Stromae Breaks Down His Music Videos ("Papaoutai", "Tous Les Mêmes", "L'enfer" & More)

Belgian musician Stromae provides behind-the-scenes insights from some of his most popular music videos. As Stromae clicks through his catalogue, he breaks down some of the key decisions that went into the music and visuals for 'Papaoutai,' 'Tous Les Mêmes,' 'Fils de joie' and more.
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[@thenerrdpit7441]

"for every song there was a pattern" and i thought i knew just HOW detail oriented he was. insane. a 360 artist, sorry, nobody can compete.

[@louiselouisethebest]

erm..

[@carmenmontero4931]

Theres a lot of artist who are the creative directors of everything they done, also this is not a conpetition

[@GivemeBacon]

I wanted to hear about "Alors on Danse", why this clip was not involved??

[@temeria1986]

Although a great musician and mind, saying nobody can compete is pretty braindead, sorry.

[@PabloYaos]

@@GivemeBacon it's really old. It's like, 3 4 albums ago iirc

[@Sea_witch_]

Stromae is a living legend.

[@whoareyou3781]

Fr

[@verdiernoyama9681]

@@whoareyou3781 Fr 🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷

[@ryandelguste]

@@verdiernoyama9681 *🇧🇪🇧🇪🇧🇪🇧🇪🇧🇪

[@verdiernoyama9681]

@@ryandelguste j'ai dit ça parce qu'il a dit FR ( for real ) et pour blaguer j'ai fait comme si Fr voulait dire "France"

[@napalmsf]

Really? It's my first hearing about him or seeing him

[@spydy49]

I thinks he's a MAYBE once in a generation artist. He's got a great lyricist, great producer, director, fashion designer etc etc... I feel very grateful that I get to witness his creative process

[@cibojules]

Agreed

[@Sabrinaaa36]

me too

[@condimentking414]

"Fils de Joie" and "L'enfer" are absolute masterpieces. 'Multitude' is an album of the year contender.

[@issa-miguelnaim4050]

Les gens voient pas son génie là

[@timetimetime3153]

Sb to explain the meaning of "fils de joie" ? I had only listen this song in french and I'm not sure I get everything

[@whoareyou3781]

Fr

[@east1845]

@Zosast 100%, I love everything about the song and the music video compliments it so amazingly

[@namelessmisajp]

@@timetimetime3153 its a prostitute

[@idk-man125]

Not only are his music videos so layered and complex, but if you read the lyrics of his songs, there are so many play-on-words with double meaning depending on how you read it. Like I cannot even begin to describe how brilliant he is as an artist🤧

[@lucasrateau7580]

Yeah exactly it's a shame for people who don't speak french cuz they don't understand every play-on-words as you said, they're so smart

[@oscarfernald9402]

@@lucasrateau7580 There are plenty of translations out there (some better than others 😉) Of course you’ll lose some of the fine nuances in translation, but the good ones explain even those fairly well.

[@DanceswithHyenas]

Definitely a hip hop influence. People who don't listen to lyrical rap are often put off by the generic, commercial rap. But if you listen to artists like Black Thought or Locksmith, you really start to appreciate the art-form.

[@ARealGrl4U]

I am amazed and in awe that he refers to his wife by her name, to reaffirm her identity as his equal and to celebrate her talent, and not just refers to her as "my wife" or my "my partner". Bravo!

[@sandrasaade0]

Oh, who is his wife? the creative director he mentions? So cool he works closely with his wife and his brother!

[@Loweene_Ancalimon]

@@sandrasaade0 Coralie Barbier ! I love that too, and he uses her full name, not just Coralie

[@-Lulu-Loves-]

Yes, that's awesome!

[@jannikostermann9821]

Just asking: why wouldn't it be correct to say "my wife" here? I 'd get it if his wife was next to him or if he was speaking to someone who knew his wife, but she's not and he isn't. So if he wanted others to know his relation to her he might as well jsut say my wife, or? I mean women also say my husband all the time in similar contexts - am I supposed to understand them as oppressing men?

