Stomy Bugsy, Neg’Marrons, Ärsenik, Vegedream, Kery James, Maes, Key Largoo, Driver, Landy, Oumar Diaw… Forty rappers, DJs and comedians from all walks of life, with local or national fame, will gather on Saturday January 4 for a day in tribute to Ibrahima Bah at the Champs-de-Foire space in Sarcelles. It is organized by the association “Justice and peace for Ibrahima Bah”. His big brother, Diané Bah announced it this Monday on social networks. “To defend the cause and pay tribute to our brother, our son, our friend, our fellow citizen Ibrahima Bah,” he wrote on Twitter. Contacted, he did not respond to our requests.
Died on the sidelines of a police check
The 22-year-old, from the Fragonard district of Sarcelles, died on October 7 driving his motorcycle in Villiers-le-Bel, near a police check in the Ceriseraie district. The reasons for the accident remain unclear. An investigation for “manslaughter” was entrusted to the IGPN.
According to our information, the exploitation of the video surveillance images – eagerly awaited – does not make it possible to determine the exact circumstances of the tragedy. The camera located in front of the post struck by the motorcyclist pivots on itself. She filmed the beginning and the end of the scene. But not the accident.
A concert to support the family
It is the idea of Wassim, 22, a friend of the deceased, which is at the origin of the event. “I wanted to organize a small concert to support the family,” he says. And it all started very quickly. I was a little overwhelmed because many artists responded favorably. He therefore called on local managers and producers. First scheduled for December 8, the event was therefore postponed to January 4, “to take the time to organize it”.
The Champs-de-Foire space was kindly loaned by the municipality. Equipment to carry out the event, including a sound system, will be made available. “As we do for all the associations in the city. We stand in solidarity with the family in the tragedy, underlines the mayor (PS) Patrick Haddad. On the other hand, we do not necessarily support political speeches. An investigation is underway, let’s wait until all the light is shed on this matter. The family and relatives, convinced that the police played an active role in the accident, focus their speeches around police violence.
“His story touches me directly”
The day, paying, will be animated by Driver, rapper and figure of the city. “I have experience in this kind of event, so I was asked to host it,” he says. Today, what happened to Ibrahima can happen to any of us. It is only with artists whose voices carry, that we manage to make these stories known. It’s unfortunate, but on this kind of business, it is above all the rappers who are mobilized, since they are from the suburbs. “
Like Stomy Bugsy from Sarcelles. The “very good friend” of one of the young man’s cousins wants to “give strength to the family”. “My last son was born the same day as Ibrahima (Editor’s note: October 29 ), his story touches me directly. I am also aware that what happened to him could affect one of my children. For 40-50 years, we have been going in circles, cases of this kind have been repeated but nothing has changed. By mobilizing, we can try to make things happen, ”argues Stomy Bugsy.
“Ibrahima, it’s like our little brother”
The member of the “AMER Ministry” was quickly joined by his colleagues from Sector Ä, such as the Neg’Marrons and Ärsenik. Calbo, rapper of the group from Villiers-le-Bel, had already participated in the two white marches. “Ibrahima is like our little brother. He died next to where we grew up. And a few hundred meters where Moushin Sehhouli and Laramy Samoura died in 2007, recalls Calbo. It is normal to give our support to the family. Our role is also to relay messages. “
Kery James, very committed to issues of “self-responsibility and education” of young people in the suburbs, also gave his agreement after a request from the Ibrahima brothers. The director of “Banlieusards” had participated in a silent march. “I don’t want to wait for the fire to get to my door to put it out. Basically, police violence is not really my subject. But no one has the courage to go there, so I find myself obliged, says Kery James. If we rappers don’t speak up, who will? “
