Biography
Nanté98 (born Nantenaina Andrianina Rakotonirina) is a Malagasy rapper, songwriter, and producer based in Antananarivo. He is the founder of the independent label Fuego Records and the production house Fuego.Std.
He first emerged in the local hip-hop scene by participating in the "Tentoes Challenge" before officially debuting in 2019. Initially keeping his lyrics private, he quickly gained a following on social media, leading to the release of his debut EP, Neuf Huit Part.1, in 2020.
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In May 2022, Nanté98 released his first full-length studio album, LIOR. The project took three years to complete and was recorded across various temporary studios, reflecting his determination to produce high-quality music despite limited resources. Known for his perfectionist approach, he recorded nearly 30 tracks for the project, narrowing them down to the final cut to ensure consistency. The album features a mix of personal storytelling, egotrip, and drill, with notable tracks including "Jereo," "100%," and "Tadidiko."
Musically, Nanté98 describes his writing style as intuitive and freestyle-based, often focusing on themes drawn from his own life or the experiences of those around him. Through his work with Fuego Records, he aims to elevate the standard of "Hip-Hop Gasy" (Malagasy Rap), moving the genre away from "bad buzz" trends toward professional, high-quality production.
He is currently working on the sequel to his first EP, tentatively titled Neuf Huit Part.2.
Biography text from Last.fm, available under CC BY-SA.