Stromae
Popular Belgian rapper of Rwandan descent. The surname Van Haver is of Flemish origin and pronounced Van Haver in Flemish. The stage name Stromae is a garbled Maestro in French verlan.
In 2000, he chooses the pseudonym Opmaestro and begins his activities in the rap world. But his pseudonym was too similar to another and he changes it, stopping at Stromae.
At the age of 18, Paul together with the rapper JEDI (Didier Jean-Longan) created a group, and they recorded the song and video "Faut que t'arrête le Rap". However, JEDI decides to leave the duo, which marks the beginning of Stromae's solo career.
In 2006, Stromae takes part in the Hip-hop Family, and also Juste Debout Benelux in 2007.
In order to pay for the training, Paul decides to start working. But the funds are not enough, and he enters the National Institute of Cinematography and Radio Electronics (INRACI), the film faculty, and with the money he earns he records his first album: EP "Juste un cerveau, un flow, un fond et un mic ...".
In 2008 Paul recorded the single "Cette fois interprété" with Melissa M for the album "Avec tout mon amour", as well as four tracks for the album "À L'Ombre Du Show Business" by Kerry James and the song "Si je t'emmène" with Anggun.
In 2009 he released the single "Alors On Danse", which very soon became popular in other European countries. The single takes first places in the top sales in France, Germany, Belgium. At the moment, this song is the "calling card" of the rapper; several Russian-language covers have even been released on it.
On April 3, 2010, the NRJ Stromae wins the award.
Stromae uses a computer with Reason software in his compositions.