Apr. 27, 2018 01:51PM EST

Stromae photo by Stephan Vanfleteren.

Listen to Stromae's New Song 'Défiler'

In the video release, the Rwandan-Belgian popstar treats us to a full musical experience.

Stromae's back, and his 9-minute song almost makes up for his five year hiatus.

'Défiler' is the singer's first release since his 2013 album Racine Carée. The sprawling track speaks of the journey one takes through life, calling routine and social norms into question.

While Stromae hasn't been producing music lately, he's still been busy. After finishing his world tour in 2015, he turned his attention to MOSAERT, the Belgian creative label he started in 2009 with his brother, Luc Junior Tam. The label focuses on music, audio-visual projects and fashion.

"Défiler" was composed by the brothers, and accompanied footage from a their first fashion show in Paris for their new collection "Capsule No. 5." The fashion line's unisex clothing is the creative child of Stromae's wife, designer Carolie Barbier.

The video is truly a piece of art, combining Stromae's finesse for music, style, movement, and aesthetic. You can (and should) watch it below.

Music

Photo credit: Paras Griffi

Asake Has to Add Third O2 Academy Show After Selling Out in Minutes

As he climbs up the ladder of global superstardom, Asake continues to break glass ceilings and crash websites.

Asake has been making undeniable waves with his music and mass appeal, and his recent O2 Academy ticket sales are proof of that.

The new Afrobeats sensation recently sold out London's O2 Academy venue for his upcoming UK stint. Amidst the buzz of the sold out show, the official account of the O2 Academy took to social media to share that Asake would be headlining two additional shows at the event's center. Although the original date was slated for the 11th of December, the high demand for tickets pushed organizers to add on two more dates to the 11th, and "Mr. Money With The Vibe" will also now perform on the 12th and the 15th.

\u201cDue to phenomenal demand, a second date has been added for @asakemusik's London takeover. Round 2 will happen on Monday 12 December \ud83c\udf1f\n\nPriority Tickets on sale now at https://t.co/O7927HnUa8 and 10am Monday 03 October at @TicketmasterUK \n\n#O2Priority #Asake\u201d
— O2 Academy Brixton (@O2 Academy Brixton) 1664543262

\u201c.@asakemusik is ready to headline our stage for a THIRD night 3\ufe0f\u20e3\n\nPriority Tickets on sale now at https://t.co/sZFEHmcqAW and 10am Monday 03 October at @TicketmasterUK\u201d
— O2 Academy Brixton (@O2 Academy Brixton) 1664558354

\u201c@asakemusik Asake! Asake!! Asake!!! How many times did I call you? You better add more dates coz your true fans never see ticket buy! It\u2019s so unfair, been on the site all morning, kilode? Or just change venue to the 02, that\u2019s big enough to contain us o\u201d
— ASAKE (@ASAKE) 1664551636

Asake's career trajectory has been swift, yet packed with back to back hits and critical acclaim. The Lagos-born artist first got his major big break when Olamide signed him to YBNL. His long trail of chart-topping records have quickly earned him the attention of fans, airplay and recognition. The Afrobeats singer's success, though sudden, has helped to propel him to the upper echelon of musical acts coming out of Africa. Because of the versatility of his sound, listeners have quickly gravitated towards his content. His ascent into superstardom has also ignited intrigue and conversation, inspiring many fans to root for him, because of his initial reputation as the underdog. Although he had received some recognition in 2020 after he released his "Mr. Money" single, 2022 was the year that he would gain the admiration and respect of his peers, as well as a bevy of fans and commercial success.

\u201c@asakemusik They never saw you coming \ud83d\udd25\u201d
— ASAKE (@ASAKE) 1664551636

Though still a newcomer, Asake has proven that he is not a typical Afrobeats artist. His unique ability to fuse different Afro-inspired sounds from Fuji to Amapiano have made him a rare talent. He has also amplified the depth of most of his songs by merging different genres and articulating them with Yoruba language and the broken English spoken in some of the most intricate parts of Lagos. Those elements perhaps, are what have made Asake one of the most marketable and likable Afrobeats artists in recent time.

Photo by: Screenshot from The Daily Show'

"My Time is Up:" Trevor Noah Talks About Leaving 'The Daily Show' After 7 Years

The South African comedian announced that he would be leaving the Comedy Central series after his seven-year tenure.

Trevor Noah announced that he will be leaving The Daily Show after seven years.

In his statement Noah described his experience hosting the show as "absolutely amazing."

“It’s been absolutely amazing. It’s something that I never expected,” Noah said. “I found myself thinking throughout the time of everything we’ve gone through. The Trump presidency, the pandemic, just the journey, more pandemic and I realize that after the seven years, my time is up.”

Following the departure of Jon Stewart from the show in 2015, the South African comedian became the show's host, and has since interviewed the likes of Barack Obama, Burna Boy, Davido and a host of other notable public figures. The 38-year-old has also used his platform to elevate African artistry and elevate the African experience. Noah alluded to the idea that his decision to leave the show was inspired partly by his interest in returning to stand up comedy and exploring his skillset that way. Noah also thanked his viewers for giving him an opportunity when he first came on the American scene as a comedian who very few knew about.

“I spent two years in my apartment, not on the road, and when I got back out there, I realized there’s another part of my life out there that I want to carry on exploring. I miss learning other languages. I miss going to other countries and putting on shows,” said Noah.

\u201cA special message from Trevor Noah\u201d
— The Daily Show (@The Daily Show) 1664502553

Noah also referred to the show as "one of the greatest joys" of his life, and has credited the show for helping him hone his creative muscle.

“I’ve loved hosting this show, it’s been one of my greatest challenges and one of my greatest joys,” Noah said. “I’ve loved trying to find a way to make people laugh, even when the stories are particularly shitty, even on the worst days. We’ve laughed together, we’ve cried together.”

Although he did not make any comments about his last day on the show, or exactly when he would exit, he did humorously say that he would not abruptly leave without prior warning.

“Don’t worry, I’m not disappearing,” said Noah. “If I owe you money, I’ll still pay you.”

news.

popular.