Paul Van Haver, the Belgian singer-songwriter-composer known the world over as
Stromae, unveiled his new single “L’Enfer” this week throughout a moving efficiency on a French
news program followed by the release of an identically powerful music video. “L’Enfer,” or “Hell,” paints a portrait of the artist’s mental health struggles, in which he reveals he’s thought suicide and recognizes he’s “not alone in feeling all alone.” This deep emotional honesty from one of the most revered artists in the Francophone world and in back of is much needed at a time any time the COVID-19 pandemic has quickly exacerbated feelings of
anxiety and depression. Throughout his interview with
TF1, Stromae discusses the dichotomy of his joyful beats and dark lyrics, likening them to his outlook on life. “There are tough moments, more joyful moments… there really is no high without low, there really is no low without high. That’s life.” —
Farah Zermane