Though Mai Lingani grew up in Côte d’Ivoire, she is one of the most popular singer/songwriters in Burkina Faso, where she was born. In 1998 that country presented her with its highest award for a musician, the “Prix national de la chanson.” In addition to her beautiful French and melodious English, Mai also speaks (and sings in) three African tongues: Moré, Dioula, and Bissa. Please enjoy our interview with this delightful talent!

Mademoiselle K and Zazie bring us "Me taire te plaire." The song's title means "keeping quiet to please you" (with tongue in cheek, perhaps?). We're certainly glad these two ladies aren't too quiet to sing to us!

In her song "Nos secrets" (Our Secrets), pop singer Louane Emera laments a relationship that is fading like "a bouquet of maybes." It's a melancholy and philosophical song about coming to terms with a broken relationship.

In this melancholy piano ballad, Louane Emera confesses her doubts and fears to her late mother. "Everything will start again in the spring," she sings, "except indelible loves."

Louane sings live her hit song "Si t'étais là" (If You Were Here). It's a mournful song in which she communicates in her own way with the loved ones she lost.

Enjoy Louane's poignant song "Pardonne-moi" (Forgive Me), about a difficult break-up.

In part two of "Nuit Debout" (Up All Night), Lionel explains how protesters gather every night at Place de la République in Paris to think of alternative politics for a better world. The "Nuit Debout" movement has its own coded language and even its own calendar!

Lionel concludes his series on Nuit Debout. The protest movement, expressing discontent with politics in general, is spreading. Lawyers have joined the fight, and the attitudes of the media and politicians toward the movement are slowly shifting.

Lionel talks about life under quarantine in France. All group activities are forbidden, and you can only go outside to walk your dog, go to the pharmacy, or shop for basic necessities.

Lionel talks about how the French people are doing after a month of confinement. He misses his hairdresser...

Lionel describes the latest measures taken by the French government regarding the COVID pandemic. A curfew has been enforced in major cities in an effort to contain the virus.

Lionel tells us about the second lockdown this year in France. It's slightly different from the first one in that schools are now open.

Lionel tells us about the end of the second lockdown in France, which took place in mid-December. This, along with predictions of a third wave of the virus, has made French people agree on one thing: all this is very confusing!

Lionel gives a few pointers on telling time in French, including when to use the twelve-hour clock versus the twenty-four-hour clock.

Lionel shares a few tips on how to pronounce the u sound in French, which tends to be difficult for English-speaking learners. After watching the video, and with some practice, you'll be able to say words like tu (you) and mur (wall) with confidence.