Jobaaj Stories
Ninho at the Stade de France: A Parisian Triumph
In 2024, Paris pulsed with a vibrant energy. Films like The Intouchables and the Netflix series Lupin, both starring Omar Sy, highlighted the city's significant African diaspora, a testament to its evolving identity. This multifaceted identity, sometimes challenged by the French far-right, was embraced wholeheartedly by festivals like We Love Green.
Held in the stunning Bois de Vincennes, a meticulously landscaped park dwarfing even London’s Richmond Park, We Love Green offered a diverse musical experience, skillfully blending Francophone and Anglophone acts. Unlike genre-segmented festivals, We Love Green's carefully curated lineup provided a vibrant mix throughout, showcasing the best of both worlds.
Ninho's Stade de France Sellout
One undeniable highlight was the performance of Parisian rapper Ninho. His Stade de France concert, selling out in a mere six hours, demonstrated his massive popularity. His unique sound—a fusion of icy Atlanta trap and traditional Algerian raï music—resonated deeply with the audience.
- Ninho's success highlights the evolving soundscape of French hip hop.
- His incorporation of raĂŻ showcases the blending of musical cultures in modern Paris.
Other French artists, such as Luidji, with his melodic and soulful hip hop, also captivated the crowd at We Love Green, showcasing the breadth and depth of the French music scene.
International Stars Shine in Paris
We Love Green's international headliners further amplified its global appeal. Burna Boy, whose Love, Damini album achieved significant chart success in France, delivered an electrifying performance. His infectious energy and crowd interaction perfectly embodied the festival's spirit.
- Burna Boy's popularity underscores the growing influence of Afrobeats in France.
- His success mirrors that of other rising Afrobeats stars like Aya Nakamura.
Justice, the French electronic duo, also played a triumphant homecoming show, though their slower tempo was a contrast to the high-energy sets of other artists. The festival's lineup thoughtfully balanced diverse styles and tempos, providing something for every music lover.
Other artists such as Anetha (French Techno), Kaytranada (Quebecois Deep House), Troye Sivan (Pop), Skepta (Grime/House), Four Tet, Uncle Waffles (Amapiano), and Chase & Status (Drum and Bass) all contributed to the festival's eclectic energy.
We Love Green: A Sustainable Success
Beyond the music, We Love Green demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability, a crucial aspect given the Paris Agreement's origins in the city. The festival implemented several eco-friendly initiatives:
- A fully vegetarian food program significantly reduced its carbon footprint.
- A deposit system for food containers minimized waste.
- A ban on single-use plastics promoted environmentally conscious practices.
- Innovative toilet systems (including female urinals converting urine into fertilizer) further enhanced sustainability efforts.
While some aspects, like the predominantly French-language discussions on climate action, could be improved for international attendees, We Love Green undeniably sets a high bar for sustainable festival practices.
Conclusion: Ninho's Triumph and Beyond
Ninho's sold-out Stade de France concerts, coupled with We Love Green's success, illustrate the dynamism of the French music scene and its global reach. The festival's commitment to sustainability adds another layer to its appeal, demonstrating that impactful events can be both entertaining and environmentally responsible.
