France Honors Electronic Music as Part of Its Cultural Heritage
Trending on Billboard
The French electronic music scene has received a significant recognition, with notable artists Air, Cassius, Daft Punk, Justice, and Jean-Michel Jarre being established as vital components of the nation’s cultural identity.
The addition of electronic music to the national Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage highlights its role in shaping France’s artistic landscape.
“Electronic music has a rightful place in our national intangible heritage,” stated French Culture Minister Rachida Dati, following the designation of clubs as “places of artistic expression and celebration.”
Explore
Air
Cassius
Daft Punk
See latest videos, charts and news
Jean-Michel Jarre, known for his groundbreaking album Oxygène, which he created in his late 20s using early synthesizers, has been recognized for his contributions to the genre.
Released in 1976, Oxygène and subsequent albums like Equinoxe and Zoolook played a crucial role in inspiring the global French Touch sound.
With decades of experience, Jarre has served as a UNESCO Ambassador since 1993, advocating for electronic music within the global culture.
In 2021, French President Emmanuel Macron honored Jarre with the Legion of Honour, the nation’s highest accolade. Jarre received the distinction as Commander of the Legion of Honour, recognizing his significant contributions.
“I’m glad to see that electronic music is finally taking its place within world heritage, especially after more than three decades of commitment as a UNESCO Ambassador and spokesperson for intangible culture,” Jarre remarked in a social media post, celebrating this “historic milestone for electronic music.”
Jarre, now 77, has showcased electronic music on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including performances at UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Pyramids of Giza and the Eiffel Tower. Most recently, he performed at Samarkand’s Registan Square during UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference.
Notably, France has been the birthplace of the electronic music movement for nearly a century, with Maurice Martenot unveiling the Ondes Martenot, one of the earliest electronic instruments, in 1928.
