagabondes" | 5 | — | — | ||
| "Alunissons" | 7 | — | — | ||
| "Voyage léger" | 8 | — | — | ||
| "Takotsubo" | 9 | — | — | ||
| "Menteur menteur" | 11 | — | — | ||
| "Le bruit qui court" | 13 | — | — | ||
| "Premier pas" | 14 | — | — | ||
| "Ciel noir" | 15 | — | — | ||
| "De mon mieux" | 16 | — | — | ||
| "Compte les hommes" (featuring Alpha Wann) |
17 | — | — | ||
| "Óλά Καλά" | 18 | — | — | ||
| "Koala mouille" | 19 | — | — | ||
| "Pixels" (featuring Crystal Kay) |
21 | — | — | ||
| "1er rôle" | 23 | — | — | ||
| "Ken Kaneki" | 18 | — | — | Expansion | |
| "Écrire" | 21 | — | — | ||
| "Sous les nuages" | 23 | — | — | ||
| "CDGLAXJFKHNDATH" (featuring 2Zer and Mekra) |
33 | — | — | ||
| "Energie sombre" | 38 | — | — | ||
| "Natsukashii" | 47 | — | — | ||
| "L'air du temps"
(featuring Framal and Doums) |
51 | — | — | ||
| "Oui et non" | 56 | — | — | ||
| "Rouge à lèvres" (featuring BJ the Chicago Kid) |
58 | — | — | ||
| "Chanson d'amour" | 59 | — | — | ||
| "De mes cendres" | 64 | — | — | ||
| "Jeux vidéo et débats" | 66 | — | — | ||
| "Dernier soupir" | 74 | — | — | ||
| "Nouvel homme" | 76 | — | — | ||
| "Interlude Fifty" | 80 | — | — | ||
| "A la base" | 83 | — | — | ||
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]- 2017 : Tout nous sépare, directed by Thierry Klifa
- 2019 : L'Échappée, directed by Mathias Pardo
Television
[edit]- 2015 : Casting(s) (Television series, one episode : guest appearance as himself)
- 2019 : My Hero Academia (Dubbing the character All for One in the French version)
References
[edit]- ^ Booska-p. "Biographie de Nekfeu". Archived from the original on 16 June 2012. Retrieved 20 April 2015.
- ^ a b Kristanadjaja, Gurvan (24 June 2015). "Nekfeu, allumez le feu". Libération.
- ^ Delamarre, Geoffrey (July–August 2015). "Les flammes du bien / Nekfeu le 5e élément du rap français". RAPRNB.
- ^ "Creed : Nekfeu serre les poings avec Stallone et signe le générique du nouveau Rocky". Charts in France (in French). 13 January 2016. Retrieved 14 August 2017.
- ^ Nekfeu et Catherine Deneuve réunis au cinéma, le premier teaser dévoilé, Le Parisien, 13 August 2017
- ^ a b c d "Nekfeu discography". lescharts.com. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
- ^ "Nekfeu discography". ultratop.be/nl. Retrieved 21 June 2015.
- ^ a b c d "Nekfeu discography". ultratop.be/fr. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
- ^ a b c d "Nekfeu discography". hitparade.ch. Retrieved 20 June 2015.
- ^ a b c "French certifications – Nekfeu" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
- ^ "Nekfeu est disque d'or en Belgique !". Melty.fr (in French). 31 March 2016. Retrieved 29 August 2016.
- ^ "Le Top de la semaine : Top Albums Fusionnes – SNEP (Week 24, 2019)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Archived from the original on 18 June 2019. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
- ^ "Le Top de la semaine : Top Albums Fusionnes – SNEP (Week 27, 2019)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Retrieved 9 July 2019.[permanent dead link]
- ^ min, Charts·3 février 2020 | 10 h 19 (3 February 2020). "Top Albums : une seconde semaine au sommet pour Maes". aficia (in French). Retrieved 3 February 2020.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Le Top de la semaine : Top Singles (téléchargement + streaming) – SNEP (Week 24, 2019)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Archived from the original on 16 June 2019. Retrieved 17 June 2019.
