This talented artist and entrepreneur – who besides working as an artistic producer and radio and TV presenter also runs his own label, a recording studio and a host of sound and security companies – is the best imaginable example of a generation who have skilfully combined the wonders of modern technology with the traditional culture of their ancestors. Awadi has fed this powerful mix into his dynamic rap, creating a music based on genuine roots and consciousness-raising messages.

In short, Didier Awadi is not afraid to stand up and speak out to the world because he knows he’s got something to say that we need to hear.
Boul Falé, strengthened their popularity in Africa’s Francophone rap scene and paved the way for collaborations with Africa Fête and the singer Baaba Maal who introduced PBS to directors at the Mango Island label. Once signed to this international label, the duo proceeded to embark upon an extensive European tour where their live performances went down a storm.
Saalam, which included new versions of the hits they had scored in Africa and which had been released on follow-up cassette albums locally after Boul Falé. Saalam showed the full extent of the pair’s rap talent, songwriting inspiration and militant fervour and also featured a guest vocal contribution from MC Solaar. Over the following years PBS went on to make their mark on the international rap scene, touring extensively in Africa and the rest of the world. They brought the house down from Johannesburg to Paris and New York.

When they performed at Midem, the international record industry fair in Cannes in 1997, PBS hooked up with American producer Van Gibbs (father of the Fugees’ producer, Salaam Remi). Van made his expertise and New York studio available to PBS and the result was the album Run Cool, recorded with a helping hand from Jamaican stars Red Rat, Bob Marley’s son Ky Mani Marley and Franco-Cameroonian singer Princess Erika. Run Cool was released on the major label WEA.

In 2003 New York-Paris-Dakar, an album which had previously only been available as a cassette on the Senegalese market, was released on the independent label Night & Day. New York-Paris-Dakar was, in fact, PBS’s second album but had been blocked for release as a result of contractual disputes with Island. The album features a host of prestigious guest stars including K-Mel and Manu Key, from French rap groups Alliance Etnik and Mafia K’1 Fry respectively, and New York hip hop king KRS One.
Parole d’Honneur, which was released exclusively on the Senegalese market in 2001. This accomplished work reflects the pioneering rapper’s commitment to pan-Africanism and features reflections on a host of topical themes such as third world debt, political tensions and the plunder of Africa’s heritage. Soon after, he released his internationally acclaimed album Un Autre Monde Est Possible in early 2005. Whether he is working alone or with PBS, Didier still has messages to deliver to the youth, and they are all ears.
Sunugaal, which features the bonus track On Ne Signe Pas (or Don’t Sign It) advising Africa not to sign up to the EPA new European Trade deal – “A conscious Africa will not sign it” goes the lyric.