Beyond the buzz around Charli XCX at Paris' We Love Green festival, a fresh wave of francophone artists is claiming the spotlight. From bold debuts to genre-blending acts, the rising local scene is making waves.
While pop phenomenon Charli XCX headlines Paris’ We Love Green festival this weekend, a new generation of francophone artists is proving prolific, bold, and ready to shake things up — from Camille Yembe to Zamdane.
The festival, held in the heart of the Bois de Vincennes, boasts a major draw: British pop rebel Charli XCX. Known as the ultimate “brat” of pop, she’s become a symbol of a freedom-loving generation. Her exclusive French performance is set for Saturday.
But We Love Green isn’t just about global stars. Spanning three full days, from Friday to Sunday, the festival has prioritized local flavor. Francophone artists—from headliners like Air, Kavinsky, and Yseult to rising talents barely in their twenties—are taking center stage.
“We’ve got a huge lineup of French and francophone acts. It really shows how alive and globally relevant this scene has become,” said Paul Bonabesse, one of the festival’s two programmers, in an interview with AFP.
Among these up-and-comers, Camille Yembe’s live debut is especially anticipated. The Belgian singer drops her first EP Friday, following the viral success of her track Plastique. Formerly a ghostwriter in the hip-hop world—penning lyrics for artists like Tiakola and Eva Queen—Yembe is now stepping into the spotlight herself. Her talent has already earned her a nod from none other than Stromae.
“She brings a fresh take on pop—raw, experimental, with touches of rap and rock. Her sound has a strong, unmistakable identity,” said Bonabesse.
Also on the bill is Claude, known for blending dreamy pop with hints of techno. His debut album In extremis, released in late 2024, is packed with poetic and psychedelic tracks, including the hypnotic Baisodrome. His performances—complete with thick-rimmed glasses and a thin mustache—are as striking as his sound.
In the rap arena, Zamdane brings something different. The Moroccan-born rapper and singer just released his third studio album, Rahma, along with a documentary.
“He’s truly one of a kind,” said Bonabesse. “His music is soaked in melancholy—he reminds me of Edith Piaf. That might sound like a stretch, but his voice, emotion, and poetic edge transcend traditional rap audiences.”
Then there’s Theodora, who’s earned her nickname boss lady. She’ll perform Saturday, riding high after winning May’s Flamme Award for Female Breakout Artist.
“She knows how to deliver a big, bold show,” Bonabesse said. “She’s not afraid to shake things up—and that’s exactly the kind of artist we love.”
This energy is reflected in the numbers. According to France’s national recording industry group, Snep, 18 of the 20 top-selling albums of 2024 were by French-speaking artists.
For We Love Green and similar festivals, these emerging talents aren’t just filler—they’re the future. “We’re betting some of them will be back headlining in five or six years,” said Bonabesse.
By Fanny LATTACH / AFP
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