King Salamon, whose real name is Souleymane Sow, is an iconic figure in the Guinean hip-hop scene, best known as a founding member of the influential group Banlieuz'art (BLZ) alongside Marcus (Konko-malèla). An artist committed to urban music for over fifteen years, his journey has been marked by notable successes as well as controversies, particularly regarding the group's financial management and his sometimes strained relationships with other figures in the Guinean music scene.
Married since February 2020, he recently made headlines in January 2025 with bold statements about the "death" of Banlieuz'art, all while working on the album Kun Faya Kun Phoenix, a project financed with 1 billion Guinean francs by the presidency of the Republic. Throughout his career, King Salamon has illustrated the challenges and complex realities faced by artists in Guinea, having notably stated that "music does not feed Guinean artists," while still maintaining a significant influence on the national hip-hop scene.
Introduction
King Salamon, whose real name is Souleymane Sow, has established himself as a prominent figure in the Guinean hip-hop scene, primarily known as a founding member of the iconic group Banlieuz'art (BLZ). His journey in the Guinean music industry has been marked by notable successes and significant controversies, reflecting the complexities of an artistic career in the ever-evolving musical landscape of West Africa.
Education
While details about King Salamon's formal education remain private, his artistic training primarily emerged through his involvement in the burgeoning Guinean hip-hop scene. This hands-on experience proved instrumental in shaping his future career and artistic development.
Banlieuz'art
The formation of Banlieuz'art marked a pivotal moment in the history of Guinean hip-hop. The group, composed of King Salamon and his partner Marcus (known as "Konko-malèla"), became one of the most influential forces in Guinean hip-hop. Their collaboration showcased the power of merging different artistic perspectives, with each member bringing unique elements to their joint work.
The group's impact on Guinean urban music is undeniable, having helped shape the sound and direction of hip-hop in the country for over fifteen years. Their success paved the way for many emerging artists and helped establish hip-hop as a respected genre within the Guinean music industry.
Artistic Journey
King Salamon's artistic journey has been characterized by creative peaks and personal challenges. Throughout his career, he has openly spoken about the difficulties faced by artists in Guinea, notably stating that "music does not feed Guinean artists," shedding light on the economic challenges within the industry.
His career has been marked by several notable incidents, including legal issues that required the intervention of other artists. According to public statements, reggae artist Elie Kamano contributed to his release multiple times, notably in Cosa and Kamsar, illustrating the complex relationships within the Guinean music industry.
Albums
The most significant project in King Salamon's recent career is the highly anticipated album Kun Faya Kun Phoenix, scheduled for release in 2024. This album has become a source of controversy due to disputes over its funding, which reportedly amounted to 1 billion Guinean francs, provided by the administration of President Mamadi Doumbouya through LONAGUI (the National Lottery of Guinea).
Singles
While specific singles are not detailed in the available information, King Salamon's work with Banlieuz'art has produced numerous popular tracks throughout their fifteen-year career. The group's music has consistently resonated with fans of urban music in Guinea, contributing to their longevity in the industry.
Personal Life
King Salamon's personal life has been marked by several significant events, including his marriage on February 25, 2020. Before that, in 2018, he made headlines by promising that his wedding would be "unprecedented," although the ceremony appeared more modest than initially anticipated.
He has maintained close relationships within the music community, as evidenced by his participation in personal events like singing at Marcus's son's birthday in March 2019, where he performed in French, English, and Soussou, demonstrating his linguistic versatility.
Recent Developments and Legacy
In January 2025, King Salamon made headlines with a controversial statement declaring, "The group Banlieuz'art is dead," while also stating, "Banlieuz'art is immortal," suggesting a complex relationship with the group's legacy. This statement came amid ongoing disputes with his longtime partner Marcus over the group's administration and financial matters.
Notably, a significant controversy erupted in October 2023 regarding the funding of their latest album, leading to public disagreements between King Salamon and Marcus over managing a 1 billion Guinean francs grant from the presidency. This situation also involved reggae artist Elie Kamano, resulting in public exchanges about financial management and professional ethics.
Conclusion
King Salamon's story reflects the complex reality of artistic life in contemporary Guinea. His journey from a simple hip-hop artist to a controversial figure illustrates the opportunities and challenges faced by musicians in West Africa. Despite controversies and obstacles, his contribution to Guinean hip-hop through Banlieuz'art remains significant, having helped shape the country's urban music scene for over a decade.
His legacy, though complicated by recent controversies, demonstrates the evolution of the Guinean music industry and the complex relationships between artists, management, and institutional support. As Banlieuz'art's story continues to unfold, King Salamon's impact on Guinean hip-hop and urban music culture remains indelible, even as he appears to be navigating a new chapter in his career and personal life.