[@-Lulu-Loves-]

In this instance, he's talking about her contribution to his album. Not as *his wife* but in her professional capacity. So it's respectful to refer to her by her name. I've watched another video where he says she gifted him a watch and he called her his wife there. There, it's more personal.

[@laxsneha]

I was fully prepared to read the subtitles the whole video and was pleasantly surprised to hear him speak in English! He is so interesting in his music and his personality and it shows in his music videos.

[@ojvic7297]

So many Belgians speak English

[@noorarjmand9493]

Many Europeans speak English and very fluently as well! But you should try to learn French (mostly because it’s a beautiful language) but also the Stromae lyrics are more powerful once you understand them

[@laxsneha]

@@noorarjmand9493 yes! I love listening to stromae speak in French that's why I said I was surprised in a good way to listen to him speak in English. I am aware Europeans speak in English too, and I appreciate the love they have for their own language and speak it whenever they can.

[@edmerc92]

His English is very good, but I would have preferred him to speak in his native French simply because I think he could be more expressive.

[@InBeMugaaglesic]

@@edmerc92 yes, my thoughts exactly!

[@Linnette81]

Stromaes music allows me to cry, it’s such a release, and it always feels like he’s there encouraging me to be human. I feel so lucky to have met his music, and so thankful to live in a time where he is also sharing a place on earth.

[@spiderjerusalem7720]

So many different feels, and such amazing narratives to fall in love with.

[@healthycathy9782]

Your comment is so clever and absolutely relatable. ❤

[@lucymarvil3184]

"encouraging me to be human"- makes so much sense to me, partly puts my feelings while listening to his songs and watching his music videos in words

[@MsJeanneMarie]

Look at Stromae speaking directly to American audiences with his description of the weather in Fahrenheit! lol I don’t remember him speaking English this well years ago! I hope he blows up in the states. He deserves it so so much.

[@aliciacatherineegan]

Yes! I noticed that his English has gotten a lot better since about a decade ago.

[@MsJeanneMarie]

@@aliciacatherineegan Yeah!! I don’t expect it, but I definitely appreciate it!!

[@holliswilliams8426]

He's definitely been working on his English.

[@leratohajie5893]

Yeah reminds me of Les Twins when they first started out. Now their English is much more advanced lol❤

[@erinmcdonald7781]

Absolutely agree! My son discovered him a few years ago. He's our favorite, now! 💜♾️

[@seenidev]

"Tous Les Mêmes" is pure art!!!

[@milisboring]

yess!! 💖

[@sm00thsm00chable5]

I love it for how bluntly he shows the way relationships are

[@guinnevereschronicles2225]

Stromae is truly underrated and underutilized in today’s music industry. His artistry is unmatched and his songs are just identifiable as him

[@IGotNoJam]

That's why I love him so much too! He's just his own! Noone is like him and he doesn't try to be like the rest but tries to make art that is true to himself and his imaginations and beliefs. Truly remarkable artist! 💕

[@blackmambazane3306]

I do like him as this little hidden jewel that not everyone knows about

[@poech2pep271]

He will be studied at school while popstars will be forgotten

[@coin5207]

It's great to have Stromae back. Such a genuine and likable guy. I became a fan through his song Papaoutai - the song was so popular it was everywhere it even reached us outside the French speaking scene. I thought it was a good song but only really paid attention the video/ looked at the lyrics years later and only then realized how this song would hit me on such a personal level. Stromae keep being awesome!❤️

[@sd_naturalist509]

The thing about the new album is that its really good. And I don't even understand a word. Go see him in concert, fully epic

[@mariajoserodriguez1080]

look up translations, his beautiful lyrics are a huge part of his talent

[@marloa182]

Ça vaut le coup d'apprendre le français 😉

[@thecreativeyouthsociety547]

Same here. I had no idea what was being said, so I sat down for a few days and listened to his music with the english subtitles. I realized how great of a songwriter he was. His metaphoric way of weaving social issues into feel good music is awesome! I will be seeing his concert in NY later this year. He has also totally inspired me to learn French ❤

[@jetrifle4209]

Lmao okay

[@chrissymorin]

I had no idea that the songs on Racine Carrée each had a distinct pattern associated with them!! Guess I'll have to rewatch the concert on his channel. :)

[@claudiahount.3688]

Yes the design are made by his wife how is a fashion styliste.

