Vanessa Mahi (born 17 December 1997), known professionally as Ivorian Doll, is a British rapper and Internet personality of Ivorian descent.[1][2][3] She made her debut in collaboration with Abigail Asante, releasing singles under the name Abigail x Ivorian Doll. She has since gone on to release several singles as a solo artist, such as "Rumours".[4]
Ivorian Doll | |
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![]() Ivorian Doll at a photoshoot for her single "Body Bag" in 2020. | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Vanessa Mahi |
Born | (1997-12-17) 17 December 1997 (age 24) Flensburg, Germany |
Origin | London, England |
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Occupation(s) |
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Years active | 2017–present |
YouTube information |
Mahi was born in Flensburg, Germany to parents from the Ivory Coast and moved to East London when she was three years old with her father.[5][6] Her mother initially stayed in Germany, later joining the family when Mahi was a teenager and her parents reunited.[7] Her pseudonym refers to her Ivorian heritage. Mahi's father is a pastor.[7] He took her to acting classes from the age of 11.[8] She attended Haggerston School.[8]
Before starting her music career, Mahi was a YouTuber.[1] Mahi describes herself as having gone into a rap career "accidentally".[6]
After making her musical debut collaborating with Abigail Asante, Mahi began releasing music as a solo performer in late 2019.[6] Her debut single was "Queen of Drill".[6]
She released her breakout track, "Rumours", in April 2020.[7] The music video for the track on YouTube reached a million views within a month.[8]
Mahi was nominated for Best Newcomer in the 2020 MOBO Awards.[9]
In December 2020, Birmingham rapper Lady Leshurr released a diss track about Mahi, "DIV".[10] Mahi was announced as part of the Wireless Festival 2021 lineup in April 2021.[11] She also performed at Reading Festival 2021.[12]
In 2021, she collaborated with Birmingham's Duran Duran on the track "Hammerhead" for their album Future Past, released in October 2021.
Mahi has described Nicki Minaj,[6] Lil' Kim[13] and Foxy Brown[13] as musical influences.
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