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This Happened

This Happened - March 12: Stromae Is Born

Stromae, the Belgian singer, rapper, and songwriter, was born on this day in 1985.


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Where is Stromae from?

Stromae's real name is Paul van Haver, and he was born and raised in Brussels, Belgium. His father was a Rwandan Tutsi named Pierre Rutare, and his Flemish mother is Miranda van Haver. He and his siblings were raised by their mother, as his father, an architect, was killed during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, while visiting his family.

His stage name comes from the French slang, that twists the word "maestro."

What is special about Stromae's music?

Known for his unique blend of electronic, hip-hop, and pop music, Stromae first gained international recognition with his hit single "Alors On Danse" in 2009. He has gone on to win numerous awards for his music, including several Belgian Music Industry Awards, Victoires de la Musique awards, and MTV Europe Music Awards. Some of Stromae's other most popular songs include "Papaoutai," "Formidable," and "Tous les mêmes."

What is Stromae known for beyond his music?

In addition to his music career, Stromae is known for his unique fashion sense and his involvement in various social and political causes, including mental health awareness and the refugee crisis.

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Gaza Fighting Resumes, Quick COP28 Deal Signed, Longest Hit Song

Palestinians inspect damages after an Israeli airstrike destroyed a house in Rafah, southern Gaza, as hostilities resume after a week-long truce between Hamas and Israel.

Emma Albright & Valeria Berghinz

👋 Alò!*

Welcome to Friday, where fighting resumes in Gaza after the temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas expired, a COP28 deal is signed for a fund to pay for climate damage in poor countries and a rapper breaks a billboard record with a flute. Meanwhile, Mastercard is arriving in China following Xi Jinping’s “dinner diplomacy” last month in San Francisco, reports Chinese-language media The Initium.

[*Haitian Creole]

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