In recent events, the spotlight has once again turned to France’s deep-seated racism, illuminated by the treatment of renowned French-Malian singer, Aya Nakamura. Her journey through controversy sheds light on the pervasive discrimination faced by Black and Brown individuals in the country, challenging the French to confront their denial and acknowledge their racial biases.
For those unfamiliar, Aya Nakamura stands as a prominent figure in the French music scene, with her hit single “Djadja” amassing close to a billion streams on YouTube. Her influence extends far beyond the borders of France, resonating with audiences globally. Yet, despite her undeniable talent and success, Nakamura found herself embroiled in controversy when news broke that she was being considered to perform at the opening ceremony of the upcoming Summer Olympic Games in Paris.
The backlash was swift and merciless. Extremist groups and far-right politicians seized the opportunity to unleash their racist rhetoric, questioning Nakamura’s suitability to represent France. Accusations of her not singing in French and being labelled as “vulgar” echoed age-old stereotypes of the hypersexualised Black woman. The attacks on Nakamura’s identity and talent were not only baseless but indicative of a larger problem within French society.
The response from Nakamura herself was one of defiance and resilience. Despite the emotional toll of the ordeal, she refused to be silenced, boldly asserting her right to be recognised as French and condemning the racism she faced. In her latest single, “Doggy,” Nakamura confronts her detractors head-on, highlighting the absurdity of their hatred and reaffirming her own strength in the face of adversity.