NXT UP: Steve Ibrahim
STEVE IBRAHIM
Emerging from the creative pulse of Paris’s modern R&B scene, Steve Ibrahim, Steve Yameogo as his real name, is a multifaceted artist, bassist, singer, and composer, whose music blends sensitivity, groove, and purpose. Deeply inspired by his gospel roots, Ibrahim’s sound fuses the warmth of soul and R&B with the emotional depth of spiritual music, crafting pieces that feel intimate yet universal.
His musical journey began in church, where he first discovered the power of collective performance and the emotional weight of melody. Over time, those foundations evolved into a mature artistic identity, one marked by authenticity, generosity, and a constant search for truth through sound.
Alongside Grace Libi, Ibrahim forms the duo Yaïr, a collaboration born out of a natural connection. The two met in Créteil, south of Paris, where they both performed on stage and were encouraged by friends to join forces. Together, they have built a distinctive body of work, from Oasis and Séquoïa to Phoenix, Petit Prince, and Pluie. Their song Quand je serai grand was even chosen for Nike’s Air Max 1 campaign in 2023, highlighting the duo’s ability to bridge heartfelt artistry with cultural resonance.
As songwriters, composers, and performers, Yaïr represent a new generation of French artists who merge spirituality, vulnerability, and contemporary sound. Their participation in the conference “Le Gospel francophone plus puissant dès 2024” further underscores their commitment to uplifting and expanding the reach of gospel-inspired music in the Francophone world.
His first solo releases, Le bleu du ciel, La marée, and Le mur du salon, which quickly drew nationwide traction, reveal a minimalist aesthetic deeply rooted in poetic expression. With soft instrumentation, gentle vocals, and personal storytelling, Ibrahim invites listeners into his world of emotional reflection and subtle vulnerability.
Ibrahim’s music dissolves genre boundaries. While firmly grounded in folk traditions, acoustic guitars, warm melodies, his voice and production lean toward soulful R&B, creating a unique hybrid sound. Minimalism is key: the spaces between notes, the quiet pauses, the whispered secrets make up the mood as much as the melody.
In autumn 2025, Steve Ibrahim elevated his presence with the singles On dansera encore, signaling both artistic growth and a widening sonic palette. His growing profile includes upcoming tours and live performances across France, including a live show at La Boule Noire on December 1st 2025, one of the most famous Parisian set, suggesting that his quiet beginnings may soon blossom into broader recognition.
If you’re drawn to music that feels like a conversation whispered in a dimly lit room, honest, textured, and unafraid to breathe, Steve Ibrahim offers a compelling entry point. His blend of intimate folk and modern R&B marks him as a refreshing voice in contemporary Francophone music, one that’s as ready to reflect as it is to connect.
There is no doubt in my mind, that Steve is a future star on the fast growing French R&B scene.