Vegedream
Satchela Evrard Djedje (born August 25, 1992), known professionally as Vegedream, is a French rapper, singer, and songwriter of Ivorian descent, renowned for his fusion of hip hop, R&B, afrobeat, and urban pop influences that often explore themes of suburban life, success, and cultural pride.[1] Born in Orléans, France, and raised between France and Côte d'Ivoire, he rose to prominence in 2018 with the viral single "Ramenez la coupe à la maison", an unofficial anthem celebrating France's FIFA World Cup victory that topped the French SNEP Singles Chart, earned diamond certification, and charted for 156 weeks across nine international charts.[2][1] Vegedream began his career as part of the group La Synesia, formed in 2016, where he blended rap with Afrobeat and pop elements before transitioning to solo work in 2017 with tracks like "La Fuite."[1] His debut studio album, Marchand de sable, arrived in 2018 via Universal Music France, featuring the World Cup anthem alongside tracks like "La Fuite," which propelled him to sold-out concerts and established him as a key figure in French urban music.[3][1] Subsequent releases solidified his trajectory, including the 2019 album Ategban (Deluxe), the 2022 project La Boîte de Pandore, and his fourth studio album De l'autre côté on July 12, 2024, all distributed through Universal Music France and showcasing collaborations with artists like Didi B and Kaaris.[4] In 2025, he contributed to the track "Albi" by Topic featuring Mougleta, further extending his global reach in afrobeat-infused pop.[5] With influences ranging from Justin Timberlake to Christine and the Queens, Vegedream continues to perform internationally and remains a prominent voice in contemporary French rap.[1]Early life and background
Childhood and family
Vegedream, whose real name is Satchela Evrard Djedje, was born on August 25, 1992, in Orléans, France, to parents of Ivorian descent.[6][7] He grew up in the La Source neighborhood of Orléans alongside five siblings, with his father working as a music producer and his mother as a childcare assistant.[6] His family roots trace back to Gagnoa in Côte d'Ivoire, where both his father and uncle, the Ivorian artist Ziké, hail from, and he spent several years of his childhood in the family's village there.[6][8] This heritage is reflected in his frequent use of the phrase "Vegedream de Gagnoa" in his music as a tribute to his origins.[6] The artist's stage name and nicknames, such as Vege and Vegeta, draw inspiration from the Dragon Ball character Vegeta, a connection tied to his personal interests from childhood.[7] These Ivorian cultural ties have subtly shaped elements of his musical style, blending French urban sounds with African influences.[6]Musical beginnings
Vegedream, born Satchela Evrard Djedje, initiated his musical career in Orléans by forming the group La Synesia with childhood friends in the early 2010s at around the age of 18. The ensemble, initially a dance collective rooted in dance and rap, emerged from local battles where members showcased blended urban rhythms influenced by his Ivorian heritage, which shaped early lyrical themes of identity and roots.[9][10][11] From 2012 to 2016, La Synesia actively engaged in Orléans' underground rap scene, performing at community events and local venues to build a grassroots presence. These efforts emphasized collaborative songwriting and live energy, allowing the group to refine a style fusing rap with Afro-urban elements amid the regional hip-hop circuit.[12][1] By 2017, Djedje shifted toward solo endeavors under the moniker Vegedream, drawn from the Dragon Ball Z character Vegeta, while La Synesia released their debut album Conquête du Trône. This transition included early solo singles like "Obscure," released before his signing with Universal Music France later that year.[4][13][14]Professional career
Breakthrough and debut (2017–2018)
In 2017, Vegedream signed with Universal Music France through an exclusive license agreement with his independent label Together Publishing, marking his transition to a major label following his independent releases. This deal facilitated his professional debut, building on his prior group work with La Synesia, which provided foundational experience in the French rap scene.[4] On June 1, 2018, Vegedream released his debut studio album Marchand de sable via Universal Music France, which debuted and peaked at number five on the French Albums Chart, sustaining a presence for over 100 weeks.[15] The 14-track project highlighted his trap-influenced style with standout cuts like the title series ("Marchand de sable, Pt. 2," "Pt. 3," and "Pt. 4 (Du Saal)"), the collaborative opener "Tout casser" featuring H Magnum, and the chart-topping "Ramenez la coupe à la maison."[16] The album's momentum from the single's virality drew significant media coverage in French outlets, positioning Vegedream as a rising star in urban music.[17] It earned gold certification from SNEP in September 2018 and platinum status by December, reflecting over 100,000 units sold.