A French band delighted guests at a state dinner organized for Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in Paris by performing the popular song *Testimony* by Nigerian music duo, PSquare. The event, hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron, celebrated the strengthening relationship between the two nations during Tinubu’s official visit to France.
President Bola Tinubu has been in France on an official visit since Wednesday, engaging in high-level discussions with President Macron. The talks are centered around fostering economic cooperation, enhancing bilateral relations, and addressing mutual interests to move both countries forward in various sectors. The dinner performance was seen as a gesture of goodwill and cultural appreciation, showcasing the global influence of Nigerian music.
However, the video of the French band performing PSquare’s *Testimony* has sparked mixed reactions from netizens. While some praised the effort as a symbol of respect for Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and a creative way to entertain President Tinubu, others were skeptical about the intent behind the gesture. Critics have speculated that France might be making significant diplomatic overtures to gain strategic benefits in its dealings with Nigeria.
Many viewers lauded the performance as a moment of comic relief, applauding the global appreciation for Nigerian music and its ability to resonate across borders. The performance highlighted the universal appeal of Afrobeat and its role in fostering cross-cultural connections.
Meanwhile, some netizens took the opportunity to call on the PSquare duo, Paul and Peter Okoye, to reconcile their differences and reunite as a musical group. Fans expressed nostalgia for the iconic duo’s past hits and urged them to set aside their disputes to make music together again. This sentiment has reignited discussions about the impact of their music and its enduring popularity on a global scale.
The event also drew attention to Nigeria’s increasing soft power through entertainment, as Afrobeat continues to gain recognition worldwide. By choosing to feature a Nigerian song, the French band demonstrated the unifying power of music in bridging cultural and diplomatic gaps.
Watch the video below to see the performance and reactions:
