2024-07-27 15:15:21
Right-wing extremists were annoyed that Aya Nakamura was scheduled to perform at the opening ceremony in Paris. The musician was not deterred by this.
The performance of the French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura at the Olympic Games in Paris became a political issue after racist verbal attacks from right-wing extremists. The right-wing extremist group “Les Natifs” (the locals) had published a photo in which several members were hiding behind a banner. “This is Paris and not the weekly market in Bamako,” read the banner. Bamako is the capital of Mali – an allusion to the musician’s origins.
It was also demanded that “France be represented by an artist who embodies our heritage, our values and our identity.” But the 28-year-old stuck to her plan – and was on stage on Friday for the opening of the sports competition.
In a golden dress, matching lace-up sandals and a long cape, Aya Nakamura performed her song “Djajda” on Friday, July 26. She was accompanied not only by several dancers in the background, but also by an opulent fireworks display.
The performance took place in front of the Académie française and was secured by the Republican Guard, the French police force responsible for protecting the highest members of the French government and foreign authorities during their missions on French territory.
Aya Nakamura had already made it clear on X beforehand that she would not be intimidated by the protests – and announced a spectacular show: “You may be racist, but you are not deaf. What really hurts you is the fact that I am becoming the main topic.”
She received support from several politicians. “The racism behind the rejection of Aya Nakamura is appalling,” wrote Green MP Sandrine Rousseau. Her appearance at the Olympic Games would “give a different image of France, that of an open and tolerant country,” she added.
Aya Nakamura is considered the most listened to Francophone singer in the world. She was recently awarded a prestigious French music prize. Her song “Djadja”, released in 2018, became a worldwide hit. It has more than 950 million views on YouTube. The 28-year-old was born in Bamako and grew up in a Paris suburb.