Sofiane Pamart

French pianist Sofiane Pamart has built a reputation for sidestepping the traditional exclusivity of classical performance, blending his nimble and evocative solo works with partnerships that positioned him as a key figure in French rap. His first full-length project arrived in 2018 via Pleine Lune, a joint effort with rapper Scylla, and two tracks he contributed to earned gold certification the following year: “Matin” by Koba LaD featuring Maes and “Journal Perso II” by Vald. During that same period he issued PLANET, his debut entirely instrumental solo set. By the time he delivered his second solo album, 2022’s Letter, Pamart had already worked with Dinos, Hugo TSR, and Frenetik; the song titles on the record spelled out a note of thanks to listeners.

Hailing from Hellemmes in the Lille region of France and now based in Paris, Pamart took up the piano early and later earned a gold medal from the Conservatoire de Lille. A rap enthusiast from childhood, he broke from convention by issuing two albums with Belgian rapper Scylla—2018’s Pleine Lune and 2019’s Pleine Lune 2—both limited to piano and vocals and featuring additional appearances by ISHA and RIVE. The melancholic projects reached the French album chart, with the first peaking at number 83. Meanwhile Pamart established himself as a sought-after session player and composer, appearing on releases by Médine, Koba LaD, and Vald. His 2019 credits included the Vald track “Journal Perso II” and “Matin,” recorded by Koba LaD and Maes. These singles preceded PLANET, which climbed to number 62 on the French chart and was followed in 2020 by the expanded reissue PLANET GOLD.

In 2021 Pamart reached number one on the Belgian album chart with Vivre, a collaboration credited jointly with singer/songwriter Arno; the album also entered the French Top 40 and registered in Switzerland. That year he joined Dabeull for the album Loving Life and recorded with soul outfit Kimberose as well as rap artists Frenetik and SCH. His next solo piano outing, Letter, arrived in 2022 and gave him a personal best when it reached number eight in France.