[17] Vegedream achieved mainstream breakthrough later that year with the release of the single "Ramenez la coupe à la maison" on July 19, shortly after France's victory in the FIFA World Cup.[18] The track, featuring references to French players like Samuel Umtiti and Paul Pogba, quickly became an unofficial anthem for the national team's triumph, going viral on social media and during public celebrations.[19] It debuted at number 48 on the SNEP singles chart before ascending to number one in its second week, where it remained for five consecutive weeks and charted for a total of 68 weeks.[20] The song's success was amplified by live performances, including a high-profile appearance at the Stade de France in September 2018, where Vegedream performed to an audience of 80,000 fans amid national festivities.[21] By October 2018, it was certified platinum by SNEP for reaching 30 million equivalent units in streams and sales.[22]Mid-career albums and singles (2019–2022)
Following the success of his debut album, Vegedream released his second studio album, Ategban, on July 12, 2019, through La Ruche Records under exclusive license to Island Def Jam. The album peaked at number 9 on the French Albums Chart (SNEP), marking a solid consolidation of his domestic presence with a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and Afrobeats influences. It featured collaborations with artists like Ninho and Dadju, and included the lead single "Elle est bonne sa mère" featuring Ninho, which debuted on May 31, 2019, and reached number 2 on the SNEP Singles Chart, becoming one of his biggest hits of the period with an accompanying music video that garnered millions of views. Other notable tracks from Ategban included "Personne" featuring Damso, which peaked at number 36 on the singles chart, and "Instagram" featuring Joé Dwèt Filé, reaching number 45, helping to drive the album's overall chart performance.[23][24] In 2022, Vegedream issued his third studio album, La boîte de Pandore, on April 29, through the same label, which debuted and peaked at number 7 on the SNEP Albums Chart. The project explored themes of personal reflection and relationships over 24 tracks, produced by talents like DJ Kabongo, and included high-profile features such as Naps on the single "On a l'habitude (Ok Many)," released February 25, 2022, which charted at number 51 on the SNEP Singles Chart and received a music video emphasizing its upbeat, collaborative energy. Additional singles from the album, like "Pansement" featuring Nej (peaking at number 153) and "C’est quoi le boulot" featuring Heuss l’Enfoiré (number 189), contributed to its sustained chart run, though the album's broader appeal lay in its cohesive sound blending urban pop and rap elements.[25][24] During this period, Vegedream's releases began gaining traction beyond France, particularly in Francophone markets, as evidenced by Ategban's entry at number 29 on the Belgian Wallonia Albums Chart (Ultratop) and La boîte de Pandore's appearance at number 149 on the same chart for two weeks. His growing international streams on platforms like Spotify further highlighted this expansion, with Ategban accumulating over 268 million total plays and La boîte de Pandore surpassing 77 million by late 2022, reflecting increased listenership in countries like Belgium, Switzerland, and other French-speaking regions. This momentum built on his 2018 breakthrough, solidifying his role in the broader Francophone urban music scene.[26]Recent releases (2023–2025)
In 2024, Vegedream released his fourth studio album, De l'autre côté, on July 12 via Together Publishing and Universal Music France. The 15-track project incorporates afro, R&B, and soul elements, featuring collaborations with artists such as Kaaris on "Matata," Didi B on "Y'a pas de galère," and Warren Saada on "Choisis-moi."[27] A bonus edition followed shortly after, expanding the tracklist to 16 songs. This release marked an evolution toward more introspective and melodic production compared to his earlier trap-heavy work.[28] De l'autre côté debuted at number 55 on the French Albums Chart, maintaining a presence for three weeks.[28] Promoting the album, Vegedream dropped singles like "Elle veut jouer" and "Jolie bébé," both highlighting his signature rhythmic flow and romantic themes.[4] Earlier in the year, the collaborative track "T'étais où?" with Jungeli, Zaho, and Alonzo, released on February 1, achieved significant traction, peaking at number 47 on the French Singles Chart and charting for 33 weeks.[29] In 2023, Vegedream contributed to the upbeat single "Bubble Up!" alongside DJ Mike One and T-Matt, which resonated in afrobeat circles. By 2025, he featured on Youka's "Self-Control," released August 22, blending afropop vibes in a track that gained quick streaming momentum.[30] Additional 2025 releases included features on Topic's "Albi" with Mougleta and SenSey''s "Chemise italienne" with Youka, maintaining his output amid growing international interest.[4] Vegedream remained active on the live circuit, headlining a dynamic set at the WeLovEya Festival 2024 in Cotonou, Benin, on December 28, where he performed fan favorites to a large audience.[31] He also made appearances at events like the Roxy in Prague in February 2024 alongside Lacrim and Waterfest in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, in August 2025. As of late 2025, no further album announcements have been made.Musical style and artistry