[@FineChynnaWine]

I love how passionate he is about the details in every individual project. It proves how grand the musical art form truly can be; not just about flashy jewelry and catchy lyrics

[@madinokiaugust]

Every single song is a wholesome masterpiece. And every music video by Stromae is something that you can relate to, cry to and empathize. I love the way he puts so much effort into every of his song but at the same time - simply, for us to understand.

[@JoseLopez-tk4tq]

It is reassuring to read someone who sentiments about Stromae echo my own. The fact that he sings in French in no way diminishes his genius! His creativity, humility, and dedication to his craft are truly rare traits sorely lacking in the vast majority of top 40 acts here in the US. He is an artist in the truest sense of the word. Bravo!

[@KatBlaque]

I introduced my boyfriend to him the other day and now he also loves him :-) such an amazingly talented artist

[@atlf3357]

It’s now official, a KZbin video isn’t a KZbin video without a Kat Blaque comment

[@kestrakai]

Love seeing you here, Stromae really bring something new the table 🙌

[@darthbee18]

Yeeeeesss Kat (and her BF 😆) love Stromae! 🥰😏✨

[@olive4093]

same im so magnetized by him n his mind n his voice. gahhh his voice

[@imthatgirlagain]

Hi kat!

[@thatbitchnoemie]

As a French person, I could listen to him speak English all day. His accent sounds French but not to the point where my ears start bleeding.

[@RR-de5di]

C’est exactement ça !

[@taopanda98]

You made me laugh haha

[@parkedawn]

As an English-speaking person, I could listen to his French all day.

[@retrobarbie9028]

Lol!! As an English teacher in France... I agree. I like his voice.

[@holliswilliams8426]

As an English person I had to stop after 19 seconds, I would rather he spoke French rather than English.

[@N0sV0sEl3s]

I discovered this guy around one year ago and honestly, he might the best pop artist since Prince.

[@hamzabenabdeslam]

honestly, I stan so many other pop artists that I love, but I kinda agree with this statement, Stromae is in a league of his own.

[@valeskacanas9187]

Yes omg thank you ! I love Prince and been disgusted at how they compare him to white mediocre "entertainers" with large fanbases (more cult like than music lovers) and surface level but because they're industry plants being pushed onto public to $ell $ell $ell, movies, products and payola overload in charts and music reviews. I usually hate Pitchfork cos they're gatekeepers when it comes to music but here they got it correct.

[@jetrifle4209]

@@valeskacanas9187 okay karen

[@valeskacanas9187]

@@jetrifle4209 alright Ken 🤣👍🏽

[@cheesecakelasagna]

The fact that he's so multi-faceted is such a gift to the world.

[@jamailone3080]

his ideas are simple, but most relatable and creative

[@tashdash5241]

Stromae is the reason I started learning French. I learned all the words to Tous les mêmes, then I wanted to know what it meant. Five years later, I was an exchange student in France and just passed professional French in uni 😁

[@thecheesegod2738]

wow congrats thats awesome!!!

[@agnesonwuka3709]

I love how he was easily giving credits without indirectly trying to claim everything like there were his ideas.

[@nelocairmaso2439]

STROMAE IS BACK!!! He never fails to release catchy songs that also provide unique critique of today's society. His new album Multitude delivers such a great comeback after his hiatus. So glad to see he's doing well now.

