Today, October 7, 2026, marks the first anniversary of the passing of Djasrabé Kimassoum Yilmian, better known by his stage name Ray's Kim EDM. The Chadian rapper and slammer died on October 7, 2025, after a prolonged illness. Born on June 25, 1989, in N'Djamena, Ray's Kim EDM dedicated nearly two decades to music and artistic expression. His legacy is remembered by his peers and fans as that of an engaged, rigorous, and deeply committed artist to the Chadian youth.
Ray's Kim EDM was accompanied in his journey by notable figures such as Ricardo Nanadoumngar Labe, Adneli Parfaite alias Kamal Diamant Noir, and Djegang Dingamnodji Marius, also known as Marius Abrass. These individuals, all masters of ceremony and close collaborators of the artist, shared their memories of Ray's Kim EDM. Ricardo Nanadoumngar Labe, a cultural promoter and master of ceremony, described their relationship as going beyond a simple professional framework. He stated that he acted as a mentor, big brother, and elder who guided Ray's Kim EDM.
According to Ricardo Nanadoumngar Labe, he played a significant role in the artist's early days, helping him work on his lyrics and writing. He noted that Ray's Kim EDM was a curious artist who gradually built his own universe. Labe recalled the last concert of Ray's Kim EDM at the Paris-Congo stadium on March 29, 2025, where he was chosen to present the event. Labe described Ray's Kim EDM as a "conscience awakener" whose career aligned with that of engaged African artists.
Adneli Parfaite, also known as Kamal Diamant Noir, shared her memories of Ray's Kim EDM, describing him as a loyal and genuine person. She recalled that he gave her the opportunity to present her first public concert at his show at the Habena stadium. Parfaite praised Ray's Kim EDM's frankness and rigor in his work, stating that he was a model for her. She emphasized that working with him required endurance due to his high standards.
Marius Abrass, another close collaborator, described his relationship with Ray's Kim EDM as fraternal. He stated that he was involved in almost all aspects of the artist's life and still feels his presence. Abrass noted that the absence of Ray's Kim EDM is deeply felt in Chad's artistic landscape, with the country losing a sense of audacity and engagement. He emphasized that although others are engaged, it's not the same without Ray's Kim EDM.
The testimonies of Ricardo Nanadoumngar Labe, Adneli Parfaite, and Marius Abrass paint a portrait of an artist who was demanding, bold, and committed. Ray's Kim EDM left behind a body of work and an impact on several generations of artists and young Chadians. His legacy continues to inspire and influence the country's music scene.
Ray's Kim EDM's impact on Chad's music scene and his contributions to the country's artistic landscape will not be forgotten. His commitment to his craft and his audience has left a lasting impression, and his memory will continue to be celebrated by his fans and peers. As the country remembers him on the first anniversary of his passing, his legacy serves as a reminder of the power of art to inspire and bring about change.
Key points
- Ray's Kim EDM was a renowned rapper and slammer who left a lasting impact on Chad's music scene.
- He was remembered by his peers and fans as an engaged, rigorous, and deeply committed artist to the Chadian youth.
- His legacy continues to inspire and influence the country's music scene, serving as a reminder of the power of art to inspire and bring about change.
