Parisian Vibes and a Packed Stade de France
Paris in 2024? Electric. Seriously, the city was buzzing. Movies like The Intouchables and that Netflix show Lupin, both starring Omar Sy, really put a spotlight on Paris's huge African community. It’s a part of the city’s identity that's constantly evolving, and honestly, it’s pretty amazing to see. Although, you know, there's always that shadow of the far-right trying to mess with things. But festivals like We Love Green? They totally embraced that diverse energy.
We Love Green, held in the gorgeous Bois de Vincennes – this park is HUGE, way bigger than Richmond Park in London – was a seriously impressive music festival. They mixed French and English acts so well; it wasn’t like those festivals where everything's super-segregated by genre. It was just a really cool, vibrant mix.
Ninho's Epic Stade de France Show
One of the absolute highlights? Ninho. This Parisian rapper completely sold out the Stade de France in just six hours! Six hours! Can you believe it? His music is this crazy blend of icy Atlanta trap beats and traditional Algerian raï – it's unlike anything I’ve heard before, and the crowd went wild. It was a really powerful moment.
Ninho's success showed just how much the French hip hop scene is changing. His use of raï? That’s a perfect example of how different musical cultures are blending together in modern Paris. It's inspiring, really.
And it wasn't just Ninho. Other French artists like Luidji, with his soulful hip hop, were also incredible. We Love Green really showcased the incredible depth and variety of the French music scene.
Global Stars Descend on Paris
But We Love Green wasn't just about French artists. They brought in some serious international headliners. Burna Boy, whose Love, Damini album was massive in France, put on an unforgettable show. His energy? Infectious. The crowd interaction? Insane. He was the perfect embodiment of the festival's vibe.
Burna Boy’s popularity just proves how big Afrobeats is getting in France. It's kind of like what Aya Nakamura did a few years back – she really broke through and paved the way for other Afrobeats artists.
Then there was Justice, the French electronic duo. Their set was a bit more chill compared to some of the other high-energy performances, but it was still amazing to see them play a homecoming show. The whole festival lineup was really smart – they balanced all these different styles and tempos so well.
Plus, there was Anetha (French Techno), Kaytranada (Quebecois Deep House), Troye Sivan (Pop), Skepta (Grime/House), Four Tet, Uncle Waffles (Amapiano), and Chase & Status (Drum and Bass). It was seriously eclectic.
We Love Green: Sustainability Rocks
And get this – We Love Green wasn't just about the music. They were super committed to sustainability. Given that the Paris Agreement came from Paris, it was pretty cool to see a festival take this so seriously. They had a fully vegetarian food program, a deposit system for cups and containers, banned single-use plastics, and even these innovative toilet systems that turn urine into fertilizer!
Sure, some of the climate action talks were mostly in French, which might have been a little tough for international visitors, but overall, We Love Green set a seriously high bar for sustainable festivals.
Ninho, We Love Green, and the Future of Music
Ninho's sold-out Stade de France shows and We Love Green's success? They're both massive indicators of how dynamic and globally connected the French music scene is. And the fact that We Love Green prioritized sustainability? That’s huge. It shows that big, impactful events can be fun *and* responsible. It really gives you hope for the future, you know?
