Aya Nakamura
Biography
Aya Coco Danioko, known professionally as Aya Nakamura, is a French-Malian singer and songwriter born on May 10, 1995, in Bamako, Mali. She comes from a family of griots, West African storytellers and praise singers. Immigrating to France with her family as a child, she grew up in Aulnay-sous-Bois, a suburb of Paris. Initially pursuing fashion studies, she later decided to launch a career in music. She adopted the stage name Nakamura from the character Hiro Nakamura in the NBC series "Heroes".
Career Beginnings
Nakamura began her career by posting her music online, gaining initial recognition with songs like "Karma" and "J'ai mal". Her song "Brisé" achieved millions of views on YouTube, and a collaboration with rapper Fababy, "Love d'un voyou", marked her first chart entry in France. In 2017, she released her debut album, "Journal intime," which peaked at number six on the French charts and was certified Gold. The album featured her first platinum hit, "Comportement".
Rise to International Fame
Nakamura and "Djadja"
Her international breakthrough came with the release of her second album, "Nakamura," in 2018. The lead single, "Djadja," became a massive international hit, topping the charts in France for two consecutive weeks and gaining popularity across Europe, including becoming the first French female artist to reach number one in the Netherlands since 1961. The song was certified Diamond in France. The album itself was a commercial success, selling over 1.2 million copies worldwide and becoming the most-streamed French-language album in history. Other hit singles from the album include "Copines" and "Pookie".
Continued Success
Nakamura's third album, "Aya," was released in 2020 and featured the hit single "Jolie Nana". The album was certified double platinum in France in 2023. Her fourth album, "DNK," released in January 2023, debuted at the top of the French albums chart. Throughout her career, she has achieved five number-one songs and a number-one album in France. In recognition of her work, she has received a Victoires de la Musique award and an NRJ Music Award.
Musical Style and Impact
Aya Nakamura's music is known for its blend of Afrobeats, pop, R&B, and zouk. Her lyrics often incorporate French slang (verlan), as well as terms from various West African languages. She has been praised for her unapologetic attitude and for challenging norms in the male-dominated French music industry. As the most-streamed French-language female artist on platforms like Spotify, she has significantly increased the global visibility of Francophone music. In 2024, she performed at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games, a moment that underscored her cultural significance in France.