Werenoi has once again topped the charts in France, securing the number one spot in the official ranking of the 200 best-selling albums for 2024, as released by the syndicat national de l’édition phonographique (Snep) on january 9. This marks the second consecutive year the rapper has achieved this feat, thanks to his album Pyramide 2, which has been certified double platinum with over 200,000 sales. Following closely behind is PLK with Chambre 140 (Part. 3), while the influence of rap continues to dominate the charts, with twelve of the top twenty albums belonging to the genre. Werenoi’s previous album, Carré, also remains popular, landing at sixteenth place this year, showcasing the artist’s sustained success in the competitive music landscape.In a remarkable display of musical talent, French artists dominate the latest album charts, with Indochine’s Babel, Babel securing the third spot. Following closely are projects from Billie Eilish, Pierre Garnier, and Zaho de Sagazan, highlighting a strong presence of local productions, which make up 18 of the top 20 albums. The National Syndicate of Phonographic Publishing (Snep) reports that 145 French projects are featured in the top 200, accounting for a staggering 77% of total listens. Notably, 41 albums, or one in five, are by female artists, with Zaho de Sagazan’s debut album landing at sixth place. The enduring popularity of artists like Jul, who has eight entries in the top 200, underscores the loyalty of French music fans, as the industry sees a significant increase in both physical album sales and streaming activity, totaling 138 billion listens this year.
Q&A: Insights on Werenoi’s Chart-Topping Success and the French Music Scene
Editor, Time.news: today we’re discussing the important impact of Werenoi on the French music charts in 2024. he has topped the official ranking of best-selling albums with his latest release Pyramide 2, which has already been certified double platinum.What do you make of his sustained success?
Music Expert: Werenoi’s achievement of securing the number one spot for the second consecutive year is quite remarkable.His ability to maintain such high sales numbers, over 200,000 copies, underscores his strong connection with the audience. This reflects not just the popularity of his music but also effective marketing strategies and fan engagement.
Editor: It’s interesting to note that twelve of the top twenty albums are from the rap genre. What does this dominance of rap music indicate about current trends in France?
Music Expert: The dominance of rap in the charts signals a major cultural shift. It indicates that rap has become a mainstream genre, resonating deeply with a diverse audience. this genre’s rise aligns with societal changes and the way younger generations express themselves. Moreover, French rap often incorporates local dialects and stories, making it relatable to the listeners.
Editor: Werenoi’s previous album, Carré, still charted at sixteenth this year. What does this longevity say about his work in an increasingly competitive market?
Music Expert: That’s a testament to the artist’s quality and the loyalty of his fanbase. An album remaining in the top rankings for more than a year is significant; it indicates that Werenoi has established a robust brand identity. It also suggests that listeners are not just engaged with new releases but also value his previous work, which is crucial for long-term success in the music industry.
Editor: The report from Snep highlights that 145 French projects feature in the top 200 albums, representing 77% of total listens. How does this reflect on the local music industry,especially in comparison to international artists?
Music Expert: The strong presence of french artists in the charts emphasizes the strength of the local music scene. the advantage of French-language content is clear; local artists can connect more intimately with their audience.This is critical as it denotes cultural pride and supports the artistic community. Furthermore, with projects from global stars like Billie Eilish also competing, the local talent must innovate continually to capture and maintain listener interest.
Editor: Notably, 41 albums—20% of top 200—are from female artists, with Zaho de Sagazan’s debut at sixth place. How significant is female portrayal in this context?
Music Expert: Female representation in the music industry has been historically limited, so seeing 20% of the top albums by women is a positive sign of change. It indicates progress toward gender parity within the industry, which can inspire more female musicians to step forward and share their talent. Zaho de Sagazan’s success, as a debut artist, highlights a wave of new talent that we can expect to see growing in the coming years.
Editor: Lastly, with the music industry seeing a total of 138 billion listens this year, what insights can you share regarding the future of music consumption patterns?
Music Expert: The exponential growth in listens showcases the shift towards digital consumption, including streaming and online sales. This trend emphasizes the importance of digital marketing and social media presence for artists aiming to reach a global audience. As streaming continues to dominate, artists and record labels must adapt strategies to leverage thes platforms effectively, ensuring that thay engage their listenership and foster meaningful connections in this evolving landscape.
Editor: Thank you for sharing these valuable insights. Werenoi’s continued success is both a reflection of his artistry and a sign of the healthy state of the French music industry as a whole.