During one of the Enfoirés concerts 2025a cover of the cult song by Pierre Garnier, “Those we were”by Kendji Girac, Patrick Fiori and M. Pokora sparked a lively controversy, especially on social networks. If some fans welcome the initiative, others denounce an interpretation that is not faithful to the original, or even a failure.
The revival of Enfoirés is not unanimous
The Enfoirés are back for a new edition organized this year at the Sud de France Arena in Montpellier. In 2025, new recruits are joining the adventure like Pierre Garnierwinner of the Star Academy 2024. And this year, one of the concerts made an impression, but not only for good reasons. Among the notable performances, the resumption of “Those we were”an already timeless hit by Pierre Garnier, particularly attracted attention. Performed by Kendji Girac, Patrick Fiori and M. Pokora, this revisited version quickly ignited social networks.
Many Internet users and fans of the original artist have expressed their discontentwith some going so far as to describe the performance as a “massacre”. Critics have pointed out a lack of respect for the emotional intensity and sobriety that characterized the original version. According to spectators, the overly modern and “overrated” interpretation would have distorted the work.
Other more forgiving Pierre Garnier fans
Despite the wave of criticism, other voices were raised to defend Kendji Girac, Patrick Fiori and Mr. Pokora. The latter highlighted the efforts of the artists to pay homage to a major song in the French repertoire while adding their personal touch. According to them, the artists were not seeking to imitate Pierre Garnier, but to offer a different version, adapted to the collective spirit of the Enfoirés.
This episode illustrates a recurring tension around revivals in emblematic events like the Enfoirés. If the initiative aims above all to mobilize funds for the Restos du Cœur, each artistic choice can easily crystallize passions, because for the fans most attached to the authenticity of the original songs, the daring adaptations sometimes remain difficult to accept.
-So, homage or artistic clumsiness? One thing is certain: this recovery has left no one indifferent. For now, the television broadcast of the charity show is scheduled on TF1 on Friday March 7, 2025.
