Oxmo Puccino

Abdoulaye Plea Diarra, known professionally as Oxmo Puccino, was born on August 3, 1974, in Ségou, Mali. He moved to Paris at the age of one, growing up in the vibrant 19th arrondissement. A passionate hip hop enthusiast, Diarra joined the emerging rap collective Time Bomb at 21, working alongside future stars such as Booba and Diam's. His lyrical prowess set him apart, weaving vivid and poetic narratives that captured the gritty realities of urban life in Paris, influenced by iconic American artists like the Notorious B.I.G.

Oxmo Puccino made his first recorded appearance in 1996 with the compilation "L432," but it was his solo debut, "Opéra Puccino," released in 1998, that marked his official entry into the music scene. The 2001 album "L'Amour Est Mort" became a significant turning point, achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success. His 2004 release, "Le Cactus de Sibérie," further solidified his position as a leading figure in French rap. After signing with the prestigious jazz label Blue Note, he formed the Jazzbastards and released the album "Lipopette Bar" in 2006.

Puccino's influence extends beyond his solo work; he has collaborated with various artists, including featuring in Orelsan's 2011 track "1990" and the spoken word piece "Douce" on Ibrahim Maalouf's album. Notably, he appeared in a Nike advertisement reciting a passage from "Cyrano de Bergerac." Oxmo Puccino is also the older brother of French basketball player Mamoutou Diarra.