Belgian electro pop artist Stromae is a massive artist in Europe and yet has struggled to garner an audience in America. Thanks to Pitchfork, a number of confused New Yorkers are more aware of the pop star after a number of impromptu performances of his hit song "Papaoutai" around the city including Times Square and the subway.
Stromae's North American debut album Racine Carrée has propelled him into international stardom selling 2 million tickets from his live shows and 3 million albums allowing him to reach No. 1 on the Billboard World Albums Chart, according to Pitchfork. He'll make history this fall when he becomes the first ever French-speaking artist to headline Madison Square Garden alongside special guest Janelle Monae.
A slew of established celebrities (American and otherwise) recognize his immense talent as well, with names such as Madonna, will.i.am, Lorde, Diplo, Boy George, Tove Lo, Icona Pop and Sam Smith all voicing their admiration for Stromae. During his Coachella set this year, Kanye West made a surprise appearance during his hit song "Alors On Danse" (I love dance). Eventually a remix came out combining the two talents.
It's truly a match made in heaven given Kanye's love for fashion and Stromae's bazar clothing choices and makeup that often makes him look like a puppet. In the Pitchfork video he appears to fall as an unsuspecting New York subway rider catches him before laying him gently on the bench to take a selfie.
Even if you don't speak a word of French, Stromae's songs are undeniably catchy and perfect for starting a dance party. However, if the lyrics are what matter most to you, Stromae has you covered there too. The video features subtitles for the French-spoken song in which the Belgian artist sings about his absent father crying out "where are you dad?"
Watch the clip below and be prepared to have his songs stuck in your head for days.
