Gazo triggers the Apocalypse at La Défense Arena: between boxing, XXL feats, and fiery vibes
Summary
On Friday, April 18, 2025, La Défense Arena transformed into a true urban volcano. On the bill: a unique show by Gazo, mixing high-level punchlines, scorching live performances, and... a boxing match to heat up the crowd. The rapper, in visionary mode, pushed the limits of the classic concert once again. Let's look back at an unforgettable evening where music and sweat joined forces.
Gazo, King of Drill
Originating from Châteauroux, Gazo, aka Ibrahima Diakité, is today the undisputed boss of French drill. Since his breakout in 2019, the rapper has chained certifications and prestigious features, becoming one of France's most streamed artists. His dark style and razor-sharp flow earn him a unique place on the rap scene. Not just a performer, but an atmosphere architect, turning every show into an experience. With this date at La Défense Arena, he proved he now plays among the giants.
An Opening Act Like an Uppercut: Bakary Samaké in KO Mode
Before the beats, the hooks. To kick off the evening, Gazo imagined a bold and original opening act: a boxing match in the pit, with Bakary Samaké facing South African Roarke Knapp. The result? A KO in the 8th round for the young 21-year-old Frenchman, in front of nearly 38,500 ecstatic people. Samaké retains his WBC Silver title and enters a new dimension. Escorted by Mac Tyer and welcomed like a rockstar, the boxer delivered a performance worthy of the big rings. A world first, validated by a boiling crowd and media amazed by the concept.
Gazo in Concert: Between Hits, Features, and Volcanic Scenography
At 9:15 PM, the curtain falls. Gazo appears, suspended in the air on a container, like an action movie. Then everything unfolds: “A$AP”, “La rue”, “Euphon”, and a shower of high-intensity hits. The stage transforms throughout the songs, with pyrotechnics, lasers, and visual effects worthy of a blockbuster. But the highlight is this series of features designed to flip the room: Favé on “Flashback”, Freeze Corleone on “Drill FR 4”, Ninho on “Mauvais 2X”, and even Orelsan who came to drop “Optimale” on a ring converted into a monumental catwalk. Bonus: a live FaceTime with Tiakola from Bordeaux. Two hours of non-stop show, closed by the banger “Nanani Nanana”: the crowd wants more.
PXP x Gazo: The Street Vibe That Matches
Project X Paris and Gazo share a lasting artistic connection. Their last stage meeting was at the Paris Games Week 2024, where the drill boss appeared in full vibes alongside JL Tommy, who wore an exclusive T-shirt from our new collection for the occasion. A strong nod to urban culture that has united the two worlds for several years.
This link with major stages was already confirmed by PXP at La Défense Arena, with another memorable moment: the explosive show with Nanterre 92 and creator Shaïes, who merged basketball culture and urban aesthetics. Two vibes, one DNA: that of street innovation, always where the scene moves.
What’s Next? Gazo Teases Netflix and New Project
What’s next? It promises to be hot. Gazo used this evening to tease a retrospective documentary on his career coming soon on Netflix. At the same time, he confirmed that a new musical project is already 65% completed. The artist is preparing a 2025 full of vibes, mixing introspection, new sounds, and a polished visual universe. If this concert was a peak, the rise continues.
With this extraordinary concert, Gazo didn’t just perform on stage: he marked an era, blended genres, and moved a multi-generational audience. And he did it with style, in true Gazo fashion. Paris La Défense Arena didn’t just witness a concert that night. It witnessed a vision.