Do the French listen to English/Christian Music?

Question

I'm a singer songwriter from America of French/creole decent.
I have always wondered if american contemporary christian/gospel music is a welcome sound in france ( Like Nichiole Nordeman, Monika Bourgeois and CeCe Winans.) I am also interested in what types of music are the most popular in france.

Answer 1

Living in France, on a French-Creole island (La Reunion), my perception is that the French in general enjoy a vast array of music styles. Singers most well accepted language-wise tend to sing in French, English, Italian, Spanish or German.

There is a trend recently toward "Gospel", but it is not the typical Southern Gospel of the States. (Send an E-mail and I will forward a song or two from a local group). The gospel songs are usually a mix "melange" of French and English. And usually the English has a French accent.

Jazz and Blues with a Christian message also has a strong impact. The "Spirituals" like Swing Low Sweet Chariot are accepted with open arms.

Particularly on the (French) islands, a Christian message with a Creole/French/English mix is enjoyed, with a SEGA style, somewhat like Reggae.

It appears that Christian musique may be one of the key tools to touch the heart of the French people with the message of Christ.

IF you have opportunity to share your musical gift with the French people, there are open doors! All the best.

Also a site (in French) you may be interested in: www.louange.org

Answer 2

Here's a site that shows a lot of Christian music that is popular in France.

http://www.sephoramusic.com/

Gospel has been in style since the mid 1990s. Occasionally, a well known Christian singer will come to France. Rebecca St James has come twice in the last 4 years, and both times her concerts attracted 200-300 people, which is really huge in the French Evangelical world.

Answer 3

yeah, they do listen to English music... although trying to keep it to a minimum... apparently they've got a law which states that 2 (or 3)/5 songs they play on radio stations have to be French! I went there recently travelling and they seemed to play the Black Eyed Peas EVERYWHERE. So I guess you can say hip hop is quite popular. They don't really like religion, and try to enforce some kind of "tolerance" - they're called the most "religiously troubled country in Europe" for a good reason. They don't like it when people are too open about what they believe - there's also some legislation on religious clothing - apparently if you wear a cross necklace, it has to be a limited size etc etc.
That's just from personal experience.

Answer 4

I would say that they listen to gospel music. It seems to have been a certain fad recently. I think they more into it for the music than the message.

Answer 5

American music is famous internationally. Many acts also become famous in Europe before they transition over to the U.S.

Answer 6

yes