This practice brings artistic creation and equality together. The project is simple: using singing as a tool to carry an accessible political message in public space and within collectives.
In France, these groups have been multiplying for several years. In Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Nantes and Lille, collectives are making diverse voices heard. These activist choirs combine vocal pleasure and action during demonstrations and rehearsals.
This article offers a clear reading, practical reference points and examples of collectives. It also explains how chosen mixedness, safety and care are reflected in the repertoire and horizontal organization.
Want to take part? Even without experience, the songs create social connection and a moment of breathing room within activism. For a detailed overview of initiatives and their presence in public space, see this summary.
A movement resonating in France and beyond our borders
Local French scenes are seeing collectives with striking names emerge, rooted in cities such as Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Lille and Nantes.
Emblematic groups — Les Chianteuses (Paris), Les Branl’heureuses (Lyon), Les Kagolphoniques (Marseille), Les Chauffe Marcelle (Lille) and Les Punks à chatte (Nantes) — show a lively geographical spread.
According to Anne Peyret (EHESS, 2022 thesis), the phenomenon has grown sharply since 2019. Because it makes the message memorable, singing encourages these groups to multiply at demonstrations and on local stages.
“The repertoire mixes historic adaptations and contemporary creations, with an often democratic organization and no single leader.”
Organization and repertoire
- Collectively built repertoires and short formats ready to use.
- Monthly rehearsals, sometimes on Sundays or in the evening, to fit choristers’ lives.
- Social impact: greater visibility for feminism, climate action and other causes.
| Collective | City | Characteristic |
|---|---|---|
| Les Chianteuses | Paris | Activist repertoire, presence at demonstrations |
| Les Branl’heureuses | Lyon | Choral democracy, monthly rehearsals |
| Les Kagolphoniques | Marseille | Local creations, exchanges with the French-speaking world |
For a broader overview and ideas for joining these initiatives, see the linked article.
Singing as a tool of resistance and inclusion in public space
On streets and forecourts alike, collective voices turn the street into a space for demands.
History and continuity: songs such as Bella Ciao illustrate the lineage between past resistance and current mobilizations. Since the 2000s, activist choirs have taken to the street to support varied causes: anti-racism, climate action, migrants’ rights and feminism.
Legal and practical points: in 2022, the French Court of Cassation confirmed that singing at a demonstration falls under a fundamental freedom. In the field, groups favor simple choruses, mini-sets and clear instructions to keep the rhythm during demonstrations.
Inclusion and safety: practices such as chosen mixedness welcome women, trans and non-binary people in order to create a safe and supportive place. This organization strengthens cohesion among choristers and offers breathing space amid the intensity of activism.
“Singing turns a crowd into a chorus and gives the message immediate visibility.”
To go further on issues connected to contemporary struggles and collective practices, see this article.
Feminist choir: creating a committed and inclusive chorus — modes of action and resources
In Metz and elsewhere, local initiatives turn vocal meetings into visible actions.
Force Féministe in Metz offers training in a women-only setting, open to everyone concerned, with or without experience. Rehearsals aim to prepare songs for demonstrations and other public gatherings.
Rehearsals, repertoire, voices
Launch method: define an inclusive framework, a communication account and a fixed venue. Start with short warm-ups and assign voices from the first few minutes to build confidence.
Repertoire: 5 to 8 songs with memorable choruses, comfortable keys and clear messages. Alternate adaptations and original creations to maintain interest.
Where to join and find inspiration
Contact Force Féministe through its X, Instagram and Facebook accounts. Also draw inspiration from Belgian practices (CNCD 11.11.11): self-management, rotating roles, shared playlists and gatherings such as the “Rue des chorales.”
“A coherent and participatory set gives strength to the message in public space.”
Conclusion
In the field, bringing voices together creates lasting spaces for speech and solidarity.
These collectives are a lever for collective expression: horizontal governance, accessible repertoires and formative rehearsals make the project workable.
Inclusion remains the backbone. Welcoming people, active listening and adapting to needs allow the group to last over time.
Take action: join an existing group through its official account or offer your help, even just a few times at the beginning.
Singing turns ideas into shared emotion. Each chorus places these struggles within a broader cultural history.
