“Deeply Shocked”: Paris Olympics Artistic Director Expresses Solidarity With Aya Nakamura Amid Racism Controversy

Aya Nakamura, a standout figure in France’s music industry, stirred up a storm of controversy amid reports hinting at her potential appearance before a staggering crowd of 300,000 during the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. Speculation swirled around purported discussions between the French-Malian songstress and President Emmanuel Macron regarding the prospect of her delivering a rendition of a classic from the revered 20th-century icon, Edith Piaf. While these reports remained unconfirmed, they ignited fury among far-right groups.

In response to the uproar, a small extremist group, the Natives, went as far as hanging a provocative banner by the River Seine. The banner read, “There’s no way Aya; this is Paris, not the Bamako market.” Nakamura, however, took to social media to address the racial undertones of the criticism, asserting her right to be treated with respect.

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Aya Nakamura boldly stated, “You can be racist but not deaf… That’s what hurts you! I’m becoming a number 1 state subject in debates… but what do I really owe you? Nada.” Despite the initial controversy, Olympic organizers  stepped forward in support of the singer, signaling a stance against discrimination and standing by Nakamura.

Thomas Jolly, the artistic director for the opening and closing ceremonies of Paris 2024, recently shared a story on Instagram. He expressed,  “I am deeply shocked by the racism suffered by Aya Nakamura”. He further added that the upcoming ceremonies will boldly stand against all forms of discrimination. France, embracing a tapestry of talents, will proudly celebrate the beauty and richness of its diversity.

Minister for Sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games of France, Amelie Oudea-Castera came forward in support of her. She offered words of encouragement on X, reassuring Nakamura that amidst any concerns, she remained beloved by her fans. On the other hand, Antoine Leaument, an MP from the France Unbowed party, condemned what he perceived as exclusionary sentiments directed towards Nakamura by certain factions, highlighting her significant influence as a French-speaking artist with a global following.

Nakamura’s bold stand against critics and the celebrities rallying behind her

The artist addressed the ongoing debate over her use of colloquial French, particularly within the realm of hip-hop. Nakamura acknowledged the criticism she has faced, acknowledging the tension between her innovative linguistic style and traditional expectations of the French language. She also emphasized the importance of embracing cultural diversity, underscoring her dual heritage and the fusion it brings to her artistry.

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Despite the backlash, voices from within the cultural sphere rallied behind Nakamura. Carole Boinet, a prominent figure in French music journalism lauded Nakamura’s contributions to music, viewing her as a symbol of French artistic prowess on the global stage. Boinet dismissed the criticisms as originating from regressive quarters of French society, stressing the importance of inclusivity and celebrating Nakamura’s international acclaim.

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