- ^ "Le Top de la semaine : Top Singles (téléchargement + streaming) – SNEP (Week 26, 2019)" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique. Archived from the original on 4 August 2019. Retrieved 3 July 2019.
External links
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
| Other | |
Nekfeu
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Birth and family background
Nekfeu, whose real name is Ken Samaras, was born on April 3, 1990, in La Trinité, a commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department near Nice, France.[8][9] His multicultural heritage stems from his father's Greek origins and his mother's Scottish background, which influenced his early identity in a modest family setting.[10][11] Samaras spent his early childhood in the suburbs of Nice, where the blend of Mediterranean and international family influences provided a foundation for his later artistic pursuits.[10] Around the age of 11, he began showing a keen interest in music, aspiring to emulate influences like Eminem in the French rap scene.[10]Education and move to Paris
At the age of 11, Ken Samaras, known professionally as Nekfeu, relocated from his early childhood home in La Trinité near Nice to the 15th arrondissement of Paris, marking a significant shift from a southern French coastal environment to the bustling urban landscape of the capital.[12][9] This move, influenced by his multicultural family background of Greek paternal heritage and Scottish maternal roots, exposed him to the diverse and dynamic social fabric of Parisian life, fostering adaptability in a more cosmopolitan setting.[12] In Paris, Samaras attended local schools in the 15th arrondissement, where he encountered challenges due to his talkative and hyperactive nature, often facing reprimands or temporary expulsions that soured his academic experiences. Despite these difficulties, the urban environment of the city provided a stark contrast to his previous life, immersing him in a vibrant multicultural milieu that contrasted with the more insular southern upbringing. He eventually left formal schooling at age 17 to focus on music but later obtained his baccalauréat in economics and social sciences (Bac ES) as a free candidate, achieving a "mention assez bien" to honor his father's expectations.[12][9] This period also sparked his initial discovery of hip-hop, as the energetic street culture and local scenes in Paris captivated the young Samaras shortly after his arrival. At around age 11, he began composing rap lyrics and experimenting with the genre alongside childhood friends met in the neighborhood, drawn into informal gatherings that introduced him to the rhythms and storytelling of the local hip-hop community. These early encounters in Parisian cafés and social circles laid the groundwork for his creative interests, highlighting the city's role as a hub for emerging artistic expression.[9]Musical career
Beginnings with groups
Nekfeu, born Ken Samaras, formed the rap group $-Crew (also known as S-Crew) in 2001 during his middle school years in Paris's 15th arrondissement, where he met childhood friends Framal and Mekra in sixth grade. Initially a casual group of friends, they transitioned into music production, releasing their first mixtape Même signature in 2010, which marked their entry into the French hip-hop underground scene. 2zer Washington later joined the collective in 2007, solidifying their lineup and contributing to early tracks that showcased their lyrical style rooted in personal narratives and social observations.[13] Upon moving to Paris from his birthplace in La Trinité, Alpes-Maritimes, Nekfeu developed a keen interest in hip-hop, immersing himself in the city's vibrant scene during his teenage years. He honed his skills through participation in open mic duels and battle rapping events across Paris, often performing with $-Crew members, which helped build his reputation for sharp wordplay and freestyling prowess in competitive settings. These experiences, starting around age 13, were instrumental in shaping his technical abilities and stage presence within the local rap community.[3][13] In 2007, Nekfeu joined the group 1995, expanding his collaborative network and contributing to their early projects, including the EP La Source released in 2011, which featured introspective tracks blending humor and social commentary. His involvement continued with 1995's contributions to broader projects, including battles and freestyles that highlighted the group's chemistry. Simultaneously, Nekfeu became a key member of the larger collective L'Entourage, formed in 2008, which fostered ongoing collaborations with artists such as Alpha Wann and Sneazzy West—fellow 1995 members—leading to the collective's album Paris Sud-Est in 2013, a seminal release that captured the essence of Parisian suburban hip-hop culture through interconnected storytelling and production.[13][14]Solo debut and breakthrough
