Singer Stromae was decorated Thursday by the Belgian King Philippe during a ceremony at the royal palace in Brussels, who praised his “deep and offbeat musical universe” ensuring the influence of Belgium abroad.
“Commander of the Order of the Crown”
Public appearances by the 39-year-old Belgian star have been very rare since the announcement in May 2023 of the end of a world tour for health reasons. This tour to promote his third album entitled “Multitude”, which was to last until December 2023, had already been interrupted. But after a few canceled dates, producer Auguri had to resign himself and announce the singer’s state of health was incompatible with this performance.
Thursday, the author of the hit “Formidable” appeared smiling, in a very sober suit and tie, receiving from the hands of the king, in a red box, the distinction of “Commander of the Order of the Crown”. This title from the national orders rewards “exceptional merit” in the artistic, literary or scientific fields, according to the authorities.
Stromae, Paul Van Haver for civil status, was honored with around twenty other Belgian personalities, some of whom were rewarded with the noble title of “baron”, such as the dancer and choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. There has been no public statement. Like the others, Stromae only exchanged a few words in a low voice with the sovereign when receiving his distinction, on a platform facing the guests.
“Like a certain Jacques Brel”
In a text written in advance by the palace and read to the public, the one who is one of the most listened to French-speaking artists in the world on musical platforms was celebrated for “his talent and his audacity”, having “redefined the contours of contemporary music” with its mix of French song, rap, electro and world rhythms. “His art makes Belgium resonate throughout the world. Like a certain Jacques Brel, in his time”, “Stromae was able to create a deep and offbeat musical universe, which resonates with the works of the great surrealist artists of the 20th century “, it was emphasized.
Drained by a giant world tour in the wake of his hit second album “Racine Carrée” (2013), Stromae first threw in the towel at the end of 2015, suffering from depression aggravated by the side effects of an antimalarial. He returned to the stage in 2022 to present “Multitude”, including the title “L’Enfer” with very personal accents on his suicidal thoughts. The album allowed him to win a 6th and 7th Victoires de la Musique, in France, in February 2023.
