This rare appearance of Stromae, in suit and tie, to receive his decoration from the King of the Belgians

One more distinction for the artist. Stromae was rewarded for his career by King Philippe of Belgium during a ceremony at the royal palace in Brussels on Thursday, November 21. The sovereign congratulated the interpreter of Papaoutai for its “deep and offbeat musical universe”, as well as for its influence on the international scene. “His art makes Belgium resonate throughout the world. Like a certain Jacques Brel, in his time,” was underlined in a text written in advance by the palace and read before the public.

Paul Van Haver, known as “Stromae”, wore a classic suit and tie. He received a red box from the hands of King Philippe, which symbolizes the distinction of Commander of the Order of the Crown. This honorary title rewards services rendered to the Belgian State, as well as major merits in the artistic, literary or scientific fields. The king and the singer exchanged a few words in low voices, but did not want to make a public announcement.

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A rare appearance by the singer

Stromae has hardly been seen in public since May 2023. The 39-year-old singer then canceled his world tour for health reasons. The concerts were scheduled until December 2023, on the occasion of the release of his latest album Multitude. A film retracing the first dates of this tour will be broadcast on December 6 on TMC and TF1+.

This is not the first time that the artist has disappeared from the radar. In 2015, Stromae also ended his world tour for the album Square root. The artist suffered from depression, aggravated by the side effects of an antimalarial. He then withdrew from the scene to heal. In 2022, he addressed this dark subject in his song Hell present in the album Multitudewhere he confides in his suicidal thoughts.