Aya Nakamura, the French-Malian superstar who has faced racist abuse, is using her new single to appeal to the far right, as it has been revealed that she may perform an Edith Piaf song at this summer's Paris Olympics. He hit back at his critics.
In the song “Doggy,” released Friday, the 28-year-old musician sings: ”
Nakamura, the world's most listened to French-speaking artist, has been in the news ever since reports emerged that she had discussed the possibility of performing Piaf's songs during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in February. facing speciesist backlash.
The idea that she could sing the iconic 20th century singer's songs at the Olympics in July was quickly captured by France's far right. “To be honest, this is not a good symbol. It's another provocation from Emmanuel Macron,” Marine Le Pen of the National Rally said. Le Pen also complained about Nakamura's “dress and vulgarity”.
At a March election rally for the Reconquer Party, led by far-right former presidential candidate Eric Zemmour, the mention of Nakamura's name elicited boos from the crowd.
A small extremist group calling themselves indigenous peoples hung a banner along the Seine that read: “No way, Aya, this is Paris, not a Bamako market.”
Nakamura had already responded on social media: I'm becoming top of the state in debate…but what do I really owe you? Nada. ”
She also said: “I made you discover Edith Piaf and have the impression that she was reincarnated in me. Others, whether they like me or not, it's their job. is.”
Paris prosecutors have launched an investigation into allegations of racist abuse against the singer.
French Culture Minister Rashida Dati warned against “pure racism” and former footballer Lilian Thuram said: When I was a soccer player, there were people who said this wasn't a French team because there were too many black people, so I know that standard. ”
Sports Minister Amélie Oudea-Castella echoed this sentiment, telling Nakamura: Don't worry about anything. ”
Born Aya Danioko in Mali, Nakamura came to France as a baby.She grew up in a housing estate north of Paris. He lives with his brother and mother in the suburbs of Seine-Saint-Denis. griota traditional poet or singer of Mali.
Her songs have been streamed 7 billion times, and last year she sold out three shows in Paris in 15 minutes.
It remains unclear whether Nakamura will perform at the Olympics, but the Paris organizing committee is trying to minimize the damage caused by the brawl. “We are deeply shocked by the racist attack against Aya Nakamura,” the statement said. “We fully support the most listened to French artist in the world.”
Agence France-Presse contributed to this article.
