i

i, real name i Balende, is a Franco-Congolese rapper, singer-songwriter and producer. He is regarded by the specialist press as one of the founding fathers of French rap, along with NTM, IAM and MC Solaar. i first came to prominence as a member of Ministère A.M.E.R., the group he formed with his friends to record the soundtrack to the film La Haine, before embarking on a solo career.

i made his television debut in Mamady Sidibé's series Inspecteur Sori : le mamba, then went on to appear in the film No Way, co-produced by Ivorian director Owell Brown. After a few appearances and small roles, in 2019 he landed the lead role in Lisa Bierwirth's film The Prince, which he co-stars in with Austrian actress Ursula Strauss, playing in English for the first time.