Aya Nakamura

Aya Nakamura, born Aya Danioko on May 10, 1995, in Bamako, Mali, is a French-Malian singer-songwriter celebrated for her blend of Afrobeat, R&B, and pop sounds. After moving to France as a child, she grew up in Aulnay-sous-Bois, a suburb of Paris. Her stage name, “Nakamura,” is inspired by a character from the popular TV series “Heroes.”

Nakamura’s music career took off in the early 2010s, but it was her 2018 hit single “Djadja” that truly catapulted her into international stardom. The track became one of the most-watched French-language videos on YouTube, surpassing a billion views by early 2025, making her the fastest French-speaking artist—and the first African artist—to achieve this milestone.

Following the success of “Djadja,” Nakamura released multiple successful albums, including “Journal Intime” (2016), “Nakamura” (2018), and “Aya” (2020). Known for her infectious melodies and a unique mix of French and African languages, her music reflects her multicultural upbringing. Her influence extends beyond music; in February 2023, she was named an international beauty muse for Lancôme, solidifying her as a cultural icon.