[@TinaandBellesMom]

Great clip of Stromae. Here in the US so many people are unaware of this extraordinary talented singer, philosopher, and performer. I absolutely love his music, I listen to him constantly and am so happy he’s back on the road and healthy. Of course I’ve purchased tickets to see him on tour and just can’t wait! His English has improved so much it gives me hope for my French! Much love to the awesome human that is Stromae. 💚💚💚

[@fsc4823]

crazy that his songs are becoming popular on tiktok / in the united states n i was studying his impact on french pop culture in french class about 10 years ago ♥️

[@epifan3_]

Ok, I’m sold on this guy. He’s a genius!!! I’ve read countless amazing reviews on his artistry and even watched videos with no idea what I was listening to. But to see how much thought and substance he adds to his concepts I def have to go and watch all of his videos. Because this guy is a thinker. He also does music with purpose. I can dig that!

[@akiramakara2062]

I could listen to him talk about his music videos all day, they're honestly all so good. Ta Fete is one of my favorites, but ugh ♡♡♡ literally all of them make me feel something

[@MissTokePanda]

I love videos that don't employ dancers but just real people dancing. I feel like folks often forget that dance is one of the most human experiences and expressions of emotion that is something all of us have, not just folks who are paid to dance. ♥

[@sarahdawson975]

I’ve never heard of him but let me go binge every album!!! 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿

[@whatthehelliot]

you've really found a gem!! stromae's music is incredible, enjoy it :)

[@Roseyday]

It’ll be worth it he’s so good!

[@cheesecakelasagna]

You should also check out his music videos! They give the music whole new layers and the perfomance and experimentation with medium is always inspiring the artist in me to always push for more!

[@MissOJAY]

Listennn

[@BorrieBeats]

The Papaputai video is unreal visualisation of dancing to get a point across. The mother and the daughter who looks identical where she is copying every motion, the dad scolding and disciplining his son ; and the dad encouraging and giving him confidence etc. is just so powerful. It’s indentured into our heads the parental figure and their teaching wether positive or negative but at least they were something the young mind can experience and bounce back and get a reflection of their own existence. It’s amazing. This is probably just adding to the ether nothing but it is a great piece of ‘art’.

[@GFV28]

He’s so underrated it actually hurts! 😭

[@skylar8685]

This man and his creative team are so innovative!! The artistry, detail and messaging of his MVs- simply exquisite!!!

[@sandorkocso1798]

how can you not love Stromae? and look at the subject matter in his songs... the themes, the range!

[@shayMint7795]

Stromae Is so smart and creative beyond compare! He speaks really authentically and inspires us x I really hope that he is okay and I wish for him to live a healthy long life. Thank you stromae you HAVE done well, you are DOING well and we are all so proud of you! And so thankful of you xx 💖💖❤

[@jona-]

I lost a friend who really loved his music so now Stromae always makes me think of him. Beautiful profound artistry. Thank you

[@amoraavera]

I grew up with Stromae´s music and I am so thankful for that! This man is so detail oriented down to the nitty gritty, and that is what makes his art so refined and everlasting. He uses his voice for those who were silenced and is always on top of social issues. Stromae, you are a living legend. Je te remercie.

[@garlottos]

Haven't met many people in America that knew of Stromae, I hope he gets bigger over here. Literally a genius, once-in-a-generation type artist

[@thecreativeyouthsociety547]

I just learned about Stromae 3 weeks ago. I have since already learned all of his songs (via subtitles), watched all of his videos (even when he was rhyming in the school halls) and learned a lot about who he is as an artist and person. The way he weaves social issues, traumatic events and innuendoes lyrically through feel good music is genius! His creative team is superb and his band is awesome! I can't wait to see him in concert this November in NYC! I have never been more excited to sing songs very badly in another language before in my life! ❤

[@55555gino]

Stromae and Lara Fabian are by far Belgium’s best singers. Lara is up there as one of the greatest vocalists in the world and Stromae is a creative genius

[@stijnvth]

I love this man. I love what he does, his music, his message ... I don't know him personally, but yeah Stromae is my friend. He just doesn't know it :-)

[@Tree]

"Quand c'est?" (Cancer) is my favourite of his Music Videos! It's just so raw, sad and beautiful at the same time, I absolutely love it!

