The benchmark music magazine is coming to France with a clear ambition: to champion French-speaking artists and connect the French scene to the wider world. On 13 February 2025, Billboard, the prestigious American magazine known for its music charts, officially launched its French edition. The initiative is led by three French entrepreneurs:…
On 13 February 2025, Billboard, the prestigious American magazine known for its music charts, officially launched its French edition. The initiative is led by three French entrepreneurs: Nicolas Baudoin, Ulysse Hennessy and Tarek Britel. Their goal? To create a platform dedicated to promoting French-speaking artists, whether already established or up and coming.
The site is aimed at both the general public and music industry professionals. “We want to support the international rise of French-speaking artists, shining a light on well-known talents such as Aya Nakamura, DJ Snake or Pomme, as well as new faces on the music scene,” explain Nicolas Baudoin and Ulysse Hennessy.
To stand out in a music press sector undergoing major change, Billboard France has opted for a 100% digital model. The outlet builds on an online community of 350,000 followers, inherited from the transformation of “Ventes Rap” into “Billboard France”. This solid base is reinforced by the backing of the So Press group, a minority shareholder, and by the global reputation of the Billboard brand, which has more than 100 million followers on social media.
The official launch was celebrated at MIDEM 2025 in Cannes, a key event in the music industry calendar, in the presence of Mike Van, president of Billboard Worldwide. This arrival marks a new chapter for the French music scene, giving artists another showcase to get noticed and reach audiences abroad.
With in-depth analysis, weekly charts and exclusive content, Billboard France aims to become an essential reference for music lovers and industry professionals alike, highlighting the richness and diversity of French-language music.
