Chily at Zénith Paris: the concert guide for September 25th
Summary
Friday night, Porte de Pantin, the line will stretch to the park gates. Six years after a platinum single released by hand, the gem from Val-de-Marne has finished making a name for himself in venues. He was missing a setting worthy of him. On September 25th, Chily finds it: Zénith Paris, the biggest stage of his career as headliner.
Chily, aka Van Bommel, aka La Pépite: meet at Zénith Paris – La Villette on September 25, 2026.
The evening in brief
- Date: Friday, September 25, 2026, doors 6:30 PM, show 8 PM
- Location: Zénith Paris – La Villette (19th), metro Porte de Pantin
- Artist: Chily, aka Van Bommel, aka La Pépite
- Expected tracks: San Pellegrino, Hendeck, Je la connais, Rebanav 126bpm
- Tickets: from €38 to €75 depending on categories
From La Cigale to Zénith: the gem changes carats
On May 7, 2025, Chily fills La Cigale for his first big solo concert in Paris. The Pigalle venue then displays a slogan that says it all. That night was the comeback of an artist thought lost along the way.
Flashback. In 2020, San Pellegrino earned a platinum single, the first of his career. At the same time, his journey stopped abruptly: incarcerated in 2020 at Fresnes, he was released only in September 2021. The hit kept playing without him. The vein remained buried.
Sixteen months after La Cigale, the gem steps up. More than 6,000 seats at La Villette, compared to the intimate capacity of La Cigale. This is no longer a comeback. It’s a category change.
"The comeback of 'La Pépite'"
— Official presentation of Chily’s concert at La Cigale, May 2025
Why does Chily not resemble any other French rapper?
Because he doesn’t really rap like the others. La Pépite mixes French rap with Central African music, slips Lingala between punchlines, and twists his voice with effects. Even the Zénith talks about a unique charisma, made of vocal effects and distinctive gestures.
This gesture, precisely, made his fortune. His steps and mimics circulate on loop on social networks, taken up by a community that dances as much as it listens. On stage, Chily is less a static rapper than a master of ceremonies.
Want to understand the DNA before Friday? Go back to the clip that started it all.
Vibe check: San Pellegrino, the official clip that revealed La Pépite to the public.
Did you know?
The nickname Van Bommel comes from Dutch midfielder Marc van Bommel, known for his fiery character. Chily made it the title of his album released on July 8, 2022: 18 tracks, including Bébé Na Bébé with Leto.
Between >San Pellegrino and Rebanav: six years of hits made for the pit
The setlist promises a real jewelry box. San Pellegrino to open the floodgates, Hendeck and Je la connais to make the pit jump. The Zénith announces an afro-dance atmosphere, not a recital.
The most recent track already shines bright. Rebanav 126bpm, one of his recent titles, earned him a nomination at the Flammes 2026 in the African or African-inspired music category. Proof that the shine doesn’t come only from the past.
To listen before Friday: Rebanav 126bpm, nominated at Flammes 2026.
Friday night: the user guide to not miss anything
Doors open at 6:30 PM, the show starts at 8 PM and should end around 10:30 PM. Aim for line 5, stop Porte de Pantin, or tram T3b. Don’t linger: the best spots in the pit are won early.
Regarding bags, keep it light. Standard size backpacks are allowed, luggage and water bottles stay outside. No luggage check on site, only paid lockers.
Our prediction? Chily will turn the Zénith into a giant dance floor. Those who only know his clips will discover a showman.
La Pépite in its setting
Extracted in Chevilly-Larue, polished at La Cigale, set at the Zénith. On Friday, Chily finally shows what he’s worth in carats. And the vein is far from exhausted.
#CHILY #VANBOMMEL #ZENITHPARIS #RADARPXP #RAPFR