The Flammes 2025 once again took over the Seine Musicale with a clear ambition: to represent urban cultures and popular music from the neighborhoods. For this third edition, spectators were able to hear French rap, R’n’B, afrobeat, and Caribbean music, in a packed hall of nearly 2,000 people.
A ceremony between popular fervor and advocacy
The evening started with a slight delay. Indeed, the electrifying atmosphere in the hall showed a strong anticipation from the audience. Through this excitement, the organizers clearly displayed their intention to break away from classic and institutional formats. According to Hamad, co-founder of the media Booska-P, it was "a ceremony of popular cultures." The event thus aims to be an alternative to events considered disconnected like the Victoires de la musique.
Highlighting underrepresented artists
The stage was taken over by prominent figures like Aya Nakamura, Shay, Joé Dwèt Filé, or Théodora. These artists often come from African, Caribbean, or Antillean diasporas. Moreover, they benefit from increased visibility in a setting that values their uniqueness.
Shay, crowned artist of the year, emphasized the importance of making women’s voices heard on this stage. Others, like La Mano, L2B, or Eva Queen, represent a strong new wave.
Commitment and collective memory
The speeches showed that the Flammes are also a space for political expression. Kery James paid tribute to DJ Mehdi, while Rokhaya Diallo, present on stage, reminded the audience of the militant dimensions of hip-hop. A student member of the Urgence Palestine collective was also noted, wearing a keffiyeh. The artist Joé Dwèt Filé dedicated his award to Haiti and the Antilles, broadening the discourse to the memory of the diasporas.
An evolving urban scene
Despite the absence of some headliners, there was no shortage of new names. The current musical richness relies on a hybrid scene, mixing amapiano, afropop, and electro. This diversity is supported by structures such as Rec. 118 Group, Sony Music, or PlayTwoLive, which allow these artists to emerge while maintaining a certain independence.
Towards a controlled institutionalization?
If the Flammes want to gain legitimacy in the French cultural landscape, their evolution must remain true to their values. Moreover, these values include authenticity, creativity, and proximity to their audience. The challenge will be to combine official recognition and artistic freedom while maintaining a strong generational connection.
A youth in search of representation
For many young people, the ceremony is perceived as a faithful mirror of their culture. Testimonials from students and fans express this closeness. The Flammes thus become a place of identification, and much more than just a musical show: a space where a new page of French cultural history is being written.
