Straiker, whose real name is Ibrahima Sory Bah, is a Guinean artist, rapper, and songwriter born in 1998 in Pita. The youngest of ten siblings, he has made a name for himself in the Guinean music industry thanks to his unique style and powerful lyrics. Holding a degree in modern literature from Lansana Conté General University in Sonfonia, Straiker began his musical career in 2018 while still a student. His first album "Poullosophie", released in 2023, solidified his place on the national rap scene.
Recognized as the best breakthrough artist in 2021 and awarded for the best musical collaboration in 2022, Straiker has established himself as one of the rising figures in Guinean rap. His musical approach, which skillfully blends traditional rhythms and modern sounds, reflects the realities of Guinean youth while addressing universal themes, making him a talented ambassador of Guinean culture on the international stage.
Introduction
Ibrahima Sory Bah, better known by his stage name Straiker, is a Guinean artist, rapper, and songwriter born in 1998 in Pita, Republic of Guinea. Considered one of the rising figures of the Guinean rap scene, Straiker has made a name for himself thanks to his unique style and powerful lyrics. His music, which skillfully blends traditional rhythms and modern sounds, reflects the realities of Guinean youth while addressing universal themes.
Education
Coming from a family of ten children, Straiker grew up in an environment conducive to learning and creativity. His father, Thierno Maadjou Bah, a former journalist at the rural radio of Labé, and his mother, Aissatou Diallo, a teacher, played a crucial role in his education and artistic development.
Straiker's educational journey was marked by several important stages:
- He completed his primary education at Saint Jean Bosco school.
- He continued at Afrique Elite college in Dabompa until 10th grade.
- After obtaining his BEPC (Junior High School Certificate), he joined HAFAC in Dabompa until 12th grade.
- In 2016, he passed his baccalaureate at Solokouré high school in the cement factory area.
Eager to deepen his knowledge, Straiker enrolled at Lansana Conté General University in Sonfonia at the end of 2016. There, he studied literature and communication, obtaining a bachelor's degree in modern literature in 2019. This university education undoubtedly contributed to refining his writing and enriching his lyrics.
Musical Career
Straiker's musical career began while he was still a student. In 2018, he released his first single, marking the beginning of a promising artistic journey. The young artist quickly performed concerts in several venues across the country, including the esplanade of the People's Palace, the Petit Sory stadium in Nongo, and the Labé amphitheater.
The year 2021 marked a turning point in his career with his first international performance at Ecofest 2021 in Freetown, Sierra Leone. This experience allowed him to gain visibility beyond Guinean borders and expand his audience.
January 13, 2023, is an important date for Straiker: he officially released his first album titled "Poullosophie" under the label Propres Ailes Music. This album, the result of hard work, reflects the rapper's artistic evolution and consolidates his place on the Guinean music scene.
Straiker's ascent continued, and in April 2023, he reached a new milestone by achieving one million views on YouTube with his music video "Kawou Sari". This achievement testifies to the artist's growing popularity and the public's enthusiasm for his music.
