The free documentary ‘DJ Mehdi Made In France’, produced and broadcasted by ARTE, celebrates the legacy of one of the most influential artists on the French music scene. 

DJ Mehdi, real name Mehdi Favéris-Essadi, is an iconic figure in hip-hop and electronic music, whose impact continues to resonate long after his tragic death in 2011. This skillfully produced, free-to-watch documentary, looks back at his exceptional career and his role in transforming the French and international music scene. 

The documentary consists of 6 episodes that can be easily viewed on the ARTE website or on their YouTube channel, ARTE. 

A childhood marked by resourcefulness and creativity

Born in 1977 in a working-class district of Hauts-de-Seine, Mehdi grew up in a modest, even poor, environment. 

Although he had limited resources to make music, due to the environment in which he was born, he developed a passion for it very early on, thanks to his Tunisian cultural heritage. 

Lacking the means to do so, he began to create his musical ambiances, cobbling together sounds and rhythms from whatever he could find. For example, he created his sampler from scratch with spare parts. 

This resourcefulness, born of his underprivileged background, has shaped his creative approach and enabled him to hone his talents as a producer. 

This DIY (‘Do It Yourself’) spirit has been at the heart of his career, reinforcing his ability to innovate and experiment from an early age.

A pioneer of hip-hop and electronic music in France

By working with groups such as 113 and Ideal J, he made a major contribution to the emergence of rap in France in the 1990s. Ideal J was the first group he produced professionally at just 13 years of age. However, it was his ability to incorporate electronic sounds into his hip-hop productions that set him apart.

He went on to make a name for himself as a member of Mafia K’1 Fry, a major French rap collective. This group, made up of major artists such as 113, Rohff and Kery James, not only dominated the rap scene at the time but also helped Mehdi build a solid reputation in music production.

Through his work with the K‘1 Fry Mafia, and in particular on legendary albums such as 113’s ‘Les Princes de la Ville’, DJ Mehdi forged a reputation as a visionary producer. His collaborations with artists such as MC Solaar, Assassin, and many others have marked the golden age of French hip-hop.

His versatility and desire to push back musical boundaries have earned him a special place in the music industry.

Made In France: a vibrant tribute

The documentary ‘DJ Mehdi Made In France’, produced by ARTE, explores the different facets of this extraordinary artist. Alternating between archive footage, poignant interviews with his close friends and family, and striking musical extracts, the film traces the emotional journey of a man who had a deep influence on the music scene.

We discover his rise in the world of French hip-hop, marked by his contributions to the K’1 Fry Mafia, and then his decisive move into electronic music with the famous Ed Banger Records collective, founded by Pedro Winter (aka Busy P). Thanks to Ed Banger, Mehdi quickly conquered the international electronic scene alongside artists like Justice, SebastiAn, and Mr. Oizo. Together, they have redefined French musical identity through iconic albums and unforgettable live performances.

A humble and engaging personality

While DJ Mehdi is best known for his artistic talent, Mehdi was also known as a humble and generous person. The documentary also highlights this aspect of the man behind the music. Numerous testimonials speak of his warm character, goodwill, and constant desire to collaborate with artists from a wide range of backgrounds. Mehdi was not only passionate about music: he was also a lover of people, life, and the human experience, many qualities that shine through in all his interactions.

This human dimension is particularly evident in the interviews with his friends and colleagues, notably Pedro Winter, who speaks movingly of their many collaborations and long-standing friendships.

Ed Banger’s influence and international expansion

DJ Mehdi conquered the international scene when he joined Ed Banger Records, founded by Pedro Winter (aka Busy P). The label has become emblematic of the French Touch of the 2000s. Together, they propelled French electronic music to the forefront of the world stage, with DJ Mehdi playing a key role in this dynamic. Pedro Winter points out in the documentary that DJ Mehdi was not one of the founders of the Ed Banger label, but that it was almost like one. He had an important place in the collective. 

The documentary ‘Made In France’ looks back at this crucial period in Mehdi’s career, when he began performing all around the world, in clubs and festivals. His collaborations with foreign artists, his taste for experimentation, and his charismatic stage presence helped him build a solid international reputation.

A legacy that still resonates internationally

Even after his untimely death at 34, DJ Mehdi’s influence continues to resonate throughout the music world. His albums, such as ‘Lucky Boy’, and his iconic tracks, such as ‘Signatune’ and ‘I Am Somebody’, remain benchmarks for many artists across the globe.

The documentary recalls how his ability to innovate and fuse genres helped shape the identity of a generation. DJ Mehdi has not only influenced the French music scene, but he has also helped export the French Touch internationally. For example, he has collaborated on a number of projects with Thomas Bangalter of Daft Punk.  His legacy lives on today in clubs, festivals, and through the many artists he inspired.

Conclusion: a must-see documentary for music fans

ARTE’s documentary ‘DJ Mehdi Made In France’ is much more than a simple portrait of an artist. It’s a vibrant tribute to a man who turned the French and international music scene upside down. Whether you’re a hip-hop fan, a fan of electronic music, or simply curious to discover the story of an exceptional artist, this six-part documentary is a must-see.

Through this documentary, ARTE allows you to rediscover the work of DJ Mehdi and measure the profound impact he has had on modern music. ‘Made In France’ tells the story of an extraordinary talent who left too soon, but whose influence lives on through his music.

DJ Mehdi fully embodies the values held dear by B16. From courage and creativity to dedication, resilience, and ambition, his art feels right at home in the B16 DOJO.