Genres and influences
Vegedream's music primarily draws from hip hop, R&B, and urban pop, incorporating elements of Afrobeat and Afro-pop that reflect his Ivorian heritage.[4][1] His production often features Auto-Tune to create a melodic rap style, blending rhythmic flows with catchy hooks that emphasize emotional delivery over strict lyrical cadence.[4] This fusion allows for a versatile sound that bridges energetic beats with smoother, vocal-driven arrangements, as seen in tracks like "Ramenez la coupe à la maison," which layers Afrobeat percussion with hip-hop verses.[1] His influences stem from both cultural roots and international artists. Raised with ties to Gagnoa in Ivory Coast, Vegedream integrates traditional Ivorian rhythms into his work, adding percussive depth and danceable grooves to his urban tracks.[4] The French rap scene shaped his early style through his involvement with the group La Synésia, where he honed a commercial rap approach infused with pop sensibilities.[4] Additionally, global pop figures like Justin Timberlake and Christine and the Queens have impacted his melodic sensibilities and stage presence, encouraging a polished, crossover appeal in his music.[1] Over time, Vegedream's sound has evolved from high-energy party anthems in his debut era to more layered, introspective compositions in recent releases. His 2018 album Marchand de sable leaned into festive, upbeat rap with unifying choruses designed for crowds, exemplified by its World Cup-inspired hits.[1] By La Boîte de Pandore in 2022, he incorporated deeper explorations within an upbeat framework, balancing commercial hooks with more personal undertones.[32] This progression continued in De l'autre côté (2024), where melodic R&B elements and Afrobeat influences allow for reflective moments amid the rhythm, marking a maturation in his production. In 2025, this is further evident in his collaboration on the track "Albi" with Topic and Mougleta, blending afro house with melodic rap elements.[4][33]Themes and songwriting
Vegedream's lyrics often center on the celebration of success and national unity, most notably in his 2018 single "Ramenez la coupe à la maison," which became an anthem for France's FIFA World Cup victory and captured collective pride through its rallying chorus.[34] He frequently reflects on street life and suburban struggles, intertwining these with themes of hope and personal triumph, drawing from his experiences growing up in Orléans' banlieues.[1] Ivorian pride emerges as a recurring motif, evident in references to his hometown of Gagnoa and cultural elements like traditional dishes in tracks such as "Merci les bleus," which blend French identity with his heritage.[35] Love and relationships also feature prominently, exploring heartbreak and betrayal, as in "Dis-le-moi," where he conveys emotional vulnerability amid relational turmoil.[36] His songwriting style emphasizes personal storytelling, rooted in autobiographical narratives that highlight resilience and cultural duality, often co-written with collaborators to infuse diverse perspectives.[1] Multilingual elements are integral, with French verses incorporating Nouchi—Ivorian slang—to authenticate his voice and connect with diasporic audiences, creating a hybrid linguistic flow that mirrors his Franco-Ivorian background.[37] This approach fosters unifying choruses that prioritize accessibility and emotional resonance over complex rhyme schemes.[1] In his album Ategban (2019), themes of heritage take center stage, with tracks like "Lagoh" and "Grace a dieu" celebrating Ivorian roots and familial ties amid tales of ambition and survival.[38] La boîte de Pandore (2022) shifts toward introspection, featuring songs such as "Intro (Lancelot du lac)" and "Obscure 3" that delve into suffering, perseverance, and self-reflection, balancing raw confession with melodic hooks.[32] Critics have praised Vegedream's lyrical depth for its political commitment and cultural authenticity, yet noted a tension with his commercial appeal, where unifying, anthemic structures sometimes prioritize broad listenability over intricate narrative complexity.[1] This duality has positioned his work as both personally resonant and widely embraced in urban pop.[32]Discography
Studio albums
