A project built like an architecture
Citadelle is not a mere bundle of tracks: it’s a deliberate framework, with symbolic walls — protection, loyalty, discipline — and doors left ajar to the intimate. SENA’s signature is there: “direct-cinema” writing, short scenes, sharp angles, imagery-rich wording. Together, it narrates a clear-eyed rise: to stand firm, stay true, and keep one’s word.
Singles: setting the scene
“Fais-le bien” leads the way — a statement of determination and sincerity. Released on his son’s birthday and filmed in Madagascar, the video grounds the story in geography that’s as personal as it is real.
“Mulder” underlines SENA’s cinephile streak: a nod to X-Files, ear-worm melodies, incisive punchlines, and a clip shot at Place d’Italie (Paris 13th) that diffuses a mystery running through the album.
“À l’aveugle”, presented as a bonus, still locks neatly into the narrative architecture — a kind of airlock before stepping fully inside the Citadel.
Art direction: bite and melody
The sonic signature swings between taut bangers and more melodic stretches. Razor-edged drums, forward bass, hooky toplines: SENA raps with percussive intent, then slides into sung lines to heighten emotion. Coherence leads the way: every track adds a stone to the structure.
Release party: the Citadel comes alive on stage
A week ago, SENA unveiled Citadelle at a live release party — road-testing the project in real conditions and revealing its visual code. On stage, the bite/melody alternation drew peaks of tension and introspective breaths, guided by a tight storyboard — prologues, interludes, finale. The trial by fire validates the album’s stage DNA and DA choices: filmic lighting, cool/warm textures by tableau, and meticulous transitions.
Heritage and continuity
From Chernobyl (and its uncensored 2.0 cut) to Pulp Friction — a nod to Quentin Tarantino — SENA keeps bridging rap and cinema. Citadelle is the synthesis: owned references, crafted staging, lived-in writing. The tested eclecticism of Odyssey#1/#2 meets lighter cuts (La douille de l’été): range without losing identity.
Why Citadelle matters
The narrative coherence reads from opening to finale. The vocal identity stands out — recognizable grain, confident placement. The visual power lives in grounded locations and a tight art direction paving the way for a tour with strong stage potential.
