Singer Aya Nakamura placed on an lively efficiency on the Pont des Arts. (Picture by Gabriel BOUYS / AFP)
Aya Nakamura, a preferred Franco-Malian singer, was one of many musical abilities who shone on the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Video games, held on July 26.
Recognized for her Afrobeat type and her worldwide hit “Djadja,” which has acquired greater than 300 million views on YouTube, Nakamura introduced rhythm and allure to the occasion that opens the sports activities match. The 29-year-old artist’s efficiency was accompanied by the Republican Guard and he or she was the featured determine within the section titled “Equality.”
She carried out her two largest hits, “Pookie” and “Djadja,” interweaving the lyrics with verses from the poem “Ma Boheme” and the track “For Me Formidable” by Charles Aznavours.
Born in Bamako, Mali, and raised within the suburbs of Paris, Aya Coco Danioko (her actual identify) has been hailed as essentially the most listened to francophone singer on the earth.
“Djadja” is Aya Nakamura’s most viral hit with greater than 300 million views on YouTube. (REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier)
Her profession took off with the only “Karma” in 2014, and he or she gained worldwide recognition along with her album “Nakamura” in 2018, which earned the distinguished Diamond Disc in France. Along with her mixture of African and Parisian influences, Nakamura has carved out an area for herself on the music scene.
Though she was nicknamed “Queen of France” by her followers, Nakamura’s selection for the inauguration ceremony sparked controversy and drew criticism from a number of conservative and far-right quarters.
In keeping with CNN, figures akin to Marine Le Pen and the group Les Natifs questioned the appropriateness of his lyrics, deeming them inappropriate and claiming that they didn’t characterize French values.
Aya Nakamura was born in Bamako, Mali, a former French colony. (REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/File Picture)
“There isn’t a approach Aya can sing right here. That is Paris, not the Bamako market,” Les Natifs famous on X.
Nonetheless, the singer-songwriter acquired the help of President Emmanuel Macron, who praised her contribution to the nation. “These video games and ceremonies should mirror our variety, and Aya Nakamura contributes considerably to our tradition and music,” stated the president on the inauguration of the Olympic Aquatic Centre.
“Watch out with the pretext of attacking somebody out of pure racism,” stated Tradition Minister Rachida Dati.
The Paris 2024 organizing committee additionally expressed its help for Nakamura and condemned the racist assaults that escalated to the purpose of requiring a police investigation.
“We’ve been deeply shocked by the racist assaults towards Aya Nakamura in latest days. We provide our full help to essentially the most listened to French artist on the earth,” they informed CNN.
