Tayc

Tayc (born Julien Bouadjie Kamgang; May 2, 1996) is a French singer, songwriter, and actor of Cameroonian descent, best known for developing the Afrolov' style—a distinctive blend of R&B, soul, urban pop, and Afrobeat influences drawn from artists like Usher, Chris Brown, and Michael Jackson.^[1][2] Born in Marseille, Tayc relocated to Paris at age 17 to attend school, where he first explored music in a studio setting after early exposure to dance and theater.^[1][2] He debuted with the 2017 mixtape Alchemy and the single "Un verre de trop," followed by a breakthrough in 2018 with "Dorothée." His debut album, the triple-disc Nyxia (2019), featured hits like "Nuit," "Compte pas sur moi," and "Mwaka Mwaka," establishing his romantic, melody-driven sound.^[1][2] Tayc's second album, Fleur froide (2020), achieved commercial success, topping charts in France and earning diamond certification (as of 2025) with over 730 million streams, while also launching his international profile.^[2][3][4] In 2021, he won the eleventh season of the French reality show Danse avec les stars alongside partner Fauve Hautot.^[1] In 2023, he released the EP Room 96, including the TikTok-viral "Room 69." In 2024, he collaborated with Dadju on the joint album Héritage, which debuted at number one in France, Belgium, and Switzerland, and received platinum certification (as of September 2024) for over 100,000 units. He followed with the album Testimony in 2024 and Héritage: Dernière Empreinte in 2025.^[1][2][5][6] Tayc has garnered accolades such as the 2023 Trace Awards for Best Artist in France & Belgium, nominations at the NRJ Music Awards (including Francophone Revelation of the Year in 2020 and Francophone Male Artist in 2021), and a 2022 BET Award nomination for Best International Act: France.^[7][8] As of November 2025, his recent releases include singles "To The Sky" (with Luciano), "Aje," and "Ma Lady," alongside approximately 900 million YouTube views and 6.6 million monthly Spotify listeners.^[9][10][2] Additionally, he has ventured into acting, appearing in the Netflix series Christmas Flow (2021) and other projects.^[11]

Early life

Family background and childhood

Tayc, born Julien Bouadjie Kamgang on May 2, 1996, in Marseille, France, hails from parents of Cameroonian origin, embedding his early life within the Cameroonian diaspora community.^[1][2] He has a sister who assisted in his early singing experiences and later became his professional assistant.^[2] His family's heritage provided a foundational link to African cultural traditions, including linguistic and communal practices that his English-speaking Cameroonian mother reinforced through affectionate nicknames from his childhood.^[12][1] Raised in Marseille's multicultural neighborhoods, which boast a substantial African population, Tayc's upbringing was marked by immersion in diverse influences that nurtured his sense of identity and creativity.^[2] This environment, combined with familial ties, exposed him to African music and rhythms at a young age, cultivating an early affinity for Afro-centric sounds and vibes.^[2][13] From childhood, Tayc showed an initial interest in performing arts, engaging in dance and theatre activities while often singing alongside family members, which highlighted his budding artistic inclinations.^[1][2] These formative experiences in Marseille laid the groundwork for his later transition to music pursuits during adolescence.^[1]

Education and initial career steps

Tayc attended local schools in the city throughout his early years. From a young age, he engaged in extracurricular activities centered on the performing arts, including dance and theater classes that nurtured his creative interests and laid the foundation for his artistic pursuits.^[1] In 2012, at age 16, Tayc relocated from Marseille to Paris to enroll in a boarding school, marking a pivotal shift in his path. There, he pursued formal studies in theater and dance, immersing himself in performance disciplines that honed his stage presence and expressive skills.^[14] The boarding school environment proved transformative, as it housed a music studio accessible to young residents, where Tayc built on his early informal singing experiences by experimenting more seriously. After accessing the studio, he began recording songs, including collaborations with producer Vince Marshall, which fueled his growing passion for songwriting and performance.^[1][2]

Career

Early releases and rise to prominence (2017–2019)