Nekfeu's transition to a solo career marked a significant evolution from his foundational work with collectives like 1995 and L'Entourage, allowing him to explore introspective lyricism on a larger scale. His debut studio album, Feu, was released on June 8, 2015, through Seine Zoo Records, Polydor, and Universal Music France.[15] The project debuted at number 3 on the French Albums Chart (SNEP) and achieved widespread commercial success, ultimately selling over 500,000 equivalent units in France.[16] It was certified Diamond by the SNEP in October 2017, reflecting its enduring popularity and cultural resonance.[17] A pivotal element of Feu's impact was its lead single, "On verra," released on May 1, 2015, which peaked at number 13 on the French Singles Chart. The track, certified Diamond by the SNEP in November 2018 for surpassing 50 million equivalent streams, delves into themes of personal struggle, resilience, and ambition amid life's uncertainties.[18] Its introspective narrative, delivered through Nekfeu's precise flow, resonated deeply with audiences, contributing to the album's momentum and highlighting his ability to blend vulnerability with motivational energy.[19] The album's acclaim extended to critical recognition, as Feu won the Victoire de la Musique award for Best Urban Music Album at the 31st ceremony on February 12, 2016.[20] This honor, presented during a live performance of "On verra" at the Zenith in Paris, underscored Nekfeu's emergence as a dominant voice in French hip-hop. To capitalize on the buzz, he launched the Feu Tour in late 2015, performing across France and Belgium, including high-profile shows at venues like L'Olympia in Paris, which solidified his status as a leading solo rapper through sold-out crowds and media coverage.[21]Later works and collaborations
Following the breakthrough success of his debut album Feu, which established Nekfeu as a prominent figure in French hip-hop, he expanded his artistic scope with subsequent releases and selective partnerships.[22] Nekfeu's second studio album, Cyborg, arrived on December 2, 2016, via Seine Zoo, debuting at number three on the French Albums Chart before ascending to the top position.[22] The project achieved double diamond certification from the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP), surpassing one million equivalent units sold in France through a blend of physical sales, downloads, and streams.[23] Its introspective themes and intricate lyricism solidified Nekfeu's reputation for conceptual depth, contributing to his overall career album sales exceeding two million units.[24] In 2019, Nekfeu released his third album, Les Étoiles vagabondes, on June 7, marking a return after a period of focused creative exploration. The album debuted at number one on the French Albums Chart and earned diamond certification from SNEP for over 500,000 equivalent units.[25] Notably, it launched in an innovative format, premiering simultaneously as a feature-length film in cinemas across France, Switzerland, Belgium, and Réunion, intertwining musical performance with documentary-style visuals of Nekfeu's global inspiration journey.[26] Beyond solo endeavors, Nekfeu participated in the 2022 reunion of his early group $-Crew with the album SZR 2001, released on June 10 via Panenka Music, which reflected the collective's matured sound after a six-year hiatus.[27] Key collaborations during this era included the 2019 single "Tricheur" with Damso, which topped the French Singles Chart for two weeks and amassed over 127 million Spotify streams.[28] He also featured prominently alongside Orelsan on tracks like "Zone" from Orelsan's 2017 album La fête est finie and "Ombre & Lumière" from the 2021 release Civilisation, showcasing their shared affinity for introspective storytelling.[29] Earlier international reach extended to his collaboration with Ed Sheeran on the track "Reuf" from his 2015 album Feu. From 2020 to 2025, Nekfeu maintained a deliberate hiatus from solo albums, prioritizing curated features and group efforts amid evolving personal and artistic priorities, including contributions to tracks on S.Pri Noir's 2024 album.[30][31]Acting career
Early roles in television
