French President Emmanuel Macron backed the idea on Thursday of Franco-Malian singer Aya Nakamura performing at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics following criticism from conservatives about the prospect.

Macron told reporters during a visit to inaugurate an Olympic aquatics centre in northern Paris, that Nakamura was the most streamed francophone artist online, stressing that he think she is certainly suitable for the opening or closing ceremony of the Games.

Macron said he backed the freedom of opening ceremony artistic director Thomas Jolly, to choose artists that represent France in its diversity, its influence, its arts and excellence.

According to reports, Macron invited Nakamura to the presidential palace for a meeting in February and suggested she appear at the opening ceremony on July 26 which is set to take place along the river Seine.

Macron therefore insisted on Thursday that the open-air boat parade along the waterway, which is the first time the summer Olympics have opened outside of the athletics.

The Olympics are set to take place from July 26-August 11 followed by the Paralympics from August 28-September 8.