Tayc released his debut mixtape, Alchemy, on May 30, 2017, featuring 10 tracks that showcased his jazz-influenced R&B vocals and self-produced beats.^[15][16] This project marked his entry into the music scene, helping to establish an initial online presence through platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud, where he shared tracks and built an emerging European fanbase.^[16] In 2018, Tayc continued his independent trajectory with the release of his second mixtape, H.E.L.I.O.S., on July 27, comprising 14 tracks that expanded on his smooth R&B sound.^[17][18] He also issued singles such as "Dorothée," which gained significant traction online and contributed to his breakout visibility in France.^[1] Collaborations during this period included features on "Dana" with Rawdolff and "Cocktail" with DJ R'AN, further amplifying his exposure.^[19] These efforts strengthened his fanbase on YouTube and SoundCloud, with consistent uploads driving year-on-year growth in listeners across Europe.^[16] Tayc's rise accelerated in 2019 with the release of his debut studio album, Nyxia, on February 15, structured as a conceptual triple album divided into tomes (N.Y., X, and I.A.) that unfolded a cohesive artistic narrative across multiple volumes, with Tome II following on June 21 and Tome III on December 13.^[20][21] This innovative R&B project received positive critical attention for its ambitious format and emotional depth, blending personal storytelling with genre elements.^[22] In terms of performance, Nyxia: Tome II peaked at number 39 on the French Albums Chart and charted for 88 weeks, underscoring its commercial impact.^[23]

Mainstream breakthrough (2020–2022)

Tayc achieved his mainstream breakthrough with the release of his second studio album, Fleur froide, on December 4, 2020, via Play Two. The project, comprising 18 tracks blending R&B, Afrobeats, and pop elements, debuted at number 3 on the French Albums Chart and remained on the chart for 146 weeks, marking a significant commercial milestone. It has sold over 500,000 equivalent units in France, earning Diamond certification from SNEP as of April 2025.^{[24][25][4][26]} Thematically, Fleur froide delves into love and vulnerability, with introspective songs like "Le Temps" emphasizing patience, healing, and emotional growth amid heartbreak.^{[24][25][27][26]} In 2021, Tayc broadened his reach through international expansions, embarking on the Fleur Froide Tour across Europe, which solidified his live performance presence beyond France. That year, his label Play Two secured a major distribution partnership with Believe, enhancing global accessibility and digital promotion for his catalog.^[28][29] By 2022, Tayc's rising profile culminated in a nomination for Male Artist Revelation of the Year at the Victoires de la Musique, recognizing his rapid ascent in the French music scene. Key collaborations, such as "Anogo" with Tiakola released that April, further amplified his visibility and drove substantial streaming growth, with standout tracks from Fleur froide accumulating hundreds of millions of plays across platforms. These partnerships underscored his influence in the Afrobeats and R&B spheres, contributing to sustained chart presence and fanbase expansion.^[30][31]

Recent works and career developments (2023–2025)

In 2023, Tayc released his EP Room 96 on February 14, coinciding with Valentine's Day, featuring 10 tracks that delve into romantic and sensual R&B themes, blending smooth melodies with introspective lyrics on love and intimacy.^[32] The project marked a return to his core Afrobeats-infused R&B roots, emphasizing emotional vulnerability in relationships as a form of artistic maturation.^[3] It debuted at number 18 on the French Albums Chart and was later certified Gold by SNEP in March 2025 for over 50,000 equivalent units sold.^[33][34] Tayc's collaborative efforts in 2024 highlighted his expanding reach, including the joint album Héritage with his brother Dadju, released on February 16, which peaked at number 1 on the French Albums Chart and achieved Platinum certification.^[35] A standout track from the album, "I love you," became a commercial success, amassing millions of streams and underscoring their harmonious sibling dynamic in contemporary R&B.^[36] Internationally, Tayc featured on "Yimmy Yimmy" with Indian artists Shreya Ghoshal and Jacqueline Fernandez, introducing his sound to Bollywood audiences, and on "Dis-le moi" with Portuguese duo Calema, further bridging Francophone and global Afrobeats scenes.^[37][38] In 2025, Tayc concluded the Héritage series with Héritage: Dernière Empreinte, released on February 21, which explored themes of legacy and closure through collaborative tracks with Dadju, continuing his evolution in polished R&B production.^[6] Later that year, he dropped the single "To The Sky" with German rapper Luciano on October 30, a high-energy track blending rap and R&B that garnered immediate streaming attention.^[39] However, on June 5, during an interview on France Inter, Tayc announced an indefinite hiatus following his final concert, citing exhaustion from an intense career trajectory and personal grief following the death of his close friend and manager, Kévin Corne, in August 2024, stating, "Je m'arrête" to focus on recovery and reflection.^[40] He performed a final Paris concert on November 10 at the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées as a farewell before the break.^[41][42][43]

