In France, reactions have been mixed regarding Aya Nakamura’s potential performance at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Critics argue that she is not French enough to represent the country. Prof. Dr. Pauwke Berkers shared his thoughts on the controversy with RTL Nieuws.
The French-Malian Aya Nakamura is the most-streamed female artist in France, breaking through in 2018 with her hit "Djadja". At the end of February, news emerged that she is likely to perform at the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Paris next month. Despite her prominence in contemporary music, the announcement was met with significant division. Some argue that she does not adequately represent French culture. Marine Le Pen called the decision "humiliating" for the French and described Nakamura herself as "vulgar".
According to Pauwke Berkers, the question raised by Nakamura’s potential performance – what is French enough? – can be seen as part of a "culture war," typically occurring between two extreme groups such as the far-right and the far-left. Both groups aim for their perspective to dominate within society. "In this case, it’s about which culture belongs to the nationality of a country," Berkers told RTL. While one group sees the choice of Nakamura as a significant moment for the representation of cultural diversity, the other views traditional French chanson singers as the true representation of French nationality. "Nakamura is a Black woman who presents herself quite powerfully," Berkers explained. "This elicits a reaction from certain groups within society."
Read the full article on RTL nieuws.
- Researcher