Alem (beatboxer)

Maël Gayaud (born 25 March 1992), better known as Alem is a French beatboxer. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest beatboxer of his generation as well as one of the best technical beatboxer in the world.

Before becoming a beatboxer, Gayaud used to play drums. He began beatboxing at the age of 11. In 2015 he won the Beatbox Battle World Champion after defeating NaPoM of United States in the final. Gayaud has also collaborated on several musical projects (Group of Jazz, gospel, Irish, and Breton music).

Career


In October 2009, Alem competed at his first beatbox competition at the French Beatbox Championship. In the round of 16, his first ever battle, he won against Beasty. He lost to Dawan Player in the quarter-finals. In the 2010 French Beatbox Championship, Alem finished as runner-up, losing to Beasty. Alem was knocked out at the quarter final of the 2011 French Beatbox Championship, after losing to BMG.

In 2015, Alem became the first French World Champion in the Men's Solo Category, as well as, Tag Team Champion with beatbox partner, BMG.

In 2018, Alem and female solo Champion, Kaila Mullady, both entered the 5th Beatbox Battle World Championships, marking the first time a World Champion has attempted to defend their title in a consecutive World Championship. Alem was defeated by B-Art in the Top 8 battles.

In 2019, Alem and newly crowned World Champion, Alexinho, formed a tag team and entered into the Grand Beatbox Battle as Uniteam. They went on to win the competition defeating Middle School in the final.

In 2021, Alem secured the 7th spot of the Grand Beatbox Battle solo wildcard, earning him a place in the competition.

Musical style
Alem is one of the first pioneer of technicality in modern beatboxing. His style generally involves complex, intricate drum patterns and precise rhythms whilst simultaneously maintaining clarity of sound. He has often cited Kenny Muhammad, the human orchestra, as one of his primary early beatboxing influences.

Albums

 * Bogota Airport (2019)
 * Christmas Songs & Beatbox (2020)
 * Pause (2021)