Biography
Who is Stromae?
Early life and real name
Paul Van Haver was born in Etterbeek, Belgium, and raised in Brussels. His mother raised him and his siblings while his father worked as an architect. He attended the Sacred Heart School Center in Jette and the Collège Saint-Paul in Godinne during his youth. While still in school, he formed a small rap group with his friends and explored early musical influences.
In 2000, he began his music career under the name Opsmaestro before changing his stage name to Stromae. This new name was an anagram derived using French slang known as verlan. He later studied at INRACI, the Brussels film school, while releasing early musical material.
How Stromae became famous
Stromae signed a four-year record deal with Because Music in 2008. He released the breakthrough song Alors on danse in 2009, which quickly reached the number one spot in several European countries. His debut album, Cheese, followed in June 2010 and earned critical recognition, including an award at the Victoires de la Musique in 2011.
His commercial success expanded with the 2013 release of his second album, Racine carrée. The album sold two million copies in France and produced popular singles such as Papaoutai and Formidable. He also collaborated with various international artists and performed at major festivals across Europe and the United States.
Career highlights and tours
Throughout his career, Stromae has released multiple influential albums and singles that blend electronic music, house, and hip hop. In 2014, his song Ta fête was chosen as the official track for the Belgium national team at the FIFA World Cup. He also contributed to the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1 with the song Meltdown.
He started on extensive international tours, performing at Madison Square Garden and major festivals like Coachella and SXSW. After taking a break from music production, he returned with new work, releasing singles like Sante and his third studio album, Multitude, in March 2022.
Family and personal life
Stromae is married to Coralie Barbier, who is also involved with his creative ventures and fashion line, Mosaert. He has a brother named Luc Van Haver, who has frequently collaborated with him on music production and design projects. His family background and personal experiences have occasionally influenced the lyrical themes in his songs.
Birthday and age
Stromae was born on March 12, 1985, which makes Stromae 41 years old today. That birthday falls under the Pisces sign. Stromae shares the date with 33 other famous people.
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