Kery James Biography: Age, Movies, Net Worth, Height, Songs, Books, Religion, Real Name

Alix Mathurin, known professionally as Kery James, is a French-Haitian rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor, renowned for his profound and socially conscious lyrics addressing racism, inequality, and life in France’s banlieues.

Born on December 28, 1977, he gained prominence as a member of the rap collective Mafia K’1 Fry and through solo hits like “Si c’était à refaire” (2001) and “J’rap encore” (2018).

His work extends to acting, notably in the film Banlieusards (2019), which he co-wrote and starred in, and philanthropy via his ACES association. Kery James is celebrated for his authenticity and commitment to social justice, making him a pivotal figure in French hip-hop.

Profile

• Full Name: Alix Mathurin
• Stage Name: Kery James, Daddy Kery
• Born: 28 December, 1977
• Age: 47 years old
• Birthplace: Les Abymes, Guadeloupe, France
• Nationality: French, Haitian
• Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actor, Philanthropist
• Height: 5’11”
• Parents: Mr. Mathurin, Mrs. Mathurin
• Siblings: One sister (name not publicly disclosed)
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $3 million USD

Early Life and Education

Alix Mathurin was born on December 28, 1977, in Les Abymes, Guadeloupe, France, was raised in a Haitian family in Orly, a suburb south of Paris, alongside his sister after moving to mainland France at age seven. His parents, originally from Haiti, separated when he was young, and his mother raised him in modest circumstances.

Exposed to hip-hop through his cousin MC Solaar, he began rapping at 11. He left school at 15 to focus on music, joining the group Idéal J. His ethnicity is Haitian, and he is a practicing Muslim, having converted in the mid-1990s, which deeply influences his music and activism.

Career

Kery James, began his career in 1992 as Daddy Kery with Idéal J, releasing the maxi single “La vie est brutale” at age 15, addressing social issues like police violence. He co-founded Mafia K’1 Fry in 1995 with artists like Rohff and Rim’K, contributing to their seminal 1998 EP Légendaire. After surviving a near-fatal shooting in 2000, he released his debut solo album Si c’était à refaire (2001), which went gold with tracks like “Y’a pas d’couleur.”

His introspective style and raw storytelling earned critical acclaim, establishing him as a voice for France’s marginalized communities.

Kery James’s career evolved with albums like Ma vérité (2005) and À l’ombre du show business (2008), the latter featuring the platinum single “Banlieusards” and selling over 200,000 copies. His 2012 album 92-2012 celebrated his 20-year career, while Dernier MC (2013) and Mouhammad Alix (2016) showcased his lyrical depth, addressing Islamophobia and social injustice.

In 2019, he co-wrote and starred as Souleymaan in the Netflix film Banlieusards, directed by Leïla Sy, which was praised for its authentic portrayal of suburban life. His 2018 single “J’rap encore” reaffirmed his commitment to socially relevant rap, earning gold status.

Currently, Kery James remains a leading figure in French hip-hop, with recent projects including the 2023 single “6 du mat'” and his ongoing ACES association, which provides educational support for underprivileged youth in France and Haiti. His 2024 spoken-word show À cœur ouvert at Théâtre du Rond-Point blends music and theater, reflecting his artistic evolution.

Posts on X highlight his influence, with fans noting his return to rap after a three-year hiatus as a cultural event. As a mentor and activist, Kery James continues to inspire through music, film, and philanthropy, advocating for social change and cultural unity.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @keryjamesofficiel
• Facebook Handle: Kery James
• Twitter Handle: @keryjames

Personal Life

Kery James, is single, with no publicly disclosed spouse or children. Based in the Paris region, he maintains a private personal life, focusing on his music, acting, and philanthropy. His conversion to Islam in the mid-1990s profoundly shaped his worldview, leading him to take a year-long break from music in 2009 to study in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

Filmography

• Banlieusards (2019) – Souleymaan (Actor, Co-writer)

Discography

With Idéal J

• Original MC’s sur une mission (1996)
• Le combat continue (1998)

With Mafia K’1 Fry

• Légendaire (1998, EP)
• Jusqu’à la mort (2007)

Solo

• Si c’était à refaire (2001)
• Savoir et vivre ensemble

Net Worth

Kery James, net worth is estimated to be between $5 million and $11 million. His financial success is attributed to a prolific career spanning over two decades, driven by album sales, streaming royalties, national and international tours, and ventures into filmmaking—most notably his Netflix film Banlieusards. In addition, he earns revenue through his independent music label and strategic investments, including in real estate.