[@kevinsarlo2379]

The man is brilliant. Both the music and videos are so well thought out. The lyrics have poignant meaning. We are blessed to have an artist that creates for the sake of having something worthwhile to say.

[@hooter___owl6321]

for my drama exam at school one of the things we had to do was break down one of stromae's music videos, Tous Les Mêmes, it was really fun and is now one of my favourite song

[@geckole-mon7428]

I’m so grateful that he’s also talking about the production technicalities!

[@EnamKunutsor]

LOVE LOVE LOVE STROMAE!!! All his projects are so detailed and beautifully created thanks to his wonderful wife and his team. Every album is worth the wait 😅

[@siaoliao]

I really like the way he explained everything, all the influences, collaborators etc. A true artist

[@miguelmamphey5038]

Nice knowing stromae referenced a Ghanaian tradition on his song

[@Fafnerluver922]

To this day, I think Tous Les Meme's choreography is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen! Stromae is a genius!

[@leiloca96]

stromae is such a beautiful human being, in all senses of the word. beautiful soul beautiful mind beautiful art

[@irismorales1939]

I am a simple person, I see Stromae I click

[@12Cee45]

I had no idea Stromae spoke fluent English. Blown away!

[@meganerinaldi8484]

We usually all learn it at school in Belgium 🙈

[@keonie]

Besides talented, he oozes charisma and ist just gorgeous.

[@iridescentcloudchaser8435]

Love seeing Stromae everywhere 🙌

[@ShiruSama1]

his English improved in the last 8 years! well it's only natural, mine did too, but it's nice to see

[@timhellmann]

Stromae is such a sweetheart. With his much improved english skills, I would love him to do songs in which he mixes english and french. That would be interesting.

[@AFRICANTIGRESS]

God, I love Stromae, and everyone i meet i always introduce them to stromae

[@Acebb9911]

Loving this. Impeccable artist. Also, I can’t be the only one shook by how much his English has improved. I remember seeing one of his English interviews yearssss ago when he mentioned he wasn’t fluent.

[@isabella7921]

he is so cute and adorable.

[@josemiguelgonzalezwachter2269]

Aaaahhh... heard him just talk for the first time 😌 Somehow extremely satisfying!

[@alainadacosta1222]

Every video I see, I like him more and more. He seems very genuine and down to earth and that reflects in his music concepts

[@sopranophantomista]

Like many, I found Stromae through the success of Papatouai. While never a huge fan, I can still admire his eye for detail and vision for each of his highlighted videos. I think it's really neat that he's incredibly vulnerable in the topics he pursues.

[@samuelli-a-sam]

Can we just appreciate Stromae as an artist and also his improvement on his English

[@tt2841]

Stromae the legend. Stromae the GOAT!

[@orchidyas5971]

🥰 he is such a 💕

[@darklyclad]

I love his androgyny, beauty, intelligence, talent: so unique!

[@MonicaMiches]

Dear goodness, the guy is larger than life, and his lyrics are out of this world.

[@rb026]

The fact that he’s famous in countries that doesn’t speak french shows how great he is

[@Kelvinllovejr]

I love that he did the video in English for us English speakers. Great explanation and great English speaking knowledge. Last time I heard him speak English he struggled a little bit. He's gotten much better. Merci beaucoup pour l'explication afin que je puisse comprendre toutes mes chansons préférées. J'ai écouté beaucoup de chansons depuis 2014 quand j'ai entendu Papaoutai pour la première fois. La musique française est ma langue préférée en dehors de l'anglais et du portugais.

[@breamatt]

he's amazing, truly an artist

[@DerrickBest]

I'm mad I'm only just discovering Stromae in August 2022. But I'm glad I did.

[@MayaNaasr8]

Stromae is a genius not just music artists everything he make blow my mind

[@Chelts]

Stromae is one of the best live performances I've ever seen. His English has improved an impressive amount since the last promo tour.

