Mayotte-born artist Zily is the daughter of a Madagascan father and a French mother from Mayotte. Raised in the village of Tsingoni, she has consistently upheld the traditional values of her homeland, mutual aid, solidarity, and sharing, both in her personal life and professional development as an artist.
Throughout her career, Zily has emerged as a key figure in promoting and professionalizing the music scene in Mayotte. In a society where music is often undervalued or absorbed so deeply into daily life that it goes unnoticed, she brings visibility and structure to the sector. At the same time, she maintains a strong connection to her cultural heritage, presenting herself as a modern, ambitious woman rooted in tradition.
Zily’s artistic approach is characterized by mixing global and regional sounds, combining Afrobeat, Amapiano, and pop with the traditional music of Mayotte and Madagascar. Known onstage as “Queen Zily” or “The Diva,” she challenges cultural expectations and inspires younger generations through both her socially engaged lyrics and her energetic live performances.
A significant milestone in her career came in 2020 with the launch of Yeka Music, her own independent label. This initiative reflects her commitment to amplifying Mahoran identity on a global stage and fostering cross-cultural exchange. The label not only supports local talent, but also positions Mayotte as a vibrant contributor to the wider African and Indian Ocean music scenes.
Zily’s signature phrase, Yeka Baba, loosely translated as “Behold the power and potential of our music,” encapsulates her mission. It serves as both a personal trademark and a call to recognize and celebrate the unique cultural voice of Mayotte.
In 2025, Zily was selected to perform at the influential WOMEX world music showcase in Tampere in 2025
Discography:
Imani Na Amani (Yeka Music, 2022)
Wahadi, Pt. I (Yeka Music, 2023)
Wahadi, Pt. II (Yeka Music, 2023)
Djimbo Laké (Yeka Music, 2023)
Haki Yaho, Pt. I (Yeka Music, 2024)
Haki Yaho, Pt. II (Yeka Music, 2024)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.