Beendo Z, a 28-year-old rapper from Île-de-France, is set to perform at La Cigale on October 5 for his first major concert. Before turning to music, he had a football career that spanned national youth championships, National 2, and some lower European leagues. In his single Pendule, he references his complex feelings toward the Stéphanois, a nickname for the football club AS Saint-Étienne, with the line "Fais le fou, on te descend comme l'ASSE," which translates to "Be crazy, they'll bring you down like ASSE." Beendo Z has been a lifelong fan of Lyon, a French football club, growing up during its successful years under players like Juninho and Karim Benzema. One of Beendo Z's most memorable football moments was a defeat against AC Milan in the Champions League in 2006, a loss that marked a significant point in his career. He acknowledges that many of his football experiences were defined by losses, especially in the Champions League quarterfinals. Although he still follows Lyon, he has taken a break from intense football since the World Cup. He enjoys analyzing players' performances and has a particular admiration for Rayan Cherki, a young Lyon player. Beendo Z's father, Jean-Claude Mbvoumin, was a professional footballer who provided him with extensive training, helping shape his football skills. He began playing in Sannois and Saint-Gratien, joining the Entente Sannois Saint-Gratien club and playing up to U19. He later tried out for clubs in Guingamp, Laval, and Poitiers, where he played in National 2. However, he struggled to find a clear professional path and eventually left football due to the lack of professional structure, compounded by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. He later signed with FC Stade Nyonnais in Switzerland in 2021 but faced setbacks, including an ankle injury that ended his football ambitions. Now focused on his music career, Beendo Z sees this as a new chapter. He has released five projects and is preparing for his first major concert. He aims to explore a broader musical palette, incorporating influences from artists such as Michael Jackson, Despo Rutti, and Cameroonian artists like Richard Amougou. He differentiates his approach to music and football, noting that football requires instinct and immediate reactions, while music is more calculated and introspective. He also mentions that his football background taught him the value of sacrifice and dedication, which are crucial in both sports and music.