Stromae – Multitude, le film

Stromae is the ultimate pop star of today. The Belgian-Rwandan singer is a style icon with his own clothing brand. In his understated choreographies, even the smallest movements of his tall physique seem to carry a kind of electrical charge. His potent mix of hip-hop, chansons, and African percussion strikes a chord with audiences that include Black gay men, white yuppies, and Muslim women wearing headscarves. In this concert film made during his 2023 world tour, we see them all singing along—loudly, and word-for-word.

Save for a few ingenious tilting panels and screens displaying an animated avatar, the stage design is best described as sparse. All the action and energy come from Stromae himself—as well as singing, he powerfully acts out the themes of depression, strained relationships, and hopelessness.

All this took its toll on him. In May 2023, Stromae abruptly canceled his sold-out tour due to severe mental health issues. There is a real chance that he will never perform again, and that this concert film will serve as a cherished memento of a global star who burned out too soon.

This film is part of Snapshots in Concert, this year’s summer program presenting five legendary artists captured at defining moments in their careers. Supported by the Brook Foundation.