France has found itself at the center of a racist scandal after reports that French-Malian singer Aya Nakamura may perform at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, The Times reports. Despite the global success of the “queen of French R&B”, far-right parties and conservatives have criticised the choice. The singer accused them of racism, she was supported by the left and centrists, but two-thirds of French people polled do not want her to perform at the ceremony.
A racist scandal has erupted in France: the far-right has been angered by rumours that a song by the legendary Edith Piaf may be performed by French singer of Malian origin Aya Nakamura at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Paris, The Times reports. French media report that President Macron allegedly discussed such a proposal with the world-famous 28-year-old singer a month ago during a meeting with her at the Elysee Palace. Her millions of fans include Rihanna and Madonna, and she herself has been dubbed “the queen of French R&B.”
According to the publication, neither the president nor the singer confirmed the rumours, but this did not stop far-right nationalists from expressing their outrage. At a Reconquista party rally, supporters of former presidential candidate and staunch opponent of migrants Eric Zemmour whistled when he mentioned Nakamura’s name. A small group of nationalists held a protest in Paris with placards reading:
“No Aya – this is Paris, not the Bamako market.” The right-wingers were joined by conservatives who expressed their doubts about the choice, pointing to the explicit lyrics and the use of borrowings from other languages, mainly English.
Aya Nakamura responded strongly to the attacks on social media, saying,
“You may be racist, but you’re not deaf. That’s what gets you! I’m becoming a major topic of discussion on a national level, but what do I really owe you? Nothing.” She was supported by the left and centrists. Antoine Léoman, MP for France Unconquered, pointed out that Nakamura’s critics “claim to love the country, but they want to exclude the French singer who, since Edith Piaf, is the most listened to singer around the world.” He emphasized that “you cannot be a racist and a patriot of France”.
He was echoed by Green Party MP Sandrine Rousseau, who said the choice shows “a new image of France – open and tolerant”.
The scandal exposes the deep cultural and racial divide in France. According to an ODOXA poll for broadcaster RTL and betting firm Winamax, 63 per cent of French people do not want Nakamura to perform at the opening ceremony of the Games. About 80 per cent of those polled indicated they had heard of the singer, of which 73 per cent disagreed that she represents French music.
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