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For those of you who want to discover French singers and musicians: standout artists

When it comes to French music, many people probably think of chanson or French pop.

In fact, France has many musicians who effortlessly cross genre boundaries.

From electro to hip-hop to rock, there are quite a few artists who captivate listeners around the world with their unique sensibilities.

In this article, we’ll be introducing plenty of such singers and musicians from France.

Encounters with music you’ve never heard before might just add a splash of color to your everyday life!

For those who want to discover French singers and musicians: Featured artists (21–30)

Quelqu’un m’a ditNEW!Carla Bruni

Carla Bruni – Quelqu’un m’a dit (Official Music Video)
Quelqu'un m'a ditNEW!Carla Bruni

Carla Bruni, who boasts a glamorous career as a model before reinventing herself as a singer-songwriter.

Born in Italy and moving to France in her childhood, she first made her mark in the fashion world before fully embarking on her musical path.

Her whispery voice intertwined with guitar evokes the tradition of chanson while remaining contemporary, gently accompanying the listener’s heart.

“Quelqu’un m’a dit,” released in 2002, is a track that distills her restrained aesthetic.

In February 2004, she won the Victoires de la Musique award for Best Female Artist, affirming her standing as a formidable talent.

She’s an artist I recommend to those who wish to immerse themselves in a quiet night.

LifeNEW!Hamza

Hamza – Life (Clip officiel)
LifeNEW!Hamza

Hamza is a rapper from Brussels, Belgium.

With roots in Morocco, he has carved out a unique position in the Francophone hip-hop scene.

He’s known for a style that fluidly moves between trap, R&B, and drill.

After starting his solo career around 2013 and releasing a prolific run of mixtapes, he achieved major success with albums like “Sincèrement.” In May 2024, he won Best Rap Album at the Francophone music awards “Les Flammes,” underscoring his proven talent.

His melodic, Auto-Tune–driven flow befits his nickname “SauceGod,” and he’s highly recommended for fans of Travis Scott and Young Thug.

Be sure to check him out.

Petit FrèreNEW!IAM

Iam – Petit Frère (Clip Officiel) [HD]
Petit FrèreNEW!IAM

IAM is a hip-hop group based in Marseille.

In the French music scene, there are probably few people who haven’t heard of them.

They have a unique worldview that incorporates ancient Egyptian aesthetics and are supported for songs infused with social messages.

Debuting in 1991, their 1997 album L’École du micro d’argent became a massive hit, later certified triple platinum.

At the 1998 Victoires de la Musique, it won Album of the Year, cementing their reputation.

If you enjoy ’90s US hip-hop or hard-edged rap, this group comes highly recommended.

Be sure to check them out.

L’opportunisteNEW!Jacques Dutronc

Jacques Dutronc – L’opportuniste (Live au Casino de Paris 1992)
L'opportunisteNEW!Jacques Dutronc

Jacques Dutronc is a key figure who bridged rock and chanson in French music history.

Born in Paris in April 1943, he is a multi-artist who achieved great success not only as a singer but also as a film actor.

Debuting in 1966, he won support with his unique style laced with irony and humor, and his albums at the time became million-sellers.

His 2003 album “Madame l’existence” was also certified gold, showing his enduring popularity.

As an actor, he won the César Award for Best Actor for the 1991 film “Van Gogh.” In February 2022, he also received an honorary award at a music ceremony, so if you want to learn about a French star who made history, be sure to check him out.

Noir c’est noirNEW!Johnny Hallyday

Johnny Hallyday, a singer who enjoyed immense popularity as France’s national rock star, debuted in 1960 and established a style of singing rock ’n’ roll in French.

He sold over 100 million albums over his lifetime, and his signature song “Que je t’aime” is loved across generations.

He received numerous Victoires de la Musique, France’s major music awards, and when he passed away in December 2017, a large memorial service was held in Paris.

His overwhelming charisma and passionate vocals make him highly recommended for anyone who wants to feel the fiery spirit of rock.

Trop beauNEW!Lomepal

Lomepal – Trop beau (Clip officiel)
Trop beauNEW!Lomepal

Here we have Lomepal, who has a past of spending all his time skateboarding on the streets of Paris.

Born in December 1991, he has established a unique style that fuses rap with the lyricism of chanson.

He began his career around 2011 and rose to fame with his 2017 album FLIP.

The masterpiece of his that I’d like to highlight is the 2018 album Jeannine.

Named after his grandmother, the work candidly portrays his own vulnerabilities and his family’s story, and it was nominated for the 2020 Victoires de la Musique.

I think it’s also an ideal entry point into French rap, so if you want to immerse yourself in an introspective and beautiful world of words, be sure to check it out.

TombéNEW!M.Pokora

M. Pokora – Tombé (Clip officiel)
TombéNEW!M.Pokora

This is M.

Pokora, an entertainer who enjoys nationwide popularity in France.

After appearing on the audition show Popstars in 2003, he launched his solo career the following year, in 2004.

His greatest appeal lies in his overwhelming stage presence that fuses singing and dance.

Tracks centered on R&B and dance-pop, like his hit song Elle me contrôle, are absolutely stunning.

In March 2011, he triumphed in Season 1 of Danse avec les stars, showcasing his talent to households across the nation.

He has also won numerous NRJ Music Awards, making him a top star in both name and reality.

If you want to enjoy dazzling performances, be sure to check him out.