Little by little, French music is conquering the world

French music has always held a unique place on the global stage, with its diverse influences and rich cultural heritage. For decades, France has been the birthplace of many iconic music movements, from traditional French chanson to the cutting-edge of electro. This musical diversity has helped shape a distinct artistic identity and has captured the attention of listeners worldwide. Gradually, it's increasingly making its mark on international charts. 2023 marked a new milestone in its expansion, with a significant growth in export successes. Data from the National Music Center (CNM) highlighted an impressive 30% increase in the number of singles and albums certified Diamond, Platinum, or Gold outside French borders. This growth reflects not only the quality of French music production but also its increasing appeal in global markets.

Key players in the expansion of French music 

For context, certifications for singles and albums produced in France are awarded based on various thresholds, including Diamond, Platinum, and Gold. These thresholds are determined by physical sales (CDs, vinyl) and streaming listens. Diamond certifications are awarded to titles and albums that have reached sales equivalent to 500,000 units, while Platinum and Gold represent 100,000 and 50,000 equivalent sales, respectively. Examining data provided by the National Music Center, it's evident that the attractiveness of the French music industry is attributed to several key players: a mix of established artists, legends, and emerging talents. Firstly, the figures reveal that renowned artists such as Aya Nakamura, Stromae, and Charles Aznavour played significant roles in this expansion. Last year, Aya Nakamura certified nine of her older tracks and four of her new songs for export. Meanwhile, Charles Aznavour, though lamented, continues to shine through his timeless works, notably with his song "Hier encore" featured in the series LUPIN and in Bad Bunny's viral track "Monaco," triggering a global trend on social media. Simultaneously, new talents have also emerged strongly, bringing a breath of fresh air to the industry with their authentic styles. Artists like Tiakola and Pierre de Maere made their international debut with notable successes, as evidenced by the Gold certification of their music for export.

Diversity of French Music Genres Exported

In the French music ecosystem of 2023, a remarkable trend was the diversity of music genres exported internationally. According to data provided by the National Music Center and the National Union of Phonographic Edition, it's clear that rap dominated as the most exported genre, representing 33% of export certifications. This dominance of French rap on the global stage translated into a marked presence of artists like Gazo, Dadju, Gims, PNL, Soolking, Niska, and Tiakola in international rankings. Concurrently, other music genres also played significant roles in French exports. Electro accounted for 24% of certifications, with artists like DJ Tez Cadey, Bob Sinclar, and Kungs captivating global dancefloors with their dynamic productions. French pop also made a notable breakthrough, representing 15% of certifications, with artists like Angèle, Jain, and Indila whose catchy melodies attracted a wide audience. Afro music emerged as a burgeoning genre, representing 14% of export certifications. However, it's also worth noting the presence of other music genres such as R&B Soul, rock-metal, and even classical music among the successful French exports, demonstrating the diversity and richness of the French music scene in all its variety.

Aya Nakamura and the Visibility of Female Artists on the Global Stage

While female artists like our beloved Aya Nakamura continue to shine internationally, their presence remains relatively limited compared to their male counterparts. The numbers speak for themselves; only 20% of certified exports come from female artists, with an even lower proportion of 4% for solo artists. This underrepresentation highlights the persistent challenges women face in the music industry, especially concerning visibility and recognition of their talent on the international stage. Yet, the success of the former cannot be ignored. Her album "Nakamura," released in 2018, surpassed one million copies sold abroad, while her latest album "DNK," released in 2023, was certified Gold. These performances attest to the potential of female artists to conquer new markets and leave their mark on the global music scene. Faced with this reality, initiatives aimed at promoting the visibility of female artists are gaining importance. More than ever, it's crucial to support and value women's talent in the music industry by implementing mentoring programs, dedicated promotion platforms, and artist collaborations. These efforts will not only help narrow representation gaps but also enrich the diversity and creativity of French music exported globally.