On 4 and 5 October 2024, France became the world’s cultural epicenter. It hosted the 19th Francophonie Summit, an event that had not been held in France for 33 years. With the theme “Créer, innover, entreprendre en français”, more than a hundred delegations, including several heads of African states, arrived in Villers-Cotterêts and Paris to promote the French language and address major contemporary issues such as politics, the economy, digital and especially culture.

Under the sign of linguistic and cultural diversity
On 4 October, French President Emmanuel Macron, his wife and Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), received several personalities at the Village de la Francophonie at CENTQUATRE-PARIS, from various parts of the world and sharing the French language. It was a unique immersion in the Francophone cultural diversity. More than 30 countries and regions of the world were represented through pavilions, shows and performances, illustrating the creativity and richness of living arts from five continents as well as the vitality and plurality of francophone cultures.

Major diplomatic and political issues
The summit was not only a cultural event. It was also a major political platform, as more than 321 million people around the world share this language. Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by Louise Mushikiwabo, opened the event with a fiery speech in Villers-Cotterêts. He highlighted the resilience and reinvention of the French language. “La Francophonie is a space of diplomatic influence that allows us to embrace the challenges of the century,” said the French president, stressing that the French language is a tool for “resistance” and “combat”. True to his style, he used strong language while emphasizing the role of the Francophonie in defending sovereignty and territorial integrity, referring to the conflict in Ukraine and the crises in the Middle East.

Institutions that are stumbling
Founded in 1970, the OIF brings together 88 states and governments and is committed to the promotion of French and international cooperation. This year’s summit sees the addition of two new members, Ghana and Cyprus, strengthening the organization’s global reach. However, the current geopolitical tensions, especially with the Sahelian countries in the grip of coups (Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger), are also at the heart of the discussions. These states, suspended from the OIF’s bodies, were not invited to the event. The summit also addresses crucial issues such as digital regulation. In response to the spread of hate speech online, the OIF launched “l’Appel de Villers-Cotterêts”, a call to digital giants to build a safer and more diverse digital space.

A booming Francophonie
The number of French speakers could grow exponentially, especially in Africa where population is expanding. By 2050, this figure could reach 715 million, placing the Francophonie at the heart of global educational and economic issues. However, this ambition requires a significant investment in French language education and support, especially in developing countries. Although the Francophonie is sometimes criticized for its lack of visibility or limited influence, Louise Mushikiwabo remains optimistic about her ability to “move things forward” despite the challenges.

A memorable international event
The year 2024 is a great year for the Francophonie. After the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the D-Day and the reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, these historic moments can be said to reinforce the importance of the French language on the international stage. In order to show that the Francophonie is not limited to the French language, several English-speaking countries, such as Ghana, were invited. In a world resolutely turned towards the use of English, the French language still has good days ahead.

On Saturday, September 27, 2023, Abdou Lahad Thioune, better known as Jahman X-Press, will be playing at Le Point Fort in Aubervilliers. We can be sure of one thing: he will propose us a live mixing urban afro and Mbalax. But with an artist of this caliber, you have to expect everything.

Jahman X-press or Mr. Refrain
Nicknamed “Mr. Chorus,” Jahman X-press is a never-ending star, captivating anyone who has the chance to hear his melodious voice. His unique and unclassifiable style transcends genres and resonates far beyond the borders of Senegal. Jahman X-Press has thus become a key reference on the music scene in Senegal and internationally. This concert will be memorable.

Debut with the X-PRESS group
In 2005, Jahman X-Press entered the music industry with the band X-PRESS, alongside Brahim and King Selmind. Like a breeze that comes to invigorate a hot day, it breathes new energy into the group, giving them a new breath. Together, they arrange pieces such as “Ken Demoul Gnou Dess” (2010) and “Biir Ak Biti” (2016), albums that resonate like hymns within the Senegalese musical landscape. Hits like “Sama Baat”, “Am Am”, “Reer” and “Présent” make the audience dance, and the group’s performances from Dakar to Paris enchant the crowds and build their reputation. The group won many awards, including the Best Rap Group at the NESCAFÉ African Revelation competition in 2005 and the Best Album Group at the Top Awards in 2017, thus making their name part of the Senegalese musical pantheon.

