Pa Salieu Biography: Age, Girlfriend, Net Worth, Height, Songs, Real Name, Religion, Parents

Pa Salieu, born Pa Salieu Gaye, is a British rapper and singer whose voice emerged strongly from Coventry in the late 2010s.

He came into broader recognition with his 2020 single “Frontline,” which became one of the most-played tracks on BBC Radio 1Xtra.

Pa Salieu’s music blends UK drill, afroswing, grime, and influences from his Gambian roots, giving him a distinct sound.

He has released acclaimed projects, earned major industry nods like BBC’s Sound of 2021, and despite legal setbacks, remains a prominent figure in contemporary UK hip hop.

Profile

• Full name: Pa Salieu Gaye
• Date of birth: 1 July 1997
• Age: 28 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Slough, Berkshire, England
• State of origin: Coventry, West Midlands, England
• Nationality: British (of Gambian descent)
• Profession: Rapper, singer, songwriter
• Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
• Weight: 75 kg (165 lbs)
• Eye color: Dark brown
• Hair color: Black
• Parents: Parents from The Gambia
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship status: Single
• Religion: Islam
• Ethnicity: Gambian-British
• Net worth: USD 2 million – USD 3 million

Early Life and Education

Pa Salieu Gaye is now 28 years old, born on 1 July 1997 in Slough, England, to Gambian immigrant parents. As a toddler, he was sent back to The Gambia to live with his grandmother while his parents worked to establish themselves in the UK.

Around age eight, Salieu moved to Coventry with his mother, settling in the neighbourhood of Hillfields. During his childhood, he spent time in both countries, absorbing Gambian culture and later experiencing life in Coventry, which has strongly informed his musical identity.

He attended Sidney Stringer Academy in Coventry before leaving school to pursue music full-time. His multicultural upbringing and early exposure to street life in Hillfields became key influences in his lyrics and storytelling.

Personal Life

Pa Salieu has had brushes with violence that shaped his outlook on life. In October 2019, he was shot outside Ivy House in Coventry; shrapnel from pellets was removed from the back of his head, but he survived and continued making music.

He lost close friends, including Fidel “AP” Glasgow, whose death deeply affected him and motivated him to take music more seriously.

He identifies as Muslim and often references faith, prayer, and destiny in his lyrics. As of 2025, there is no information indicating he is married or has children. He is currently single and focused on his music career.

Career

Pa Salieu began releasing music in 2018 under the name Tribal1, putting out freestyles and local tracks around Coventry. His breakthrough came with the single “Frontline” in January 2020, which received widespread acclaim and heavy rotation on BBC Radio 1Xtra.

Later in 2020, he released his debut mixtape Send Them to Coventry, a project blending drill, afroswing, grime, and Afrobeats, featuring artists such as Aitch, BackRoad Gee, and SL.

In 2021, he followed up with the EP Afrikan Rebel, exploring his Gambian roots and African identity. His creative versatility earned him collaborations with artists like Slowthai, Meekz, Teeway, and Mahalia.

In December 2022, he was sentenced to 33 months in prison for violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon connected to a 2018 incident in Coventry. He served about 21 months and was released in September 2024.

After his release, he returned with renewed focus, dropping singles such as “Belly,” “Allergy,” “Epiphany / Crash,” “Round & Round,” and the 2024 mixtape Afrikan Alien, signaling his artistic comeback.

Awards

• BBC Music Sound of 2021 — Winner
• The Ivors 2021 — Nominated for Best Album (Send Them to Coventry)
• BRITs Rising Star — Nominee

Net Worth

Pa Salieu’s net worth is estimated between USD 2 million and USD 3 million. His earnings stem primarily from music streaming royalties, live performances, merchandise sales, and brand partnerships.

Controversy

In 2015, Pa Salieu received a suspended sentence for knife possession. In 2022, he was convicted of violent disorder and possession of an offensive weapon (a bottle) in a 2018 incident following the fatal stabbing of his friend Fidel Glasgow. He was sentenced to 33 months and served approximately 21 months before being released in 2024.

Despite these setbacks, Salieu has spoken publicly about redemption, responsibility, and his intent to use his platform to promote growth and creativity.

Social Media

• Instagram: @pa_salieu
• Twitter (X): @PaSalieu
• TikTok: @pasalieumusic
• YouTube: Pa Salieu

Discography

• Send Them to Coventry (2020)
• Afrikan Rebel (2021)
• Afrikan Alien (2024)
• Frontline (2020)
• My Family (featuring BackRoad Gee) (2020)
• Energy (featuring Mahalia) (2020)
• Glidin’ (featuring Slowthai) (2021)
• Bad (featuring Aitch) (2021)
• Magazine (with Yasin) (2022)
• Belly (2024)