The Rise of Ski Aggu: Berlin’s Goggle-Wearing Rap Phenomenon
BERLIN, 20 February 2026 — In the fast-paced world of German hip-hop, few figures have managed to blend satirical party culture with chart-topping success as effectively as August Jean Diederich. Known professionally as Ski Aggu, the Berlin-Wilmersdorf native has transitioned from a SoundCloud curiosity to a central pillar of the modern “New Wave” scene, defined by high-energy beats and his signature ski goggles.
Who is Ski Aggu?
Born on 3 November 1997, August Jean Diederich spent his formative years in the Wilmersdorf district of Berlin. He first emerged on the music scene around 2018, initially releasing tracks on SoundCloud. His persona—a mix of West Berlin “Atze” culture and ironic, retro-inspired aesthetics—quickly resonated with a generation looking for escapism through upbeat, electronic-infused rap.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | August Jean Diederich |
| Date of Birth | 3 November 1997 |
| Place of Birth | Berlin-Wilmersdorf, Germany |
| Signature Look | Ski Goggles and Mullet |
| Breakout Year | 2023 (with “Friesenjung”) |
Political Stance and Recent Tour Cancellations
In recent days, Ski Aggu has made headlines for reasons beyond his music. This week, the rapper officially cancelled a planned performance in New York City. Citing “political reasons,” the artist opted to withdraw from the US gig, a move that has sparked significant discussion among his fanbase and the German media. This decision comes at a time of heightened political sensitivity in Germany, where recent polling shows the far-right AfD reaching 37% in certain state projections.
The “Friesenjung” Legacy
While he had a steady following for years, 2023 was the definitive turning point for his career. His collaboration with Joost Klein and Otto Waalkes on the track “Friesenjung” became a viral juggernaut. Reinterpreting Waalkes’ 1993 classic (which itself was a parody of Sting’s “Englishman in New York”), the song reached number one in Germany and Austria, amassing over 149 million streams on Spotify.
Musical Style and Collaborations
Ski Aggu’s sound is a hybrid of Pop Rap, Hip House, and Electronic Dance Music (EDM). His lyrics often revolve around Berlin nightlife, socialising, and tongue-in-cheek observations of youth culture.
Key Collaborations
- JEREMIAS: His recent track “BYE X3” with the band JEREMIAS has continued his streak of successful cross-genre partnerships.
- Ritter Lean: A long-time collaborator from his early SoundCloud days.
- Ikkimel: Recent social media trends and tour footage have highlighted his close creative and personal connection with fellow artist Ikkimel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Ski Aggu wear ski goggles?
The goggles have become his primary trademark, serving both as a branding tool and a way to maintain a level of anonymity while performing. It fits the “Ski” persona and the high-energy, “après-ski” party vibe of his music.
What is Ski Aggu’s real name?
His real name is August Jean Diederich.
Why did Ski Aggu cancel his New York concert?
As of February 2026, the artist stated the cancellation was due to “political reasons,” though he has not released a detailed manifesto regarding the specific geopolitical factors influencing the decision.
Is Ski Aggu on tour?
While the US date was cancelled, Ski Aggu remains active on the European circuit. Recent tour merchandise leaks on social media suggest continued branding efforts for his winter and spring performances across German-speaking territories.