Magister, whose real name is Junior Manizao, is a unique artist in the Swiss music scene. Born in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, he left his homeland at a very young age to settle in Switzerland with his family. At the age of four, he grew up in Bulle, in the canton of Fribourg—a quiet town where he gradually shaped his view of the world. It is within this context of migration and adaptation that he began to build his artistic and personal identity, between African roots and European culture.
From an early age, music became an obvious part of his life. It served as a refuge, a means of expression, and a bridge between worlds. He discovered hip-hop early on, a genre that struck him like a revelation. But it was through listening to MC Solaar, a major figure in French rap, that Magister truly grasped the power of words. The elegance of the writing, the subtlety of the rhymes, the depth of the themes—all of this opened up a world of infinite possibilities. Solaar, with his urban poetry and ability to narrate reality with finesse, became a defining influence.
From that point on, Junior Manizao began writing—first for himself, then to share. Over the years, he developed a distinctive style: a poetic, thoughtful, and socially engaged rap that rejects clichés and easy effects. Magister doesn’t aim to follow trends; he prefers to carve his own path. He defines himself as a “word carrier” and a “singer of poems.” This dual identity reflects his artistic approach: at the crossroads of spoken word, lyrical songwriting, and rap, he builds a demanding and sincere body of work that both questions and moves.
Promising Debut: “Icarus” (2008)
In 2008, Magister made a notable entrance onto the music scene with the release of his first album, “Icarus.” This project laid the foundation for his artistic universe: a blend of mythological references, existential questions, and social observations. The standout track, “Ma Suisse,” resonated deeply. Through this song, he explored his relationship with his adopted country with sensitivity and clarity—balancing gratitude, critique, and lucid love. The public connected with it, and the local press praised his insightful take on identity and integration.
With Icarus, Magister already demonstrated a strong artistic ambition: not just to make music, but to tell something greater, to engage in dialogue with society, history, and human emotion. It was a form of authorial rap, going against mainstream radio formats, yet deeply rooted in a quest for authenticity.
“EXIL” (2012): A Bold and Hybrid Project
Four years later, in 2012, Magister returned with his second album, “EXIL,” released under the Fribourg-based label Watermelon. This project marked a turning point in his career. More daring and eclectic, it opened up to new musical worlds and expanded his sonic palette. He collaborated with artists from the Fribourg rock scene, introducing electric guitars, live drums, and new textures into his rap.
One of the album’s highlights is “À la gloire de nos pères,” a collaboration with the group Farafina, emblematic of traditional African music. This track pays tribute to elders, roots, struggles, and forgotten legacies. Blending African rhythms with powerful lyrics, Magister weaves memory, history, and commitment into a strong and deeply respectful artistic gesture.
With EXIL, he proved his ability to break musical boundaries and explore intersections of identity, culture, and emotion. The album received positive critical acclaim and helped him reach audiences beyond the usual rap circles.
BlackBoard: Artistic Independence
After years of working within established structures, Magister decided to take control of his artistic destiny. In 2019, he founded his own independent label, BlackBoard. The name symbolizes his approach: a blackboard on which he can write freely, erase, start over, and experiment. The label allows him to fully own his artistic choices—from production to distribution to visual identity.
This independence is fully embodied in his third album, “Juste vivre,” released in 2020. It is perhaps the most introspective album of his career. He explores resilience, pain, love, and the search for meaning—always with his signature refined writing. Tracks like “Pensée sombre” and “De la terre à la lune” reflect a high level of artistic maturity. They address mental health, life’s challenges, and hope, without ever falling into melodrama.
This project resonated with a wide audience, especially because it tackled universal themes with sincere depth. Magister appeared both vulnerable and strong, poet and witness of his time.
Notable Singles and Artistic Affirmation (2021–2023)
Following Juste vivre, Magister continued his journey with consistency and rigor. He released several powerful singles that confirmed his artistic evolution and his refusal to stagnate. In 2021, the track “Au bout du tunnel” emerged as a beacon of hope during a time of global uncertainty. The song speaks of light, healing, and what comes after suffering.
In 2023, two tracks stood out: “Je t’haine” and “Second souffle.” The former plays on the paradoxes of love and anger, touching on toxic relationships and inner conflict. The latter, as its name suggests, evokes renewal, rebirth, and the ability to rise again after falling.
These songs are not mere stylistic exercises—they reflect a human journey, a life of struggle, reflection, and resilience. Magister continues to sharpen his pen, carefully choosing his words and crafting intricate, never banal instrumentals.
A Singular Voice in Swiss Rap
Today, Magister stands as a key figure in Swiss rap—but it would be reductive to confine him to a single scene or label. What sets him apart is his holistic artistic vision, his coherence, and his ability to fuse poetry, social commitment, and sonic innovation.
He remains true to his African roots while fully embracing his Swiss experience. This dual belonging, far from being a conflict, becomes a richness—a foundation for a body of work that is both personal and universal. He doesn’t seek to please at all costs, but to stay authentic, offering music with meaning and substance.
Still active, Magister continues to write, compose, collaborate—and above all, to conceive music as a total art form, where every word, every sound, every silence matters.
Magister is above all an authentic voice, a demanding pen, and a committed soul. A rare artist who reminds us that rap can be an act of poetry, memory, and transformation.
