They hail from Belgium, Mali, Canada, Congo and France. Discover these unique voices of contemporary Francophone music.
Lous and the Yakuza
Why she deserves to be on your 2025 playlist:
With their unique blend of genres , Lous and the Yakuza skillfully fuse rap, pop and African influences, creating a sound that is both modern and culturally rich. Tracks like “Dilemma” captivate with their catchy melody and deep lyrics.Lous and the Yakuza's unique voice is able to convey a wide range of emotions, making each song memorable.
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Lous and the Yakuza's music evokes feelings of vulnerability while being strong, reminiscent of Halsey, known for her ability to tackle personal themes with beautiful intensity.
Aya Nakamura
Why she deserves to be on your 2025 playlist:
The world got to see Aya Nakamura and her remarkable performance during the Olympics: she shined on the Passerelle des Arts during the opening ceremony. Aya Nakamura is known for her dance hits like “Djadja”, which mix Afrobeat and urban pop sounds. Her songs are perfect for partying or just relaxing. Her lyrics often speak about self-love and self-confidence.
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Her musical style can be compared to that of Rihanna, who also combines strong messages with catchy melodies.
Pierre de Maere
Why he deserves to be on your 2025 playlist:
A newcomer from Belgium, Pierre de Maere stands out with his introspective and poetic lyrics, addressing universal themes such as love and solitude with a unique sensitivity.In addition to his music, he creates a fascinating visual universe in his music videos, making each listening experience even more immersive.
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His artistic approach is reminiscent of Sam Smith, who also combines a strong visual presence with deep emotions in his music. He also just released a powerful collaboration with Dua Lipa, These Walls.
Pierre Kwenders
Why he deserves to be on your 2025 playlist:
Hailing from Congo and based in Canada, Pierre Kwenders blends African musical influences with contemporary sounds, creating a vibrant and diverse listening experience that celebrates his Congolese roots while remaining accessible to a global audience.
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Pierre Kwenders' songs often address important social issues while remaining festive and catchy, similar to Burna Boy, who uses his music to speak about social justice while providing danceable beats.
Zaho de Sagazan
Why she deserves to be on your 2025 playlist:
She also caught the world’s attention during the Olympics, with a sparkling performance during the closing ceremony, Zaho de Sagazan has a distinctive voice that stands out in the current musical landscape, bringing a personal touch to each piece she performs.
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Zaho plays with different musical styles while keeping a modern touch in her songs, crafting a tone both personal and universal. This unique style can be compared to Billie Eilish (who also performed during the Closing night of the Olympics!).
By listening to these French-speaking artists, you will discover not only their exceptional talent but also the cultural richness that they bring to the world music scene!