Belgian import Stromae hits the West

Paul Van Haver, better known by his stage name Stromae, is shaking up the European pop scene with his house-tinged, electronic beats and hard-hitting lyrics. Clean-shaven and often wearing a bowtie, the Belgian singer-songwriter's trademark look belies his danceable yet poetic music; his 2013 album Racine Carree combines African musical influences, 90's beats and soul-searching subject matter that takes on absentee fathers, heartbreak and prejudice.

Stromae is widely known and critically acclaimed in French-speaking countries, but his star is rapidly rising throughout the rest of the world. With a voice and artistic conviction that transcends language barriers, the 'Philosopher King' of Euro Dance has a stage present reminiscent of the crooners of yesteryear - he dances, sings and converses with perfectly-timed style and grace.