Do you remember the TV show called “La fureur du samedi soir” hosted by Arthur? Yes, the one in which a group of girls and a group of boys from the showbiz had to compete by singing famous songs to music, reading lyrics that changed color progressively to help them keep rhythm in front of a screen. It was the era of France’s greatest televised karaoke!
You might have thought that this entertainment was born on that set, but do not be mistaken! Karaoke was neither founded in France nor in Europe but in an Asian country. Yes! The word “karaoke” is of Japanese origin and means “orchestra without voice” (“karra” means empty and “oke” means orchestra).
Karaoke originated from the bars of Kobe, a city in western Japan. “History has it that the owner of a bar in the city invited his customers to sing when one of his musicians was absent. The success was such that he decided to continue.” Legend or reality?
In any case, it’s very possible to imagine that in every corner of the globe, regardless of the era, a similar principle of karaoke was used to liven up evenings or ceremonies. This form of entertainment is inherent to sociability and festivities. And I assure you, karaoke only has benefits: having fun, discovering oneself, communicating, overcoming our fears in front of others, seducing, pleasing, and it’s even good for the health.
Since the 1970s, karaoke equipment has continued to evolve. Today, it is possible to have karaoke at home on your PC by downloading kar, nfc, kf files, and using karaoke software (e.g., karafun) or on the PlayStation 2 with the “Singstar” software. Once you have practiced in front of your machines, at home in privacy, the stages of “Café de Nissa”, “3 Diables”, “Joyce”, and “L’Atoll Café” await you for great singing evenings! If you have a birthday to celebrate, an important evening to host, a goodbye or a return of a friend to the land of the sun, think of “Karaoke” because a karaoke evening ensures a festive atmosphere. So, dare to take the microphone and “break the voice”! All that’s left is for you to get into the skin of an artist. Tonight, it’s you who will be the star!
Oh yes! I almost forgot, a little advice, when you choose a song to sing, always pick something rhythmic like Claude François because if you choose Charles Aznavour (I have nothing against this great man of French song), the evening will take on a nostalgic hue and dampen the mood.
Audrey Bollaro
