Aya Nakamura proven herself as the biggest star in the 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony in Paris

Aya Nakamura put her all on the stage for the 2024 Olympic Opening Ceremony in Paris, capping off what felt like months of anticipation. The world-famous athlete started this year’s Olympics by going for the gold. Alongside a group of dancers and a live band provided by France’s Republican Guard, the singer performed her song “Pookie” while donning a metallic textured minidress, matching strappy gladiator sandals, and platinum blonde hair.

Following debate over whether or not to include Nakamura in the city’s opening ceremony, her performance took place. Despite the fact that Nakamura is the most streamed musician in France (her complete discography has amassed a staggering 6 billion plays), some racist critics claimed that her Mali heritage should prevent her from being a part of Paris’ official Olympic celebrations—despite the fact that she is one of the nation’s most well-known recording artists and sings only in French.

Nakamura’s appearance on the stage next to the Seine for today’s celebration is undoubtedly a political gesture by French officials, who are expressing their support for the celebrity and acknowledging the equally important role that African artists, creatives, and common people play in France’s cultural fabric. Social media users were quick to commend her performance, describing it as “monumental” and “incredible.”

In her song “Doggy,” which was released earlier this year, Nakamura addressed the allegations and controversy, rapping in the lyrics, “I don’t have enemies, me / It’s them that don’t like me… Many adversaries / Yet I am not even acquainted with them.