A brilliant solo career
From 2018, Jahman X-Press will start a solo career. Like a caterpillar that has reached maturity and becomes a butterfly, he flies off alone to new horizons and then reveals the full extent of his artistic talent, spreading his wings with titles such as “Bamba la paix”, “Bamba Nieup”, “Bamba la Joie” and “Bamba Teranga”, in collaboration with Ahmada Jadid. These songs, true songs of peace and unity, resound like prayers. Other pieces, such as “Wakh Ma Allooo”, “Def Si Code” and “Ndeye”, show his ability to explore a range of varied themes while remaining true to the essence of his art. But Jahman X-Press is not only a master of the microphone; he is also a guitar virtuoso, a complete artist whose versatility allows him to navigate with ease through various musical currents.

Abiyo: the consecration
In 2021, Jahman X-Press takes a new step in his career with the release of the album “Abiyo”. Like an alchemist, he brings together renowned artists such as Ashs the Best, Selmind, NIX, Dayza Akhlou Brick and Dip Doundou Guiss to create a musical project that will be acclaimed by critics and audiences alike. This album is a jewel that shines with a thousand lights, confirming that Jahman X-Press is here to conquer the Senegalese music scene. His place among the rising stars is now engraved in the firmament.

Star on YouTube
Jahman X-Press is also a digital phenomenon; it’s a real star on YouTube. For years, he was the number one artist in Senegal, surpassing his peers. His video “Reer” became the first of its kind to reach the million-view mark in March 2016, a feat that demonstrates the depth of its impact. This popularity on social media is a reflection of his success and the influence of his music, which crosses the borders of Senegal to reach the whole world.

An artist to watch
With a career that is growing ever stronger, Jahman X-Press continues to inspire and gather around his music. His collaborations with renowned artists such as Wally Ballago Seck, Titi, Fou Malade and even the international group Sexion d’Assaut are proof of his open-mindedness and determination to push the boundaries of his art. His successful career has made him one of the great names in the African music scene. Jahman X-Press is a surprising artist whose voice will continue to resonate in the hearts of music lovers for years to come

On Saturday, September 27, 2024, Abdou Lahad Thioune, aka Jahman X-Press, was in concert at Le Point Fort d’Aubervilliers. He proposed to music lovers, many came to see him, a sober and refined urban afro live, punctuated by this rhythm so characteristic of Senegalese artists: the mbalax.

Small focus
Point Fort. Aubervilliers. France. I was there, in the first box, standing up, enthusiastic, for 6000 km, somewhere, over there, in a small town located in the North of Ivory Coast. I know you’re going to ask yourself this question, which is a big and overwhelming question. I’ll give you the answer. When I’m not going to let you chew your noses off. Well, in this century of the internet, almost anything is possible. I explain the thing in one sentence: the charming presenter A. Diamanka, made me live this concert on WhatsApp.

Jahman, an artist with a clean and sharp
The artist made his entrance as an ordinary person. A two-tone Afro cut, a gold pendant without ostentation, a black t-shirt, a wide jeans faded and barefoot, that’s how Jahman got on the podium. He follows the series of his favorite repertoire, sometimes in fast flows, sometimes in staccato, sounds that go from wolof to French through English, not forgetting, of course, the wolof. But there was always in his sometimes dark, sometimes incisive texts, that zest of fantasy and seriousness that makes the artist’s charm.

The aesthetics of light
Behind the artist, a divine orchestra that distilled beautiful colored notes and behind the orchestra, a large red curtain whose brightness was supported by rotating projectors that diffused liquid light that intoxicated the eyes. To say this in a more poetic, aesthetic way, we will say that the moving head poured out beauty on stage. With this aesthetic light and the beautiful voice of this outstanding artist, music lovers could only receive a deep emotion. When all the objects, all the artists on a stage take the vivacity of colors, we can only be amazed.

JAHMAN, comfortable in all musical genres
At this concert, he demonstrated it again. A clever cross between different musical styles that delights the senses. To the rhythm from elsewhere, he mastifies his phrasing with wolof expressions. We dreamed about it: Jahman did. This guitar virtuoso has offered to lovers of good music a setting as sober as luxurious. Those who made the trip did not get bored. Nicknamed “Monsieur Refrain”, Jahman X-press has once again confirmed that he is a complete artist on whom Senegalese music can count. No musical current resists him, he is comfortable in all genres.