Twenty years after captivating France with the song “Marly-Gaumont,” Kamini is back in the spotlight, this time as part of the “I Gotta Feeling” tour, a nostalgic trip through the biggest hits of the 2000s. The tour stops at the Zénith arena in Rouen, Seine-Maritime, on February 27, 2026, alongside fellow stars of the era including L5, Helmut Fritz, Alizée, and Worlds Apart. But Kamini’s story is far more than a comeback tour. it’s a testament to authenticity and a remarkable journey from the night shift to national recognition.
Kamini’s breakthrough came unexpectedly. Working as a night nurse, he initially attempted to emulate the tropes of rap music, crafting lyrics about a life he hadn’t lived. “Like many rappers, I invented a life in the ghetto, even though I grew up in the countryside,” he explained in a recent interview. A turning point came when he decided to write about his true origins, resulting in the now-iconic line, “Je ne viens pas de la téci…” (“I don’t come from the projects…”). “I wanted to write a real rap, without cheating, without lying, and that’s how it came about. Sincerity is something that works,” he said.
The song’s initial reach was organic. After uploading a clip, it quickly garnered 500,000 shares. A pivotal moment arrived when a viewer shared the video with journalist Jean-Pierre Pernaut, who featured Kamini on the national news broadcast. “I went from being a night nurse to a web celebrity, then national thanks to the news,” Kamini recalled. The exposure led to a whirlwind of television appearances and a genuine cultural buzz, something he describes as unplanned and unmanufactured.
The impact of “Marly-Gaumont” was immediate and profound. Kamini’s first album achieved gold status, though his second, Extraterrien, didn’t perform as strongly. He continued to release music independently, with his third album, 3e acte, surpassing one million views without traditional radio or television promotion.
Kamini’s creative pursuits extend beyond music. He co-wrote the film Bienvenue à Marly-Gaumont, which drew an audience of 800,000 viewers. Remarkably, in 2016, it became the most-watched French film in Germany, leading to promotional appearances abroad. A sequel is currently in development, with the script sold to a production company, though its future remains uncertain.
Alongside his film and music work, Kamini has appeared in popular French television series including Un si grand soleil, Karma on France 4, and Les Tricheurs on TFX. He attributes his continued success to a grounded approach and a commitment to authenticity. “I’ll never forget where I come from. I’ll always play in town, but also in the countryside: that’s the goal of the Petit Patelin Tour. There are people who travel miles to see stars, why wouldn’t we come to them?”
Kamini is also actively engaged on social media, recognizing its importance for connecting with fans. “I’m very present on TikTok. It’s the nerve center of the war: if you’re not on it, you’re nothing,” he stated. He also maintains an Instagram account, @kaminilevrai.
Currently, Kamini is also developing a manga, titled Kob aZtra, based on a science fiction story he initially intended to pitch to Mark Wahlberg. The manga, funded through a crowdfunding campaign on Ulule, features a protagonist wrongly condemned by humanity and forced to question his allegiance. He also has plans to potentially launch a humor festival in 2027, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of “Marly-Gaumont,” pending the outcome of upcoming municipal elections.
Looking back on his connection to Rouen, Kamini fondly remembers performing at the Zénith during a Heritage Day event with Kévin and Tom. He also recalls filming with his team from the show En bonne compagnie nearby and being among the first performers at the Théâtre de l’Ouest.
Tickets for the “I Gotta Feeling” tour stop in Rouen, at the Zénith, Avenue des Canadiens, Grand-Quevilly, on February 27, 2026, range from 49 to 54 euros. Fans can stay updated on local news via WhatsApp (WhatsApp channel) and TikTok (TikTok account).
As Kamini balances his diverse projects – touring, television, film, and manga – he remains committed to his roots and to connecting with audiences on a genuine level. The next step for the potential Bienvenue à Marly-Gaumont sequel will be closely watched by fans, as production companies evaluate the project’s feasibility.
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