Nekfeu's entry into television acting occurred in 2015 through a guest appearance in the French comedic shortcom series Casting(s), created by Pierre Niney and Ali Marhyar.[32] The series, which aired on Canal+ and satirized the casting process for various film genres, featured celebrities in humorous sketches.[33] His involvement marked an early expansion from music into scripted media, leveraging his rising profile as a rapper.[34] In the season 3 episode "Battle De Rap," directed by Hugo Gélin and Pierre Niney, Nekfeu played a supporting role as himself in a comedic rap battle audition scenario.[35] He performed alongside actors and musicians including Marion Cotillard, Orelsan, Igor Gotesman, and Pierre Niney, where the sketch humorously depicted a high-stakes rap competition for a fictional film role.[36] This appearance highlighted his natural charisma and lyrical prowess in a narrative context, blending improvisation with scripted dialogue.[37] The episode, broadcast during the Cannes Film Festival on Le Grand Journal, contributed to the series' cult following for its star-studded, lighthearted format.[38] In 2019, Nekfeu provided the French voice for the character All for One in the anime series My Hero Academia. Prior to more substantial roles, Nekfeu's exposure to on-camera performance through cameos in music videos—such as his own cinematic clips like "Égérie"—familiarized him with acting elements and facilitated transitions to scripted television work.[33] These early TV endeavors, occurring amid his breakthrough with the 2015 album Feu, allowed him to build an acting resume parallel to his musical success without overshadowing his primary career.[34] By 2016, such appearances had positioned him for further opportunities in the entertainment industry.Film appearances
Nekfeu's film debut came in the 2017 drama Tout nous sépare (All That Divides Us), directed by Thierry Klifa, where he portrayed Ben Torres, a young rapper and small-time criminal from the Paris suburbs entangled in a blackmail scheme that bridges class divides with affluent characters played by Catherine Deneuve and Diane Kruger.[39] His performance as Ben, a loyal friend to a troubled accomplice (Nicolas Duvauchelle), drew attention for authentically capturing the raw energy of hip-hop-infused street life amid high-stakes tension.[40] Building on his early television roles that opened doors to cinema, Nekfeu took a starring and co-directing role in the 2019 feature Les Étoiles vagabondes (Wandering Stars), a narrative-driven documentary blending personal voyage with thematic exploration of creativity and global influences.[41] Directed alongside Syrine Boulanouar, the film centers on Nekfeu's character navigating artistic pressures and personal challenges during an international quest, emphasizing introspective hip-hop storytelling through vivid, music-integrated sequences.[42] That same year, Nekfeu appeared in the comedy-drama L'Échappée (The Escapade), directed by Mathias Pardo, playing the lead role of Anatole, a restless young man adrift in a declining coastal town who forms an unlikely bond with Tess (Joséphine Japy) amid themes of youth, uncertainty, and fleeting escape.[43] His portrayal infused the character with a subtle hip-hop edge, reflecting transient urban struggles in a more intimate, relational context alongside co-stars Rod Paradot and Karidja Touré. In 2023, Nekfeu appeared as himself in the documentary Paname, le Grand Paris du Rap, directed by Jean Morel, which explores the evolution of French rap in the Île-de-France region during the 2010s.[44] Nekfeu's limited but impactful filmography highlights dramatic roles steeped in hip-hop culture and social realism, with no new feature film appearances announced or released between 2024 and 2025 as of November 2025.[5]Personal life
Family and relationships
Nekfeu, born Ken Samaras, married in a civil ceremony on December 26, 2020, after meeting his then-partner in 2017 and beginning a relationship in the spring of 2018; the couple became engaged just four months into their romance.[7] The marriage ended in separation during the spring of 2021, with the divorce finalized in March 2024; the name of his ex-wife, reported in media as Dina B., remains partially undisclosed.[7] The couple welcomed a son in August 2021, making Nekfeu a father whose family life has centered around his child amid ongoing legal challenges.[7] Following the divorce, Nekfeu was granted primary custody, a decision that his ex-wife has appealed. In March 2025, she was convicted of child non-representation for failing to comply with a prior custody arrangement from July 2022 to May 2024, receiving a two-month suspended prison sentence; she faces a further trial on this charge in January 2026.[45] Throughout the proceedings, she has accused Nekfeu of psychological, physical, and sexual violence, invoking the theory of coercive control to describe alleged domination over her life beginning in spring 2019; Nekfeu has denied all claims, attributing her actions to psychological issues and financial incentives. Previous complaints by her were dismissed in 2023 and 2024 for lack of evidence. In September 2025, she filed a new complaint, leading to Nekfeu being placed in custody (garde à vue) from September 29 to October 1, 2025, after which he was released without charges; a judicial investigation into allegations of rape, sexual assault, and habitual violence was opened on October 9, 2025, and remains ongoing as of November 2025.