Stromae

The Profile

Stromae (Paul Van Haver) is a Belgian singer, songwriter and producer known for blending electronic, hip hop and pop with sharp storytelling. He broke through with Alors on danse (2009) and released the albums Cheese (2010), Racine carrée (2013) and Multitude (2022).

Belgian artist of Rwandan and Belgian heritage who sings primarily in French; stage name is verlan for “maestro.” Known for hits like Alors on danse, Papaoutai, Formidable and Tous Les Mêmes, and for integrating Afro and Latin rhythms with house and hip hop.

Reviewers praise Stromae’s knack for catchy, danceable hooks and a smart blend of house, hip hop and electropop. Cheese is seen as simple but effective, driven by earworm riffs and mega-hit Alors on danse. Racine carrée (v) earns strong marks for Afro-tinged rhythms and memorable singles like Papaoutai and Formidable, with minor notes about tracklist length. Quand c’est receives emphatic acclaim.