Musical style and influences

Genre characteristics and evolution

Tayc's musical style is characterized by his self-coined "Afrolov'" genre, which fuses contemporary R&B with jazz-infused melodies, African rhythmic elements, soulful vocals, and sleek modern production techniques. This blend creates a sound that emphasizes smooth, emotive delivery over intricate beats, often incorporating syncopated percussion inspired by West African traditions alongside lush synths and minimalistic instrumentation.^[44] His early work, beginning with the introspective mixtape Alchemy in 2017, leaned heavily into personal vulnerability and raw R&B sensibilities, with sparse arrangements that highlighted his falsetto and ad-libbed harmonies. Over time, this evolved into more polished and conceptually driven albums, such as the triple-disc Nyxia (2019), where he constructed a narrative arc through interconnected tracks that shifted from melancholic introspection to triumphant, anthemic resolutions, incorporating layered production and genre experimentation like trap-infused beats and orchestral swells. This progression reflects a maturation from underground experimentation to mainstream accessibility, maintaining a core of emotional depth while broadening sonic palettes. Following Fleur froide (2020), Tayc's style continued to evolve; the 2023 EP Room 96 marked a return to pure R&B influences with introspective tracks, while the collaborative album Héritage (2023) with Dadju expanded Afrolov' through romantic duets blending R&B and Afrobeat. As of 2025, singles like "To The Sky" and "Ma Lady" maintain this hybrid, incorporating global pop elements.^[44][10] Lyrically, Tayc predominantly employs French to convey intimate stories of love, identity, and resilience, but he integrates multilingual elements such as English phrases to underscore his diaspora heritage as a French-Cameroonian artist. This linguistic fusion mirrors the rhythmic hybridity in his music, evoking a sense of cultural fluidity and global connectivity without overt didacticism.

Key influences and artistic themes

Tayc's musical influences draw heavily from classic R&B icons and contemporary African artists, blending Western soul traditions with rhythmic elements from his Cameroonian roots. He has cited Michael Jackson as a major inspiration, admiring the pop legend's vocal prowess and performance energy, which shaped his own smooth, emotive delivery. Similarly, Tayc grew up listening to Marvin Gaye, Ne-Yo, Joe, and Singuila, whose soulful R&B styles informed his foundational sound and emphasis on heartfelt melodies. His collaboration with Congolese artist Fally Ipupa on the 2022 track "S U I S - M O I" highlights an affinity for African rumba and soukous, fusing Ipupa's tenor vocals and rhythmic fusion with Tayc's Afrolov' aesthetic to create a cross-cultural dialogue.^[44][45] Recurring artistic themes in Tayc's work revolve around love, heartbreak, and personal identity, often explored through introspective lyrics that reflect emotional vulnerability. In songs like "Forévà" and "C'est Lui," he delves into the complexities of romantic commitment, betrayal, and longing, portraying love as both euphoric and painful. These motifs are prominent in his 2020 album Fleur Froide, where tracks such as "Cette Vie" and "Qui" address the struggles of fame, self-doubt, and relational dynamics, using poetic French verses to convey raw sentiment. Heartbreak emerges as a catalyst for growth, with Tayc's narratives emphasizing resilience amid emotional turmoil.^[46][47] Tayc's Cameroonian heritage profoundly impacts his artistic themes, infusing themes of cultural duality and identity into his lyrics and sound. Born to Cameroonian parents in France, he navigates the tension between his African origins and European upbringing, incorporating traditional elements like Bikutsi rhythms in "N'y Pense Plus" and Makossa influences in "Le Temps" to evoke a sense of hybrid belonging. This duality manifests in his exploration of diaspora experiences, where lyrics often bridge personal heritage with modern life, celebrating roots while addressing displacement and self-discovery. His Afrolov' style serves as a sonic representation of this blend, merging R&B introspection with African percussion to underscore themes of cultural pride and emotional authenticity.^[48][49]

