French rapper Prince Waly dies at 34 after long battle with rare disease
Prince Waly, a 34-year-old French rapper, died from complications of a rare autoimmune disorder, according to his label I See Colors.
Moussa Magassa, known on stage as Prince Waly, passed away at age 34 after a prolonged struggle with pemphigus paranéoplasique, a rare autoimmune disease that can cause severe skin and mucosal lesions and had robbed him of his voice. The rapper, originally from Montreuil, fought the illness for eight years, with his wife Julia and close family providing constant support. He kept creating music throughout his illness, releasing three solo EPs, the 2022 album "Moussa," and announcing work on a second album in February.
His label I See Colors praised his determination, artistic elegance, and influence on the francophone independent rap scene. He is remembered as a respected figure whose work blended cinematic references and a distinctive aesthetic.
Why it matters
His death highlights the impact of rare diseases on artists and the cultural loss felt by the francophone music community.
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