The Nuits d’Afrique festival is strongly criticized on social networks for having chosen a white artist, the percussionist Mélissa Lavergne, as spokesperson for its next edition. Faced with the deluge of negative reactions, the musician preferred to withdraw on Friday.
“My goal has always been to make the communities shine, but if my appointment offends some people, I think it’s to no one’s advantage that I stay in office”, said sorry in an interview at the To have to the co-host of the program Belle et Bum, probably shaken by the turn of events.
In the current context, where issues of cultural appropriation and systemic racism are incendiary, Mélissa Lavergne had anticipated the controversy when she was approached by the festival. But the management, made up in part of African artists, had ended up convincing her to accept the role of spokesperson for its 36th edition, precisely to speak to a wider audience, which has always been the objective of Nuits from Africa elsewhere.
“African music is the common thread of the festival, but there is a lot of crossbreeding. There are artists from all over the world, from Africa, the Caribbean, but also from Latin America, Montreal and even India,” explained Mélissa Lavergne, who has participated in the festival several times in the past, and who intends to return to the stage this year, even if it will not be as a spokesperson.
The musician assures that it is her decision, adding that the direction of the festival made it clear to her that she would have been ready to assume her choice despite the controversy. Nuits d’Afrique should publish a press release later on Friday.
During the last editions, Nuits d’Afrique had always chosen a spokesperson with African roots, such as singer Corneille, host Myriam Fehmiu or comedian Eddy King.
Founded by choreographer Lamine Touré, the Festival international Nuits d’Afrique is to be held this year from July 12 to 24 in the Quartier des Spectacles.