Edith Piaf, a legend known for her raw emotion and distinctive voice, was once also criticized for her streetwise style. The idea of Nakamura reinterpreting Piaf has divided France.
"Piaf is revered in the urban music scene," say analysts Hammou and Sonnette-Manouguian, dismissing attempts to pit the two singers against each other.
Bettina Ghio sees a beautiful link: "It's about connecting working-class Paris of the past with today's post-colonial suburbs."
The left-leaning Libération newspaper urges France to "build bridges between generations" by having Nakamura perform. It's a chance to honor artists who boost France's global image, whether they hail from Montmartre or the often-stigmatized banlieues.
Aya Nakamura: Accidental Activist
While mostly focused on her music, Nakamura has evolved into a symbol for fighting racism, sexism, and classism. She rarely embraces political labels, even feminism, saying it would feel "fake."
But she's proven her strength under pressure. "As a non-white woman, you need to find the words to defend yourself," says producer Binetou Sylla on Nakamura's outspoken social media post, likely the first time she explicitly used the word "racist."
Sylla stresses Nakamura's bold persona, including her sassy, provocative side, which further irritates her bigoted critics.