Other activities

Acting roles

Tayc made his acting debut in the 2021 Netflix miniseries Christmas Flow, portraying Marcus, a supporting character who is a prominent rapper embroiled in controversy over his misogynistic lyrics.^[50] In the three-episode holiday romance, Marcus develops an unlikely relationship with Lila, a feminist journalist played by Shirine Boutella, as he navigates community service and personal redemption amid festive chaos in Paris.^[51] The role drew on Tayc's real-life experience as a musician and performer, blending his R&B background with on-screen charisma to depict Marcus's evolution from arrogance to empathy.^[52] This debut represented Tayc's initial foray into narrative acting, expanding his artistic presence beyond music during a period of rising prominence in the French entertainment scene.^[53] As of 2025, Tayc has not taken on additional acting projects, though his performance in Christmas Flow showcased potential for further screen work rooted in his multifaceted talents as a singer and dancer.^[11]

Business ventures and public recognition

In addition to his musical career, Tayc has expanded into music production, collaborating on compositions for other artists. In 2024, he co-composed the track "Yimmy Yimmy" alongside Rajat Nagpal and Nyadjiko for the Bollywood film Welcome to the Jungle, featuring vocals from Jacqueline Fernandez and Shreya Ghoshal, marking his entry into international film soundtracks.^[54] That year, Tayc also contributed to emerging artist Candice Vernet's debut single "Fleurs Fanées," serving as a mentor and producer.^[55] Tayc founded the independent record label Good Mood PSH in association with Maison Mère, through which he signed Star Academy contestant Candice Vernet in September 2024, further developing his role in artist management and publishing.^[56][57] Tayc is affiliated with Play Two, a prominent independent French record label founded in 2016 and subsidiary of the TF1 Group, which has handled his releases since transitioning from earlier affiliations like H24 Music. Play Two, known for artists such as GIMS and Vitaa, entered a strategic partnership with Believe in 2021, acquiring a 25% stake to bolster its digital distribution and global reach, enhancing Tayc's business ecosystem in the music industry.^[28][58] His entrepreneurial impact was recognized in 2025 when Tayc was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe list in the Entertainment category at age 28, celebrated for elevating francophone diaspora artists and innovating within the Afrolov genre to bridge cultural markets.^[59][60]

Discography

Studio albums

Tayc's debut studio album, Nyxia, was released in 2019 as a triple album project divided into three tomes: Tome I in February, Tome II in June, and Tome III in December. Produced under the H24 label in association with Play Two, the album features a total of 41 tracks across the volumes and marked Tayc's entry into full-length releases with a blend of R&B and afrobeats elements. It peaked at number 100 on the French albums chart for the initial tome, with Tome II reaching number 78 and Tome III number 39.^{[61][62][63][64]} His second studio album, Fleur froide, arrived on December 4, 2020, via the UMM label. Comprising 15 tracks, it showcases Tayc's signature smooth vocals and emotional lyricism, exploring themes of love and heartbreak. The album achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 3 on the French albums chart and remaining on the chart for over 166 weeks.^[24][65][66] In 2024, Tayc collaborated with Dadju on the joint studio album Héritage, released February 16, which debuted at number one on the French Albums Chart and received diamond certification in France for over 500,000 units.^[67][68]

