Gims

Gandhi Alimasi Djuna, widely recognized as Gims, was born on May 6, 1986, in Kinshasa, DR Congo. His family, including his father Djanana Djuna, a singer for Papa Wemba’s Viva La Musica, moved to France when Gims was two. Growing up in Paris, Gims navigated a challenging childhood, residing in foster care and squats until he was 18, a period he later documented in his book “Vise le soleil.” He studied graphic design and communication, adopting the nickname “Gims” from Asian cinema and martial arts. His musical journey officially began in 2002 when he co-founded the trio Prototype 3015, which later evolved into the influential hip hop group Sexion d’Assaut.

Gims achieved widespread recognition as a member of Sexion d’Assaut, contributing to their success with albums like “L’École des points vitaux” (2010), which sold over 400,000 copies, and “L’Apogée” (2012), selling upwards of 700,000 copies. He started his solo career in 2013 with the album “Subliminal,” which quickly became a double diamond disc with over 1 million sales. This album featured hit singles such as “J’me tire” and “Bella,” establishing him as a significant solo artist. His subsequent albums, “Mon cœur avait raison” (2015) and “Ceinture noire” (2018), further cemented his status, with “Ceinture noire” also achieving double diamond certification and featuring collaborations with international artists like Maluma and Sting. Gims has consistently evolved his sound, incorporating elements of pop rap, hip hop, afropop, and R&B, maintaining a strong presence in the music industry.

His career milestones include founding his own record label, Monstre Marin Corporation, in 2013, which signed various artists before ceasing operations in 2020. Gims has made significant global impact, exemplified by his performance of “Arhbo” for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Official Soundtrack alongside Ozuna. Beyond music, he has ventured into other creative fields, including launching his clothing brand Vortex Vx and co-authoring the manga “Devil’s Relics” in 2018. He remains a prominent cultural figure, actively engaging in philanthropic efforts, such as spearheading the “Solidarité Congo” concert in 2024 to support child victims in the Democratic Republic of Congo.