We Attended: Golden Coast’s 2nd Edition, The Ultimate 100% Francophone Rap Festival!

SCH, the Show Stopper

Having experienced a personal tragedy with the assassination of a close friend just weeks before last year’s performance, Julien Schwarzer, better known as SCH, made a triumphant return to the main stage at Golden Coast. His decision to return paid off as he delivered one of the best performances of the festival’s second edition in front of a massive crowd. With one of the most flawless discographies in French rap over the last decade, SCH, accompanied by his live band, established himself as one of the top performers. Over the span of a decade, he performed timeless tracks such as Champs-Élysées, Otto, Mayday, Je la connais, A7 with a sharp sense of storytelling and dramatization, transforming into a 2.0 pop singer. Performing orchestral versions designed for live shows, SCH maintained his rap ethos, comparing favorably to legends like Aznavour or Johnny in the modern era. He truly has the stature of a French star.

Theodora, a Must-See Performance

Perhaps it’s the immediate impact of the stunning sequence Masoko Na Mabele/Do U Wanna? but it seems that Mega BBL might already be enshrined in the pantheon of French pop, with Theodora emerging as a generational superstar. From Kongolese sous BBL to FNG, including tracks like Ils me rient tous au nez and Mon Bébé, there wasn’t a single song from the mixtape Bad Boy Lovestory or its reissue that didn’t send the Dijon audience into a frenzy. After a festival season of refining her show across France, the self-proclaimed Boss Lady did more than just live up to her title. Delivering a performance that was spirited, feverish, and touching, Theodora proved that next time, she’ll be aiming for the main stage.

Zamdane, the Surprise Act

Recently, the name Zamdane was unfortunately synonymous with routine and a lack of inspiration, a discography that was decent but somewhat stale. However, in a condensed 45-minute set, the music of this Marseille rapper was reborn. His performance leaned less on French pop and British, French, or Eastern European electronic music, and more on Catalan, Andalusian, or Moroccan sounds. Despite the profound sadness in some of his lyrics, his warm performance was filled with messages of support for Palestine and interactions with the audience, making us glad we trudged through the mud to get there. It was a touching concert, reminiscent of a beautiful reunion.

Asinine, the Breakthrough

While this spot could have gone to La Mano 1.9, a genuine new star of French rap known for stirring up intense mosh pits at Golden Coast, our pick inevitably fell on Asinine’s performance. The artist, known for a series of EPs with the latest titled La Jetée—a homage to the cult short film by Chris Marker—perfectly embodied music haunted by the past and lost in time. With her lingering melancholy that never dampened the audience’s enthusiasm, Asinine delivered an intimate yet fiercely passionate concert. As close in production style to Ikaz Boi as to her earliest French song memories, the southern rapper, set against a slightly eerie pastoral backdrop, left a lasting impression.

Kaaris, the Reliable Choice

From the first moments, the projection screen behind the rapper from Sevran set the tone: “Kaaris performs his classics.” In front of an eager crowd, the artist did not disappoint, living up to his bulldozer-like discography. Spanning a 12-year career featuring a notable collection of club hits (Tchoin, Diarabi, Gun Salute…), Kaaris’ performance especially highlighted the monumental double album Or Noir 1&2. Each track from these albums (Chargé, Bouchon de Liège, Je Bibi, Zoo…) ensured the Golden Coast festivalgoers were engulfed in a whirlwind of wild and overwhelming mosh pits.

Rim’K, the Master of Recovery

This undoubtedly was the best worst concert of the festival. The former member of 113 demonstrated his enduring vitality and adaptability despite technical issues causing a 20-minute delay and ongoing problems throughout the set. With his DJ in a panic, inaudible guests, and failed stunts, Rim’k’s concert should have been a total disaster. Yet, drawing on his “25 years of career,” he managed to salvage nearly an hour of performance through sheer charisma and his timeless hits. From Tonton du Bled to the final, highly exhilarating moment of Air Max, the eternally youthful rapper showed that even a failed performance can be salvaged. Rim’k, the master of recovery.

Le Juiice, the Most Fun Concert

Roses are red, violets are blue, Trap Mama never disappoints. In just 40 minutes, the Franco-Ivorian rapper turned into a powerhouse for her dedicated fans. Le Juiice’s performance mixed 25 years of trap music, Caribbean influences, and French rap with a New York twist, with a nonchalance that bordered on audacity. On that Saturday, September 6, no one was mistaken, and her 32-year-old braggadocio act won the success it deserved, impressing an audience that was probably not expecting such a spectacle so early in the evening.

Mairo, the Culmination

While not initially expected to top our list, Mairo—despite performing on the festival’s smallest stage—competed with the confidence and flair of the biggest headliners. With an exemplary discography—reflecting a voracious and virtuosic study of rap—Mairo proved his mettle on stage. Masterfully navigating the most intricate flows with ease, the Swiss rapper delivered a tight performance that undoubtedly earned him widespread acclaim from the audience, both stunned and somewhat dazed by a relentless show. Mairo, a true embodiment of excellence.