Black Women in French Music on the Rise 

The French music rise is no longer just another discovery playlist––it is a momentum here to stay. Now, it would be in your best interest to get familiar with those exceptional female acts pushing boundaries across the Francophone sphere & beyond. Far from being mere singers draped in extravagance and flamboyance, these artists embody a generation of black women reshaping soundscapes, trampling on their male counterparts, and setting cohort trends for others to follow. It is the rebellion spirit that resides within them that we hope resonates throughout this year’s Women’s Day.

Aya Nakamura

Aya Danioko, better known to everyone as Aya Nakamura is a French-Malien Afropop singer who really sparked in 2018 when she released ‘Nakamura’ with hit singles such as ‘Copines’ and ‘Djadja.’ Ever since, music listeners have been infatuated and inseparable with the star. Her Afro-blending sound coupled with relatable and authentic lyrics, makes Aya one of the most sought-after French artists to date. Not to forget her unmatched personality, she truly earns the title of the Queen of France. Her latest album ‘Destinée’ includes guest appearances from our Jamaican covergirl Shenseeea, JayO and more.

Theodora

A new addition to the French-speaking roster of female rockstars is none other than recent Les Victoires de la Musique Award winner, Afro-fusion French-Congolese singer Theodora. What is there not to love about her? Theodora’s music is fun and carefree; however, she also tackles heartfelt topics that a lot of young black women can relate to. At just 22, she shook the world with hit songs such as ‘melodrama’ and ‘MASOKO NA MABELE.’ featuring music producer THIZIZLONDON. Theodora is definitely one of the more experimental emerging French artists who doesn’t let a specific genre define her.

Yseult

There is a special place in our hearts when it comes down to French-Cameroonian Pop singer and model Yseult. Getting her start on screen in a French TV show called Nouvelle Star in 2014, when she was only 20, the icon’s rise to stardom was nothing close to ordinary. Yseult is also the only singer on our list that works independently. Her music often echoes a melancholic ballad, penetrating topics about love, heartbreak, depressive episodes and many more. Along with her masterful collaborations such as ‘Wine’ with Rema, and more recently ‘Alibi’, Yseult manages to never leave our sight.

Tshegue

Tshegue is a French-Congolese Afropunk group consisting of Faty Sy Savanet (the face) and Nicolas 'Dakou' Dacunha. The best way to describe their sound is like a ball of energy. Although Faty mainly expresses herself through Lingala, a native language in both Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Central-Africa, the electronic flare that Nicolas delivers is obviously of obscure Parisian niches. In short, Tshegue’s music is not for the weak! This is evident in tracks such as ‘Na Boyi’ and ‘Pili Pili.’ Faty’s lyrics often call for a revolt, which can correlate to the constant unrest in Eastern Congo.

Lous and The Yakuza

Last but not least, Lous and The Yakuza is a Congolese-Belgian multilingual singer-songwriter and model. Some of you may recognize Lous based on her bookclub. Needless to say, she is an artist of many talents, a gift that keeps on giving. Notable songs from her catalogue are ‘Dilemme’ and ‘Je ne sais pas.’ Perhaps you may have noticed The Yakuza in her artist name that derives from giving flowers to her music collaborators. One more interesting fact about her is that the singer has a lot of other interests aside from music such as poetry, which really makes her a virtuose of the arts.