This initiative underscores the importance of the genre, which is valued by legends such as Jean-Michel Jarre, the creator of the iconic album Oxygene.
This album, released in 1976, along with his subsequent works, including Equinoxe and Zoolook, laid the foundation for the emergence of the French Touch style—a popular direction in French house music of the 90s that became known worldwide.
In 2021, President Emmanuel Macron awarded Jarre the highest state honor of France—the Order of the Legion of Honor. Since 1993, the musician has been a UNESCO ambassador and actively promotes the development of electronic music.
Jarre noted on social media: "I am glad that electronic music has finally taken its place on the World Heritage List, especially after more than thirty years of work as a UNESCO ambassador and advocate for intangible culture."
France's Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, added that electronic music "rightfully occupies a place in the national heritage," and nightclubs are now officially recognized as "places of artistic expression."
Jean-Michel Jarre, born in Lyon in 1948, has released more than twenty albums since 1976. His debut album Oxygene was recorded in a home studio using various synthesizers, an electric organ, and a drum machine, selling 12 million copies. In his third album Les Chants Magnetiques (1981), Jarre became one of the first to use a sampler.
Jarre's contribution to music technology has influenced many artists and led to collaborations with renowned performers such as Moby, Armin van Buuren, Pet Shop Boys, and Hans Zimmer. One of his most significant concerts was in Moscow in 1997, timed to coincide with the city's 850th anniversary, which gathered 3.5 million spectators.
The musician has performed on iconic stages, including UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, and Pompeii. Last month, he also performed at Registan Square in Samarkand as part of the 43rd UNESCO General Conference.
