PARIS (AP) — The Eiffel Tower was illuminated with laser lights as the Olympics opening ceremony in Paris featured a performance by the French Disco King, Cerrone. His iconic 1977 hit “Supernature” set the stage for the event, with sports legends like Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal making their way down the Seine River. Deaf choreographer Shaheem Sanchez added a unique touch by dancing to the beat in American Sign Language.
Cerrone, at 72 years old, showcased the enduring appeal of his music, emphasizing that while musical trends evolve, the essence of his music remains constant. The DiscOlympics event, headlined by Cerrone, attracted over 3,000 enthusiastic concertgoers to a riverfront nightclub, celebrating the roots of dance music and Cerrone's significant contributions to the disco genre.
The opening ceremony segment featuring “Supernature” was a poignant moment for Cerrone, who described the experience as witnessing the culmination of a creative journey akin to the birth of a child. The event also featured other performers like Agoria, He.She.They., and Kartell, highlighting disco's evolution into various subgenres such as hip-hop, house music, and electronic dance music.
Disco, which emerged in the early 1970s in New York City, found its way to Europe, where artists like Cerrone played a pivotal role in shaping the Euro disco movement. Cerrone's influence on disco music has transcended generations, with artists like Daft Punk and Giorgio Moroder drawing inspiration from the genre.
Waël Mechri-Yver, a French-Tunisian musician, praised Cerrone as a disco musical savant and emphasized the resurgence of disco music. Mechri-Yver's culture collective company BABËL and Silencio hosted the DiscOlympics, aiming to champion disco music's revival.
Attendees like Alexia Charles expressed excitement about the event, noting the significance of Cerrone's performance and the resurgence of electro music in France. Cerrone, energized by the support of his fans, finds joy in performing at his age, highlighting the timeless appeal of disco music.
As disco continues to make a strong comeback, events like DiscOlympics serve as a platform to celebrate the genre's rich history and enduring influence on contemporary music.
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