[@flanplan5903]

Could be because he took lessons to communicate I guess…

[@l0stk3y]

Man his videos must have MASSIVE budgets, I didn’t even realise he was THAT big? Silly moi

[@kittythecat5882]

This guy is my new favorite musician. Even though I don't understand French I'm totally hooked. Real legend right here

[@Mktv4418]

Stromae! Truly an icon 😭

[@berrykit8380]

I don't get emotional often, but Stromae helped me so much to understand what happened and my lot.

[@elisesantos8651]

mano, esse cara parece tão humilde e gente boa! de quebra, ainda é um artista genial. dá gosto ouvir ele falar.

[@Janina-hu]

Can’t sleep every time I’m thinking of the incoming concert in Berlin 🇩🇪 next year. This man is an amazing music talent.

[@BehindTheBeauty100]

Love him!! Saw him at Coachella

[@kikimellow6994]

I love him an actual genius with his videos songs and the emotion conveyed

[@chedeemaartech]

Stromae!!!!

[@thumpanekolla2661]

Love this guy !.

[@nibirue]

Aww I loved his music as a kid, me and my friend would try to learn French. I def need to listen to the last two songs mentioned, never heard them yet!

[@brandonfoy9583]

I’ve seen Stromae for a little while now especially when they were doing his push for his new album, but I never actually listened and because I’m too illiterate to speak or read French. And one day I saw his video of Sante with the lyrics in English and I was blown away! It’s a great song and lyrics. Now I’ve just fallen in love! He’s the best, and just the way he thinks and acts about the world is awesome, good stuff!

[@brandonfoy9583]

I’m learning French now… haha and I mean it’s just sad that most of us in America can barely speak English but the rest of the world speak they’re native language plus English plus usually multiple other languages as well.

[@cheesecakelasagna]

@@brandonfoy9583 It's so much easier to grasp other language systems when you grow up with two or more language/dialect.

[@brandonfoy9583]

@@cheesecakelasagna yeah very true

[@obibraxton2232]

Been a fan since 2015 when I first discovered him he’s very underrated in US & U.K. market but I know he’s popular in Europe I hope Thai changes with Thai new album rollout 👏🏾 Stromae is deffo my favourite male pop artist. The visuals always been dope and with a. Great message too.

[@imthatgirlagain]

Blew up in africa with papa ou t'ai hes been big here for yearrss

[@briaweea02]

😮I never even noticed that it was Tighteyez in the “Papaoutai” video! Stromae is truly an artist that makes me feel amazed that I’m here to witness him

[@francismastro4666]

Absolute genius!!!! Sublime artist!!! Amazing person!!! Beautiful man!!!

[@RealNigga0190]

Really nice to hear the thoughts behind the details in these music videos. Makes me look at them a little bit more differently

[@catchmeifyoucan1095]

i am so in love with this man omg

[@Zeverinsen]

Ta Fete was extremely popular in my country, but I hadn't heard much about him since his Racine Carrée album. *I'm glad he's still making music!*

[@carlosildegomez3729]

Everyday I discover something new about his creations. It's really impressive.

[@ostroukhova2801]

Incredible! Formidable!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@riamiosakilyrics]

I love him so much he's one of my favorite artists

[@thatpenguinlady]

I love Stromae he seems like such a wholesome person 🥺💘

[@sendbac0n]

that laugh in the end 🥺💖

[@anoja31]

So glad to see him back on the scene!

[@klaudia2141]

I love this guy

[@r-boy9893]

fun fact : I was there when the guy who made the VFX on "tous les mêmes" (Julien Van De Velde) added the color changes in some sequences. Stromae gave him tickets for his concert but he couldn't go so he gave me his ticket.

[@Aneta-vk6xv]

whoever watched/listened to his music before papaoutai will see the big progess in his english. its so cool to see him speak like that. Before he used to be like "im sorry i dont understand" or "speak slow please".

[@ludiemilhomme3615]

I love anything with Stromae in it! 🙃🥰 he's my favorite artist. The 🐐