Stromae performs first concert in eight years

Acclaimed Belgian artist Stromae gave his first performance in eight years at the Palais 12 in Brussels, unveiling part of his new album Multitude (pictured) in an hour-long, sold-out concert.

The album’s official release is slotted for 4 March, but the audience of 9,000 was treated to unreleased tracks, RTBF reports. 

The artist has been largely out of the public eye since 2015, when he cancelled an African tour because of severe anxiety caused by taking an anti-malaria medicine. Afterwards, he avoided public appearances and revealed in a 2017 interview that he still suffers from panic attacks and wasn’t sure he’d be able to make music again.

He began re-entering the music scene in 2018, largely through collaborations, including with Coldplay and French rapper Orelsan. Known for his distinct style, he also presented a fashion show in Paris in 2018.

Stromae addressed the crowd at the concert’s start by saying, “I'm a bit stressed, I'm not going to hide it from you, but I'm very happy to be here.”

A mix of old and new

Despite the highly technical nature of the performance, concert-goers reported that it felt both friendly and intimate, with the artist expressing vulnerability in lyrics that touched on themes like depression. 

In addition to new track, Stromae performed favourites like Papaoutai, Formidable and Alors On Danse. During the first song of the performance, the word ‘undefeated’ was illuminated brightly. 

With Stromae was his new avatar, an anime-style character, which will follow him on tour and encourage the audience to dance. 

Other 'preview' concerts for the new album are scheduled to take place in the coming days, on 24 February in Paris and three days later in Amsterdam.

Collaboration with Belgian National Orchestra

The new album involves a collaboration with the Belgian National Orchestra (formerly National Orchestra of Belgium), the cultural institution announced earlier today. It features Bruno Letort as symphonic composer and Dirk Brossé as conductor.

The orchestra can be heard on six tracks of the album, which were recorded in June 2021 at Dada Studios in Schaerbeek. 

“Everything took place in the greatest secrecy: when they entered the room, neither the musicians nor Dirk Brossé knew who was waiting for them,” reads a press release from the orchestra.

Letort said he collaborated on seven of the 12 songs on the album, working to marry themes of despair with music that would communicate that feeling of hopelessness that comes with depression.