By Esther Olaoluwa
During a state dinner hosted at the prestigious Palais de l’Élysée in Paris on Thursday, a remarkable cultural exchange took center stage when a French band delivered a memorable performance in honor of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The dinner, part of President Tinubu’s three-day state visit to France, was designed to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and France, showcasing a shared appreciation for culture and music.
The highlight of the evening came as the French band performed a stirring rendition of P-Square’s Afrobeat hit “Testimony (Taste the Money).” The song, originally a celebration of affluence and joy, was transformed into a dynamic blend of Nigerian rhythms and French sophistication. The band’s adaptation paid homage to the vibrancy of Afrobeat music while infusing it with a unique European touch, creating a performance that resonated deeply with the audience.
The room erupted in applause, with attendees clearly enchanted by the thoughtful gesture. Among the most visibly moved were President Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who beamed with pride and delight. Their reactions underscored the significance of the moment—not just as a cultural tribute but as a symbolic gesture of friendship and respect between the two nations.
But the evening did not end there. The band followed up with another Nigerian classic, “Mama Africa” by Bracket, further cementing the evening’s theme of celebrating
Nigerian music on an international stage. This second performance highlighted Africa’s rich musical heritage and emphasized the universal appeal of its rhythms and melodies.
The viral video of the performances captured the evening’s exuberance, spreading quickly across social media and drawing widespread admiration. Many viewers lauded the French hosts for their recognition and celebration of Nigerian culture, emphasizing the unifying power of music across borders. The choice of songs also underscored the global influence of Afrobeat, a genre that has gained tremendous recognition over the years, and the enduring legacy of Nigerian musicians on the world stage.
The state dinner itself served as a reflection of the broader goals of Tinubu’s visit: fostering collaboration, deepening relationships, and creating shared experiences between France and Nigeria. By spotlighting Nigerian music in such a prestigious setting, the evening exemplified how culture can serve as a bridge, fostering understanding and mutual appreciation between nations.