[7][46][47] Nekfeu maintains a private approach to his family matters, rarely addressing them in public interviews or statements.[7] His multicultural heritage, stemming from a father of Greek descent and a mother of Scottish descent, has occasionally been noted in biographical contexts but remains secondary to his emphasis on personal privacy.[48]Interests and public persona
Nekfeu maintains a strong passion for football, identifying as a supporter of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), which aligns with his Parisian affiliations through his collective S-Crew. In a 2014 interview, members of S-Crew, including Nekfeu, expressed enthusiasm for the club, emphasizing its dominance in French football and their local ties to the capital.[49] This interest underscores his engagement with popular culture beyond music, though he rarely publicizes it extensively. His advocacy for social issues is primarily channeled through his lyrics and selective public gestures, maintaining a low-key approach to activism. Nekfeu's music often addresses themes of racism, inequality, and marginalized communities, as seen in tracks critiquing societal biases and supporting diversity. He has voiced support for movements like the Gilets Jaunes, highlighting economic injustices, and participated in humanitarian efforts, such as a 2019 mission in Marrakech to aid vulnerable children. Additionally, in his 2019 album Les Étoiles vagabondes, a lyric in "Menteur Menteur" explicitly condemns homophobia, positioning him as an ally to the LGBTQ+ community without overt political campaigning.[50][51][52][53] Nekfeu cultivates a preference for privacy, largely withdrawing from social media and public appearances since around 2020 to focus on introspection and personal life. This discretion reinforces his image as a reserved, thoughtful artist who lets his work speak for itself, avoiding the performative aspects common in the rap industry. His family background, with a Greek father and Scottish mother, influences this introspective persona, blending multicultural perspectives into his reserved public demeanor.[54][55] He expresses pride in his Greek cultural ties, particularly through his paternal heritage, which he has linked to broader identity concerns. In 2015, amid Greece's referendum on austerity measures, Nekfeu described himself as "directly concerned" due to his origins, viewing the vote as an act of resistance that resonated with his values of justice and autonomy. This connection occasionally surfaces in his reflections on cultural identity, though he integrates it subtly into his artistic narrative rather than as a central public theme.[56]Discography
Studio albums
Nekfeu's solo studio albums mark significant milestones in his career, transitioning from his earlier mixtapes with the group 1995 to highly acclaimed individual projects that blend introspective lyrics, social commentary, and innovative production. Each release has topped or neared the top of the French charts and earned prestigious certifications from the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP), reflecting his commercial dominance in French hip-hop. Feu, Nekfeu's debut studio album, was released on June 8, 2015, via Seine Zoo, Polydor, and Universal Music France. It debuted and peaked at number 3 on the French Albums Chart, selling 18,844 copies in its first week and becoming the highest-debuting digital sales for a French artist's first studio album at the time. The album was certified diamond by SNEP in October 2017 for exceeding 500,000 equivalent units sold, a historic achievement for a debut rap project. Featuring 18 tracks with highlights such as "On verra" (a reflective anthem on ambition) and "Tempête" (exploring personal struggles), Feu showcases Nekfeu's poetic flow and collaborations with artists like Nemir and Sneazzy, earning critical praise for its emotional depth and musical variety.[57] Released unexpectedly on December 2, 2016, without traditional promotion, Cyborg serves as Nekfeu's second studio album under the same labels. It entered the French Albums Chart at number 3 before peaking at number 1, driven by strong streaming performance that set records for the most streams in the first 24 hours for a French album. Certified diamond by SNEP in December 2019 for over 500,000 equivalent units, the project underscores Nekfeu's ability to generate buzz organically. The standard edition includes 14 tracks, with standout cuts like "Mauvaise graine" (addressing societal ills) and "Squa" (a high-energy collaboration), produced by Hugz Hefner and others; a deluxe version expands to 17 tracks, emphasizing themes of human-machine duality through futuristic beats and introspective verses.