Aya Nakamura, a leading figure in French pop music, captivated the world with her performance at the Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony. The 29-year-old singer, adorned in a dazzling gold outfit, delivered powerful renditions of her hits “Pookie” and “Djadja,” along with a heartfelt performance of “For Me Formidable” alongside the French Republican Guard orchestra on the Pont des Arts.
Born Aya Danioko in Mali, Nakamura moved to France as a child and grew up in the suburbs of Paris. She has become a sensation by blending Afrobeats, R&B, and various linguistic influences, achieving widespread acclaim and five No. 1 songs in France. Her international breakthrough came with “Djadja,” a song that has resonated globally.
Nakamura’s music and unique style have made her the most streamed French artist in the world. Despite facing racist attacks from far-right groups before her performance, she received staunch support from President Emmanuel Macron, who affirmed her rightful place in the ceremony.
Her stage name was inspired by Hiro Nakamura from the NBC series “Heroes.” Nakamura’s background as the eldest of five siblings in a family of griots, traditional West African storytellers, significantly influenced her musical journey.
Nakamura’s song “Djadja,” addressing false rumors, has become an anthem for female empowerment, streamed nearly a billion times. It marked her as the first French female artist to top the Dutch charts since Edith Piaf in 1961. Her success extends to multiple nominations for best international act at the BET Awards and nearly 4 billion views on YouTube.
Her accolades include significant wins at France’s Les Flammes awards in April 2024, where she was named female artist of the year, pop album of the year, and international star of the year. Nakamura dedicated her awards to “all black women,” emphasizing the challenges faced by black artists from economically disenfranchised immigrant neighborhoods in France.
Aya Nakamura’s performance at the Paris Olympics was a triumphant showcase of her talent, resilience, and cultural impact, highlighting her position as a major force in contemporary music.
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