Vegedream's debut studio album, Marchand de sable, was released on June 1, 2018, by Casablanca/Universal Music France. It peaked at number 5 on the French Albums Chart and has been certified double platinum by SNEP for 200,000 equivalent units. The album features 14 tracks blending hip-hop and urban pop, with notable lead single "Ramenez la coupe à la maison" and multiple installments of the title track series produced by collaborators including DJ Kabongo and Evasao; it has amassed over 191 million streams on Spotify. The artwork depicts Vegedream in a dreamlike, sandy landscape, emphasizing the "sandman" theme. His second album, Ategban, arrived on July 12, 2019, via Island Def Jam/Universal Music France. It reached number 9 on the French Albums Chart and earned platinum certification from SNEP for 100,000 equivalent units. Comprising 20 tracks (22 in the deluxe edition), it includes collaborations such as "Elle est bonne sa mère" with Ninho and "Tchop" featuring RK and Alonzo, with production handled by a mix of in-house and external talents like VYNK. The cover art showcases Vegedream in a vibrant, urban setting, reflecting Ivorian influences. Streams exceed 268 million on Spotify. La boîte de Pandore, Vegedream's third studio album, was issued on April 29, 2022, under Island Def Jam/Universal Music France. The project debuted at number 7 on the French Albums Chart and consists of 24 tracks exploring themes of love and struggle, highlighted by features with Naps on "On a l'habitude (Ok Many)," Tayc on "Pour nous," and M. Pokora on "Dis-le-moi"; key producers include DJ Kabongo and Evasao for the intro track. It has garnered approximately 78 million Spotify streams. The artwork features a Pandora's box motif with Vegedream at its center, symbolizing revelation and chaos. The fourth album, De l'autre côté, released on July 12, 2024, by Island Def Jam / Universal Music France, peaked at number 55 on the French Albums Chart. This 15-track effort delves into personal introspection, with standout cuts like "Choisis-moi" featuring Warren Saada and "Baby Mama," produced primarily by Evazao and others. No certifications have been awarded as of November 2025, though it has seen moderate streaming success. The cover portrays Vegedream gazing across a metaphorical divide, underscoring the album's titular theme of transition.| Album | Release Date | Label | Peak (FRA) | Certification (SNEP) | Equivalent Units/Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marchand de sable | June 1, 2018 | Casablanca/Universal Music France | 5 | Double Platinum | 200,000 |
| Ategban | July 12, 2019 | Island Def Jam/Universal Music France | 9 | Platinum | 100,000 |
| La boîte de Pandore | April 29, 2022 | Island Def Jam/Universal Music France | 7 | — | — |
| De l'autre côté | July 12, 2024 | Island Def Jam / Universal Music France | 55 | — | — |
Singles as lead artist
Vegedream has released a total of 23 singles as lead artist since his debut in 2017, many of which have charted prominently on the French SNEP Singles Chart and contributed to his rise in the urban music scene. His music often ties into albums like Marchand de sable (2018), Ategban (2019), La Boîte de Pandore (2022), and De l'autre côté (2024), with singles blending rap, R&B, and Afrobeats influences. Key releases have garnered international attention, particularly in Europe, through streaming platforms and certifications. Additional 2025 lead singles include "Chemise italienne" and "Paralice." The breakthrough single "Ramenez la coupe à la maison," released in July 2018 to celebrate France's FIFA World Cup victory, became an anthem and topped the SNEP chart for multiple weeks, spending 68 weeks in total on the ranking. It earned diamond certification from SNEP for exceeding 50 million equivalent units in France and platinum status in Denmark for 90,000 units. The accompanying music video, featuring festive imagery and football references, amassed millions of views shortly after release. Follow-up "Elle est bonne sa mère," featuring Ninho and released in May 2019 from the Ategban album, peaked at number 2 on the SNEP chart and also achieved diamond certification in France for over 50 million units. The track's upbeat tempo and collaborative energy helped it resonate widely, with the official video emphasizing dance choreography and urban aesthetics. In more recent years, Vegedream continued releasing lead singles tied to his evolving discography. From the 2024 album De l'autre côté, "Choisis-moi" featuring Warren Saada served as a promotional single, highlighting romantic themes with Afrobeats production; it was accompanied by a visually dynamic music video released in July 2024. Other notable 2024-2025 singles include "J'encaisse," "J'veux pas," "Chemise italienne," and "Paralice," which maintained his presence on streaming charts amid his mid-career momentum.| Title | Release Year | Peak Position (SNEP France) | Certifications | Album Association |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramenez la coupe à la maison | 2018 | 1 | Diamond (FRA), Platinum (DEN) | Standalone |
| Elle est bonne sa mère (feat. Ninho) | 2019 | 2 | Diamond (FRA) | Ategban |
| Personne (feat. Damso) | 2019 | 36 | - | Ategban |
| Pour nous (with Tayc) | 2020 | 47 | - | Standalone |
| On a l'habitude (Ok Many) (with Naps) | 2022 | 51 | - | La Boîte de Pandore |
| Choisis-moi (feat. Warren Saada) | 2024 | - | - | De l'autre côté |