Extended plays and mixtapes

Tayc began his recording career with independent mixtapes that showcased his emerging R&B and afrobeats influences. His debut project, the mixtape Alchemy, was self-released on May 30, 2017, featuring 10 tracks that explored themes of love and introspection, including standout songs like "6:15 Am," "Drive In," and "Les filles."^[15][69] This was followed by his second mixtape, H.E.L.I.O.S., released on July 27, 2018, which expanded to 14 tracks and highlighted his growing versatility with cuts such as "T," "Faut Parler," "Bangué," and "Makossa."^[17][16] The project marked a pivotal step before his major-label signing and debut album. In 2023, Tayc returned to shorter-form releases with the EP Room 96, issued on February 14 to align with Valentine's Day, comprising 10 sensual R&B tracks centered on romance and intimacy, notably "Room 69," "Encorps," and "Carry Me."^[32][70] The EP debuted at number 18 on the French Albums Chart and later achieved gold certification for 50,000 equivalent units sold.^[71][72] Tayc continued this format with the EP TESTIMONY., released on December 13, 2024, a 10-track project reflecting personal loss and resilience, featuring collaborations like "PrAy" with Davido and singles such as "Forévà" and "Que toi."^[73][74][75]

Singles

Tayc's singles as a lead artist have been pivotal to his rise in the French music scene, often blending R&B with Afrobeats influences and achieving strong streaming performance. Many have topped or entered the top tiers of the SNEP singles chart, earning certifications based on equivalent units sold or streamed. Key releases include tracks from his early mixtapes and albums like Nyxia and Fleur froide, as well as more recent works. Notable singles demonstrate his chart trajectory:

• "C’est Lui" (2019), from the album Nyxia, peaked at number 28 on the France Singles Top 100 and was certified platinum by SNEP for 75,000 units.^[68]
• "N'y pense plus" (2020), also from Fleur froide, reached number 10 on the France Singles Top 100 and received platinum certification from SNEP.^[76][68]
• "Le temps" (2021), extracted from Fleur froide, topped the France Singles Top 100 at number 1 for one week and was certified diamond by SNEP for 200,000 units.^[77][68]
• "Forévà" (2024), from the album TESTIMONY., peaked at number 69 on the France Singles Top 100 and earned gold certification from SNEP for 50,000 units.^[78][68]
• "Ma Lady" (2025), peaked at [position if charted; otherwise note as recent release].^[9]
• "Il s'appelait Tayc" (November 7, 2025), a recent single reflecting on his journey.^[79]

These singles highlight Tayc's consistent ability to produce hits that resonate with French audiences, contributing to his overall discography's commercial impact.

Featured appearances and collaborations

Tayc has made notable featured appearances on tracks by various artists, often blending his R&B style with rap, pop, and Afro-influenced sounds. One early collaboration was on DJ R'AN's 2018 single "Cocktail," marking one of his initial forays into club-oriented productions. In 2019, Tayc featured on Dadju's "Please" from the album Poison ou Antidote, which peaked at number 53 on the French Singles Chart and spent two weeks in the top 100.^[80] The track showcased Tayc's vocal harmonies complementing Dadju's melodic flow in a romantic R&B context. In 2021, he appeared on Josman's "My Love" from the album HHHH, contributing smooth ad-libs and verses that highlighted his growing presence in French hip-hop circles.^[81][82] Tayc's 2021 feature on Serge Ibaka's "LEGGO," part of the NBA player's A.R.T. project, incorporated Afrobeat rhythms and peaked outside the French top 100 but gained traction through streaming platforms.^[83] In 2022, he collaborated with Zaho on "Solo" from her album Comme ci, comme ça, a mid-tempo track that emphasized emotional introspection without significant chart impact.^[84] More recently, Tayc teamed up with Angolan duo Calema on the 2024 single "Dis-le Moi," fusing Afrobeat elements with French lyrics; the bilingual track resonated internationally but did not enter major French charts.^[85] His 2023 collaboration with Dadju on "I Love You," from their joint album Héritage, became a standout, peaking at number 2 on the French Singles Chart and charting for 75 weeks across European markets.^[86] The song's bilingual (French-English) structure and Afrobeat-infused production underscored Tayc's role in bridging Francophone and global sounds. In 2025, Tayc featured on OBOY's "Zota" from the EP Mafana 2, a high-energy track blending trap and Afro influences that debuted strongly on streaming charts in France.^[87]

Awards and nominations