Stromae Returns After Eight-Year Hiatus with New Single and Tour

Belgian musician Stromae (Paul Van Haver) released his first new single in eight years on October 15, 2021, the same day as Adele's comeback, signaling a return to music after a prolonged break due to burnout and panic attacks. Born in 1985 to a Rwandan father and Belgian mother, Stromae studied music at the Académie Musicale de Jette and began his career as rapper Opsmaestro before adopting the name Stromae (verlan for Maestro). His breakthrough came with 2010's "Alors on danse," which topped charts in France, Germany, Switzerland, and Quebec, leading to collaborations with Kanye West, The Lost Fingers, Kellylee Evans, and Paul Kalkbrenner. His 2013 album "Racine carrée" made him a global phenomenon, blending electronic new beat with Congolese music and addressing themes like social media, cancer, and fatherhood. In December 2016, he announced a hiatus, later revealing struggles with anxiety and burnout, including a 2015 tour interruption in Africa due to side effects from malaria medication Lariam. During his break, he focused on his label Mosaert. His return includes a new single, an upcoming album, and a scheduled Paris concert. The article by Federico Silvio Bellanca on Artribune reflects on Stromae's career as a case study on fame and the choice to prioritize mental health over public success.