Pictured: Bouba Diallo (left) and AR Paisley

AR Paisley’s nomination for breakthrough artist of the year at the 2025 Junos was a landmark achievement for both the Canadian rapper and his manager, Bouba Diallo. “It was a major milestone we had been working toward for years,” Diallo says, “and it felt incredible to see it come to life.” They’ve been working “since we were kids” and the last two years have been big, with a signing to the Warner Music Canada/Warner Music India collaborative label imprint 91 North Records and a top 10 Billboard Canadian Hot 100 chart placement for “Drippy,” his posthumous collaboration with the late Sidhu Moose Wala.

Diallo began his career working with AR Paisley and Jay Trak, contributing to over 900 million streams and sold-out tours. Currently, Diallo manages a diverse roster, including YouTuber and streamer K Showtime, highlighting his versatility across music and digital media. As operations manager and artist manager at The Revels Group, where he first started as an intern, he collaborates with artists such as Gibson Hazard, Victony and Sainte. Diallo has produced high-profile events including YouTube at Coachella, The Grammy House, and the BET Experience, and has worked on projects involving Drake, Travis Scott, and Kim Kardashian.

Recognized in 2024 by the Canadian Consulate’s Black Managers Program, Diallo stresses the importance of trust and commitment in artist relationships: “If you can’t believe in someone 100%, they’re probably not the right client for you.”