Les Flammes 2025: Bold looks and powerful performances for a thrilling 3rd edition
With sharp silhouettes, meticulously choreographed performances, and powerful messages, the 3rd edition of Les Flammes confirmed its status as a must-see event celebrating popular culture. Highlights of the evening included: Aya crowned queen of the international scene, Shay named Female Artist of the Year, and La Mano 1.9 and Theodora recognized as Breakthrough Artists.
A ceremony born from a need for recognition
Launched in 2023, Les Flammes was created in response to the glaring lack of recognition for artists from popular cultures, including rap, R’n’B, afro, and drill in traditional music award ceremonies. Founded by Booska-P, Yard, and Spotify, the event aims to highlight the talents revolutionizing the sound and style of an entire generation.
Two years on, Les Flammes has put down roots as a major cultural event, where the richness of the French urban scene is on full display, from fashion to performance, and bold artistic statements.
The third edition, held this evening at La Seine Musicale just outside Paris, once again combined spectacular performances with powerful statements, confirming that Les Flammes is more than just an awards ceremony; it’s a reflection of our times.
A fiery start to the ceremony
For its 3rd edition, Les Flammes once again called on comedian Nordine Ganso to take on the role of host. True to his signature color, purple, the Bordeaux native hit the red carpet in a relaxed Supreme outfit, faded oversized shorts and a zip-up jacket, before swapping it for a more understated look: a loose black suit adorned with a collection of flashy brooches.
Kicking off the show, group L2B lit up the stage with a high-energy performance. Dressed head-to-toe in ripped denim, Timberlands on their feet, and chains bearing their group’s emblem around their necks, the trio channeled early-2000s R’n’B flair proving once again they were born to dazzle.
In regard to the women, Eva stepped onto the red carpet as a true boss, wearing an asymmetrical dress by Dsquared2. Moments after entering La Seine Musicale, she delivered a spectacular performance worthy of the biggest action films. The show, a manifesto for her new artistic direction, took three months to prepare.
Her stage outfit embraced a bold sensuality: a sequin high-waisted bottom, sheer sleeves, and a matching bralette. Each look, flawlessly executed, was styled by the talented content creator and stylist @mv.tiangue. Nominated for Female Artist of the Year, Eva marked a powerful comeback with her album Page Blanche.
Confirmed icons and precision-crafted looks
Aya Nakamura received the Flamme for International Influence, presented by stage director Thomas Jolly, the creative mind behind the iconic Olympic Games opening ceremony. It was a fitting tribute for the most-streamed French-speaking artist in the world. For the occasion, she chose a romantic gothic silhouette featuring a corset and lace-up skirt revealing one leg. The look was designed by Paris-based lingerie label Ayo504Studio, with a delicate veil completing the ensemble.
Shay, named Female Artist of the Year, stayed loyal to Balenciaga as she walked the red carpet in black. Her look featured a back-corseted dress from the Spring-Summer 2025 collection, visible undergarments, and a minimalist, unembellished bag, a bold, stripped-back fashion statement true to the Brussels-born rapper’s signature style.
Ronisia, a breakout star from the very first Les Flammes ceremony, opted for a mesh gown by Marine Serre, with the designer’s signature crescent moons also appearing on journalist Rokhaya Diallo’s outfit as she took the stage to present the Flamme for Social Commitment.
The men dazzle on the red carpet too
Among the men, Guy2Bezbar made a strong impression with a preppy look paying tribute to his Congolese roots and the dandy style of the sappers. For his stage performance, the rapper added a Chanel scarf around his neck — a direct nod to the chorus of his track Monaco.
Jolagreen23 went for a black double-breasted suit paired with square-toed loafers, topped with an XXL fur coat straight out of a ’90s music video.
Joe Dwet Filé, who took home the Flamme for Best Caribbean Track, also opted for a tailored suit with satin details.
Named Male Revelation of the Year, La Mano 1.9 stayed close to his streetwear roots with a laid-back yet premium outfit by Louis Vuitton. He leaned even further into that vibe during his performance with Genezio, swapping the iconic monogram for a more understated Nike tracksuit.
This year, the men showed greater boldness in their fashion choices, effortlessly blending sharp tailoring, proud cultural references, and rich textures. A clear sign that, on the Les Flammes red carpet, men’s fashion is breaking free from traditional codes.
Theodora, the new boss lady
Awarded the Flamme for Female Revelation of the Year, Theodora is turning into a rising icon. After walking the red carpet in a striking look with structured shoulders, exaggerated sleeves, and a golden smile, she took the stage in another voluminous outfit.
Wearing sculpted horns and a romantic white lace-up dress with accentuated hips, she accepted her first trophy and used the moment to dedicate her win “to all the slightly weird Black girls.”
A statement that resonated like a manifesto from the French Congolese artist.
More than just an awards ceremony, Les Flammes have established themselves as a mirror of today’s cultural shifts. Driven by a generation of artists seeking recognition, freedom, and representation, this edition celebrates not only music, but also plural identities, personal convictions, and bold creative choices.
By proudly asserting the importance of popular cultures within the French artistic landscape, Les Flammes confirm that they’re here to stay and above all, to set the rulebook on fire.
