French rapper Prince Waly, whose real name was Moussa Magassa, has died at the age of 34 after years of battling serious illness. His death was announced by his loved ones on October 4, 2026, who said he had passed away following a long illness he had faced with courage for eight years. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief across the French music community.
Prince Waly was born and raised in Montreuil, Seine-Saint-Denis, and became known for his distinctive voice, thoughtful writing, and cinematic approach to rap. He began his musical journey with the group Big Budha Cheez before developing a solo career that included projects such as Junior and BO Y Z. His 2022 album Moussa became a defining work in his career and helped establish him as a respected figure in French rap.
His health journey had been an important part of his story. In 2019, Prince Waly was diagnosed with thymus cancer, a serious illness that temporarily caused him to lose his voice. After announcing that he had overcome the cancer in 2021, he returned to music and continued creating despite further health challenges. In September 2026, he revealed that he was suffering from a rare autoimmune condition known as paraneoplastic pemphigus.
Throughout those difficult years, music remained central to Prince Waly’s life. He collaborated with artists including Dinos, Freeze Corleone and Alpha Wann and continued performing, including an intimate concert at the Philharmonie de Paris in January 2025. His determination to keep creating despite his health struggles became an important part of the story surrounding his career.
Prince Waly was also remembered as a deeply sensitive and generous person. His loved ones described him as an artist of extraordinary presence, sensitivity, kindness and elegance, while emphasizing the lasting impression he made on the people who had the opportunity to know him. He was married to singer and artist Enchantée Julia, who remained by his side throughout his long health battle.
His passing represents a painful loss for French rap and for the many people who connected with his music and his story. Although his life was cut short at just 34, Prince Waly leaves behind a body of work that reflects his experiences, struggles, imagination and determination. His music will continue to carry his voice forward, while those closest to him mourn a beloved husband, friend, family member and artist who was gone too soon.