[58] Nekfeu's third studio album, Les Étoiles vagabondes, arrived on June 6, 2019, again via Seine Zoo, Polydor, and Universal Music France, uniquely tied to a documentary film co-directed by Nekfeu and Syrine Boulanouar that chronicled its creation across locations like Paris, Japan, Greece, and the US. The album debuted at number 1 on the French Albums Chart and maintained strong positioning, including top 10 year-end rankings. It received diamond certification from SNEP on March 20, 2020, for surpassing 500,000 equivalent units; the 2020 expansion edition was later certified double diamond in December 2023. Comprising 18 tracks, key highlights include the title track (evoking cosmic exploration) and "Tricheur" (featuring Damso, delving into betrayal), blending trap influences with orchestral elements for a cinematic feel that complements the film's narrative. As of November 2025, no further solo studio albums have been released.[59][60]Singles as lead artist
Nekfeu's lead singles have achieved significant commercial success on the French Singles Chart (SNEP), often peaking within the top 20 and earning certifications from the Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique (SNEP) based on sales and streaming equivalents. His debut album Feu (2015) produced several charting tracks, including "Égérie" and "On verra," which helped establish his solo presence. Later releases like Cyborg (2016) and Les Étoiles vagabondes (2019) yielded additional hits, with "Tricheur" featuring Damso marking his first number-one single. The following table lists selected notable lead singles, focusing on their peak positions on the French Singles Chart and SNEP certifications where applicable:| Title (Year) | Peak Position (France) | Weeks on Chart | Certification (SNEP) | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| "Égérie" (2015) | 49 | 18 | None | Feu [61] |
| "On verra" (2015) | 13 | 26 | Diamond (2018) | Feu [62] [63] |
| "Mauvaise graine" (2016) | 7 | 52 | Platinum (2019) | Cyborg [64] [63] |
| "Tricheur" feat. Damso (2019) | 1 | 60 | Diamond (2020) | Les Étoiles vagabondes [65] [63] |
| "Les étoiles vagabondes" (2019) | 5 | 18 | Diamond (2024) | Les Étoiles vagabondes [66] [63] |
Featured appearances and other songs
Nekfeu has made numerous guest appearances on tracks by other artists, contributing verses that often blend introspective lyrics with sharp wordplay, enhancing the host songs' commercial and critical success. These features span French rap peers and international collaborators, showcasing his versatility beyond solo work. Notable examples include his contribution to Orelsan's "Zone" from the 2017 EP La fête est finie - ÉPILOGUE, where he joined Dizzee Rascal for a multilingual track addressing personal isolation and creative focus, peaking at number 5 on the French charts.[67][68] Another prominent Orelsan collaboration is Nekfeu's verse on "Notes pour trop tard" from the same 2017 EP, reflecting on life's regrets and maturity through a narrative style that complements Orelsan's production. Internationally, Nekfeu featured on Ed Sheeran's "Barcelona" in 2019, providing a French rap verse that fused hip-hop with pop elements, marking one of his cross-genre crossovers.[69] Additional charted collaborations highlight Nekfeu's role in elevating group and peer projects. On "Saturne" featuring Sneazzy and S.Pri Noir, released in 2016 as part of his Cyborg era extensions, the track explores cosmic metaphors for ambition and struggle, achieving significant streaming numbers in France. Post-2015, Nekfeu's contributions to S-Crew's 2022 album SZR 2001 include key verses on tracks like "22" and "Archives SZR 2001," reinforcing the group's legacy with themes of resilience and camaraderie among members Framal, Mekra, and 2Zer Washington.[70]| Song Title | Main Artist | Album/EP | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone | Orelsan (feat. Nekfeu & Dizzee Rascal) | La fête est finie - ÉPILOGUE | 2017 | Multilingual track; peaked at #5 in France.[67][68] |
| De l'autre côté | Ninho (feat. Nekfeu) | Comme prévu | 2018 | Reflective on life's divisions; peaked at #22 in France.[71] |
| Les princes | MZ (feat. Nekfeu) | Chapitre 2 | 2016 | Success and excess themes; over 10 million streams. |
| Putain d'époque | Lomepal (feat. Nekfeu) | FLIP | 2017 | Social commentary; certified gold in France. |
| 22 | S-Crew (incl. Nekfeu) | SZR 2001 | 2022 | Group track on perseverance; part of comeback album.[72] |