Josephine Baker’s early days in Paris

Paris seemed small to Josephine Baker  compared to New York, however she fell in love with the city instantly and set out to conquer it. Her strategy was to consider the city as a lover and little by little seduce it. She was chic and funny, a winning combination .

The rich flocked to Paris for the social season, the races, the shopping, and once prohibition took hold in New York; the came for the booze. Paris became a playground. Josephine was at the centre of that playground, and the wealthy visitor could not get enough of her.

The vitality of jazz spread to Paris, Jazz was the best thing happening in America at the time according to a European perception of American culture, and the face of Jazz was the face of black musicians and performers. Josephine’s timing was perfect and her rise to fame assured.

Enjoy the one time home of Josephine in Marrakech. Riad Star is restored in  honour of her life and achievements and embraces her spirit.