Waidah Bakari's Unexpected Journey into Opera

Waidah Bakari, a 17-year-old from the French-speaking island of Mayut, was signed up for an opera competition by her mother, despite Waidah having limited knowledge of opera. Despite initial hesitation, Waidah saw the competition as a unique opportunity and decided to give it a shot. She performed in front of a panel of judges and trained with a famous opera singer. Although she lost her voice during rehearsals, her mother's homemade remedy helped her recover. Waidah's voice captivated the audience during the competition, earning her a standing ovation. Though she didn't win the final round in Paris, Waidah appreciated how far she had come and is excited to pursue a career in hospitality, while still nurturing her passion for singing.