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Aya Nakamura: Paris Olympics culture row erupts as far right rages at French singer
13 March 2024
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Hugh Schofield
BBC News, París
Joseph Okpako/WireImage Aya Nakamura performs at OVO Arena Wembley on October 13, 2023 in LondonJoseph Okpako/WireImage
Aya Nakamura came to France as a child and mixes upbeat Afropop, R&B and Parisian street slang
She may be the most listened-to French female singer in the world, but is Aya Nakamura the right fit for the Paris Olympics?
President Emmanuel Macron's reported idea that the 28-year-old Franco-Malian singer perform at the opening ceremony in July has sparked an almighty row in France about identity and language.
On one side are ranged her supporters, who say there could be no better way of showcasing the vibrancy of modern-day Francophone culture - a culture that revels in its diversity.
On the other are the detractors, who say her music owes more to Africa and the United States than it does to France - and that her use of the French language only debases it.
The arguments, over an invitation that it is still only hypothetical, spilled onto social media, after her name was booed at an election rally of the far-right Reconquest party.
A small far-right group called Les Natifs (Natives) posted a picture of themselves online with a banner reading: "No way Aya. This is Paris, not the market at Bamako."
This prompted a response from the singer on Twitter/X: "You may be racist but you're not deaf. That's what hurts you. I'm the number one subject of state in debates ect (sic), but what do I owe you? Nothing."
Ministers, fellow musicians and the Olympics organisers have rushed to Nakamura's defence, accusing her opponents of rejecting her because of her foreign origin.
Rachida DatiReuters
Beware of pretexts for using pure racism to attack someone. Targeting an artist for what she is, is unacceptable, it's a crime
Rachida Dati
French Culture Minister
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Nakamura was born in Bamako in 1995 under the name Aya Danioko, in a family of griots - traditional musicians and story-tellers. A few years later they came to the high-immigration Paris suburb of Aulnay-sous-Bois, where she went to school.
She changed her name to Nakamura after a character in the TV series Heroes, and in 2014 launched her career. With four albums to her name and a host of singles, she is regularly referred to as one of the most important figures on the French music scene.
Most importantly, Nakamura sells abroad. Where so many other French singers, of all kinds, have had to content themselves over the years with solely French-speaking audiences, Aya Nakamura has performed the rare feat of breaking through across the globe.
For President Macron, this is the strongest argument for inviting her to the Olympics.
According to the unconfirmed reports, she would sing a chanson of the late Édith Piaf - thus updating a French classic and showing it off before a modern, multi-ethnic worldwide audience.
Michael Ochs Archives Édith PiafMichael Ochs Archives
Édith Piaf achieved international recognition for her trademark French chansons
Curiously though, a majority of the French public appears to disagree.
An Odoxa poll taken after the story broke found that, though Nakamura is extremely well-known with 80% recognition, only 30% of those asked had a good opinion of her.
Some 73% of those who knew her music said they did not like it, and a clear majority of 63% said she should not sing at the Olympics opening.
The most vocal criticism has come from Marion Maréchal of the Reconquest party, who said: "Like her or not, the fact is - this singer doesn't sing in French."
Interviewed on French television, Ms Maréchal said the decision to invite Nakamura, assuming there has been one, was political. "They have deliberately chosen to show a multicultural France … [But Nakamura] does not represent the French language."
In evidence she quoted the lyrics of Nakamura's most popular song Djadja, whose video has been watched online hundreds of millions of times.
Victor Boyko/Getty Images Aya Nakamura attends the Lancome X Louvre photocall as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 26, 2023Victor Boyko/Getty Images
Aya Nakamura is 28 and already has four albums to her name
About a man who spreads sexual lies about the singer, the song's chorus in French goes: "Y a pas moyen, Djadja. J'suis pas ta catin, Djadja, genre, en catchana baby, tu dead ça"
Which roughly translates as: "No way, liar-boy. I'm not your whore, like [sexual reference] baby, good job!"
Paul Verlaine it ain't, which is presumably why a majority of the French public appears to agree with Ms Maréchal that Nakamura would be unsuitable as a standard-bearer of French language and culture.
The counter-arguments are first that Nakamura would not be singing her own composition, but Édith Piaf.
But more important is the fact that Nakamura has been successful in France, a positive sign of integration, and she has influence with young people all over the world.
Her language may be innovative. But at its core it is, after all, French.
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Burkina Faso Leader Ibrahim Traoré Delivers Unforgettable English Speech, Shocking the West
Noble Black News
10 juil. 2024 #traoré #ibrahimtraore #worldnews
Burkina Faso Leader Ibrahim Traoré Delivers Unforgettable English Speech, Shocking the West In an unforgettable moment that captured global attention, Burkina Faso Leader Ibrahim Traoré delivered a powerful speech in English, leaving the West in shock. Standing confidently on the international stage, Traoré's eloquence and fervor transcended language barriers, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide. His speech not only highlighted the pressing challenges and aspirations of Burkina Faso but also shed light on the shared struggles and hopes of neighboring Mali and Niger. Traoré passionately addressed issues such as regional stability, economic development, and the fight against extremism, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation among Sahel countries. He spoke with conviction about the need for sustainable development and the empowerment of youth and women, painting a vivid picture of a hopeful future for the region. This remarkable address underscored his visionary leadership and commitment to fostering solidarity and progress in the Sahel. By speaking in English, Traoré reached a broader audience, ensuring that the voices and concerns of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger were heard loud and clear on the global stage. His historic speech has solidified the significance of these nations in international discourse, leaving a lasting impact on all who witnessed it and inspiring many to re-evaluate their perceptions of the region. Ibrahim Traoré, Burkina Faso, powerful speech, English, Mali, Niger, Sahel region, international stage, leadership, unity, sustainable development, regional stability. Burkina Faso President Ibrahim Traoré, Agricultural Development, Grow Agricultural Plants, Sustainable Farming Practices, Modern Technology in Agriculture, Agricultural Education, Infrastructure Development, Government Support for Farmers, International Cooperation in Agriculture, Burkina Faso Agriculture, NBK NEWS
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