Celebrity Coverage
Meet Aya Nakamura, the French Superstar Who Took a Stand Against Racism and Performed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony – Essence
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 6: Aya Nakamura attends the 2024 MET Gala Celebrating “Sleeping Beauty: Fashion Awakening” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 6, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
The world took notice of the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris this afternoon as French pop star Aya Nakamura paraded across a bridge over the Seine. Dressed in a gold metallic feathered mini dress and a daring blonde bust, the singer sang her hit “Pookie” accompanied by a live band conducted by France’s Republican Guard.
Yet this triumphant moment is one which many French people never desired to see.
Aya Nakamura is currently the best-selling French artist in the world. The pop singer, best known for her billion-stream hit, 2019 album Nakamura and chart-topping singles “Dżaja“Girls“And”Pookie,” is the hottest French singer since Edith Piaf, in accordance with . As such, it was only natural that she can be a part of the international celebrations held in the nation’s capital, which were decidedly celebrating French history and culture, including performances by a few of the country’s biggest stars.
However, when a recent Sprint program on French news reported that President Emmanuel Macron himself had invited Nakamura to perform at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the pop star was immediately met with racist backlash and xenophobic verbal attacks from residents, journalists and politicians.
Though born in Mali, the singer was raised on the outskirts of Paris, sings mainly in French (though she also includes Arabic, English and some West African languages) and has enjoyed five years of A-level music fame in the country. However, skeptics argued that her African heritage, and frankly, her black identity, should disqualify her from representing her country on the world stage at a prestigious event reminiscent of this.
“The French do not want to be represented in the eyes of the world by a singer whose style is inspired by the barrio and Africa,” argued French politician and far-right extremist Marion Marechal-Le Pen in an interview with The Telegraph. Performance on Europe 1 Radio in March. Many shared her views, accusing Nakamura of not being a “true Frenchwoman” as a consequence of her African heritage and accusing her of not being “elegant” enough to represent France.
Signs harassing the singer loomed over the Seine during construction work ahead of the Olympic Games, reminding it that “this is Paris, not a market in Bamako.”
Thankfully, with the support of the president, the Olympic committee, in addition to quite a few journalists, fans and the music community, Nakamura remained undeterred, responding to the banners and reminding everyone that irrespective of what anyone needed to say, she was still the best artist in the country.
“You can be racist but not deaf,” she said. published on X March 10. “It hurts you! I’m the number one topic of debate… but what do I really owe you? Nothing.”
Celebrity Coverage
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is predicted to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Nineteen Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.
Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.
From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.
In case you missed it, take a have a look at 17 of the perfect celebrity beauty moments from the week below.
Celebrity Coverage
Black artists shine with 2024 Christmas albums – Essence
This holiday season, a few of the most talented Black music artists are reimagining the sounds of Christmas. From the soulful sounds of gospel legends to the contemporary kind of rising stars, these albums offer something for everybody who wants so as to add splendor to their celebrations. Whether it’s fresh takes on timeless classics, moving original songs, or reissues of beloved favorites, these projects bring joy, warmth and a way of community to everyone.
Jennifer Hudson makes her holiday debut with a track that mixes powerful vocals and heartfelt melodies. CeCe Winans brings a spiritual touch and Coco Jones adds her unique talent. Celebrating her thirtieth anniversary, Mariah Carey returns to the zeitgeist, and the reissue of Boyz II Men offers the right, cozy soundtrack.
As you decorate the halls and meet your family members, let these albums fill your space with music that uplifts, inspires and sets the right holiday mood. Here’s a more in-depth have a look at Black artists bringing joy to the world with their Christmas 2024 releases.
Celebrity Coverage
Let Anok Yai’s spiky bun inspire your holiday hair look – the essence
Images by Dave Benett/Getty
Earlier this week, Model of the Year nominee Anok Yai appeared at the Fashion Awards gala at London’s Royal Albert Hall. And regardless that the night ended there controversial joke for this yr’s award, the look of her hair stood out, as did her skilled achievements.
Paired with an archival John Galliano gown from 1994, her hairstyle was as avant-garde as the supermodels of the day – and was the most groundbreaking look of the night. On the foundation, a pixie cut with micro-mushrooms framed her sculpted features, and the sides stopped just at the tip of her eyebrows.
However, the summit took an unexpected turn. Almost like a headdress, straight, long strands gathered at the top of the head, overlapping right into a bow. The look was romantic and evoked the essence of Mugler’s Alien Hypersense, of which it’s the face. “I carry a bottle in every purse, it’s an addiction” Yai said in front of the red carpet.
The iconic outfit was repeated by Rihanna, who two days later arrived in an identical style at the thirty eighth annual Footwear Awards Gala in New York. With slight moderation – longer, blunt bangs and full updo – hairdresser Nafia Biała used an identical technique. Could this be the hottest hair trend of the season? These two icons actually suggest that.
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