Discography
Albums
- 2023: "Poullosophie" (Propres Ailes Music)
Singles
- 2020: "Injection"
- 2020: "Vieux père"
- 2020: "King of King"
- 2020: "Bonki" (feat. Yoriken)
- 2021: "Temps Noir"
- 2021: "Poullosophe"
- 2021: "Kawousari"
Music Videos
- 2019 - "Le quartier" (feat. Wada du Game)
- 2019 - "Teint noir"
- 2020 - "Afrique du man" (feat. Bowal, Sonia, Diamounou Conde et Blackos)
- 2021 - "Kawou sari"
- 2021 - "Tout est carré" (feat. Torelo)
- 2021 - "Poullosophe" (feat. ISO X)
- 2022 - "M'Badjo"
- 2022 - "Gaynako"
- 2022 - "Andantaako"
- 2023 - "Poul'art" (feat. Muslim)
- 2023 - "Bherde"
- 2023 - "Emoun'toma"
- 2024 - "Ka Hoore Fello"
Collaborations
Straiker has forged connections with other artists, both in Guinea and internationally. Among his most notable collaborations are:
- 2020: "Dis leur" by ISO x feat. Straiker
- 2020: "Apparemment" by Torelo feat. Straiker
- 2020: "Clé du monde" by Gimidje 95 feat. Straiker
- 2021: "Tout est carré" by Torelo feat. Straiker
- 2021: "Wooy" by ISO x feat. Straiker, MC Freshh, Babnla, RIM4, Thiird, AK4Seven
- 2021: "Bobaraba" by Gwada Maga feat. Straiker and MC Fresh
- 2021: "Extension" by JNR RapElite feat. Straiker
- 2021: "Less waxul" by Taal bi feat. Straiker
- 2022: "Khouï" feat. Dépotoir, Soul Bang's and Melangeur
- 2022: "Andantaako" ft. Tati Tati
- 2023: Collaboration with Muslim
- 2023: "Comment allez-vous" feat. Black M, MC Freshh, Maxim BK, Dépotoir, Melangeur and Soul Bang's
Awards and Recognitions
Straiker's talent has not gone unnoticed in the Guinean music industry. He has received several distinctions that testify to his impact and growing popularity:
- 2021: Best Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the Guinean Music Awards
- 2022: Best Musical Collaboration of the Year for the track "Rap guinéen" featuring Dépotoir at the Guinean Music Awards
These awards have helped establish his reputation as a promising artist and strengthen his position on the national music scene.
Tours
Straiker has performed multiple concerts across Guinea, appearing in iconic venues such as the esplanade of the People's Palace in Conakry, the Petit Sory stadium in Nongo, and the Labé amphitheater. These performances have allowed him to become known to the Guinean public and build a loyal fan base.
The artist has begun to extend his influence beyond Guinea's borders. His participation in Ecofest 2021 in Freetown, Sierra Leone, marks his debut on the West African regional stage.
Straiker is preparing to take a new step in his career with his first concert in Europe. On September 28, 2024, he will perform at the Cabaret Sauvage in Paris, a legendary venue with a capacity of 1,300. This event, titled "AUDACE," is organized by the structures 109 and Kania Soli. The rapper will be accompanied on stage by the group Dépotoir, LKM, and Pokemon Gnakry.
This Parisian concert represents a unique opportunity for Straiker to conquer a new audience and establish himself on the international scene. The artist has expressed his enthusiasm and determination to deliver a performance that meets the expectations of his European fans.
Private Life
Although Straiker has become a public figure, he remains discreet about his private life. We know, however, that he is the youngest of ten siblings, which has likely influenced his personality and his art. His childhood spent in Pita, a city in Middle Guinea, has undoubtedly nourished his inspiration and shaped his worldview.
The artist seems to maintain a balance between his flourishing musical career and his family values. His journey, from Pita to Conakry and then to international stages, testifies to his determination and ambition.
Conclusion
In the space of a few years, Straiker has established himself as one of the most promising artists on the Guinean rap scene. His journey, from his modest beginnings in Pita to his national recognition and his first steps on the international stage, illustrates his talent, perseverance, and ability to connect with his audience.
Straiker's music, which skillfully blends traditional sounds and modern rhythms, reflects the realities of Guinean youth while addressing universal themes. His writing, nourished by his studies in literature and communication, brings depth and richness to his lyrics that never fail to touch his audience.
With his first album "Poullosophie" and his numerous collaborations, Straiker has laid the foundations for a promising career. His upcoming concert at the Cabaret Sauvage in Paris marks a new stage in his ascent and could well be the springboard to broader international recognition.
At only 26 years old, Straiker has already accomplished a lot, but it seems that this is only the beginning of his artistic journey. As he continues to evolve and push the boundaries of his art, he remains a talented ambassador of Guinean culture and an inspiring role model for the youth of his country.
The future looks bright for Straiker, and there is no doubt that the music world will hear more about this passionate and determined artist in the years to come.
