Every year on 21 June, the streets of France come alive for Fête de la Musique. First launched in 1982, it was created to make music more accessible to everyone. The idea was simple: let both amateur and professional musicians perform freely in public spaces. Over time, the concept has spread globally, with different cities putting their own spin on it. But at its core, it’s a celebration of music that brings people together, completely free and happening across every street like one big party.

This year felt different. There was a noticeable rise in global attention, more cross-cultural collaborations, and a growing appetite for French sounds beyond France’s borders. Paris, especially, became a hotspot, not just because of Beyoncé’s concert happening around the same time, but because of the energy that surrounded the entire weekend. It didn’t just feel like a celebration. It felt like a cultural movement.

As someone from a Francophone background (ethnically Congolese) but raised in an Anglophone country, I’ve always had a personal connection to the French music scene. Francophone music has always been part of my identity, even when it wasn’t part of the mainstream conversation around me. So this year, I didn’t just go for the fun. I went for the experience. And what I found was more than music. It felt like a cultural multiverse.

From collabs with UK, Belgian, German, and American artists and event promoters to TikToks building hype months in advance, it was clear that something had shifted. Events like JD France x RECESS x Sixtion x Everyday People brought a unique fusion. The laid-back, immersive vibe of a classic Fête de la Musique met the nostalgic energy of a UK summer day party. The venue still carried Recess’ identity but celebrated sounds from across cities and embraced the wider diaspora.

Tim Duzit’s performance of Kat Slater, alongside MC Willz Wida Vibez's dynamic presence, really stood out. Their trending energy and sound brought an authentic taste of UK culture and introduced it to a new audience. It was fun, intentional, and impactful all at once.

Initially, I planned to stay local, but this event turned out to be the perfect blend of both worlds. And even though social media can sometimes create rivalry between the UK and French music scenes, the energy in real life was all about connection and discovery. People left with new tracks added to their French playlists and stayed longer than they planned, fully immersed in the moment.

Artists like Dave and Tiakola have already opened the door for UK-French collaborations. But what’s happening now feels bigger. It’s not just about featuring on each other’s tracks. It’s about shared experience, mutual celebration, and deeper recognition.

So was Fête de la Musique 2025 just a trend, or the start of something bigger? Time will tell. But one thing I’m sure of is that music isn’t just about sound. It’s a strategy. And right now, it’s building bridges between cultures in a way that feels real.

It also raises questions about what happens next year. Will more brands and companies try to get involved? And if they do, what does that mean for the original spirit of Fête de la Musique, which has always been a free and open celebration of sound and community?

As the culture gains more attention, it’s worth thinking about who gets to shape it and who it’s really for. These are the kinds of questions we’ll be exploring at our upcoming ‘Questions That Need Answers’ event on August 5th, where we’ll be asking: should the culture be commercialised?

Get your ticket here and join us in the BeatBox room at BoxPark Shoreditch. We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Fête de la Musique: A Trend or a Cultural Movement?

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