Excuse my French: Introducing Stromae

Stromae is someone really worth listening to, even though you probably won’t understand a word he’s saying. Not because he raps about Albert Einstein level physics or raps in Morse code… (Is that even possible?). Non, it is because he raps in French AND he is TRES BON.

Belgian born Stromae, 25, real name Paul van Haver is of Rwandan-Belgian origin, the name Stromae is basically Mae-stro = Stro-mae, which is something called verlan. Verlan is a French tradition of transposing syllables to create slang words. Ok, enough of the language lesson.

His music, without sounding too corny, is definitely a breath of fresh air amongst the Justin Beibers and Jason Derulos and Katy Purrys and Keshas and that new boy band that has just reared its ugly head to rival JLS. Really, is that what England needs? ANOTHER JLS? Stromaes musical career started in Hip Hop but his new album ‘Cheese’ is more ‘Technotronic – pump up the jam’ than 50 dry Cent.


Debut single ‘Alors on Danse’ released earlier this year shot to number one in France, the Netherlands, Greece, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Denmark, Belgium and the Czech Republic and the beat is immediately infectious, you are officially dared to not move one part of your body as soon as the drums kick in.

‘Cheese’ was released on June 21st it appears in nearly every part of Europe apart from Britain, which is just pure discrimination really, but you’ll be able to get your hands on a copy from the 6th of September onwards. Stromae is set to take over the dance scene but don’t just take our word for it, have a sneak peek at his stuff over on YouTube, you will NOT be disappointed.