Welcome to Stromae’s runway, where the models are all of us. In “Défiler” the Belgian maestro turns the simple act of walking a catwalk into a metaphor for how our lives scroll by at lightning speed. We march in step with society’s rules, carry a “price tag” from childhood to coffin, and feel trapped in knots we wish we could untie. While the beat pulses forward, the lyrics fire off questions about money, beauty, status and the endless urge to keep up. Can we ever hit rewind? Who sets the pace? And why are we so terrified of falling behind when nobody really knows the finish line?
Stromae pokes fun at selfie culture, the tyranny of filters, and the way cash can both corrupt and glamorise. Yet beneath the satire lies a comforting message: it is okay to move pas à pas – one step at a time – because everyone’s path is different. “Défiler” invites listeners to slow their scroll, lift their eyes from the phone, and remember that what truly counts isn’t the applause of the crowd but the rhythm of your own heart. So press play, straighten your posture, and walk this reflective catwalk with Stromae. You might just discover that the only person you need to impress is yourself.
Paul Van Haver, known by his stage name Stromae, is a Belgian singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer born in 1985 in Brussels. His unique sound blends hip-hop and electronic music, captivating audiences across Europe and beyond. Stromae rose to international fame with his 2009 hit "Alors on danse," which topped charts in several countries.
His 2013 album Racine carrée was a major success, featuring hit singles like "Papaoutai" and "Formidable," and selling millions of copies. Renowned for his artistic music videos and thoughtful lyrics, Stromae stands out as a creative force in modern Francophone music. He continues to innovate while drawing on diverse influences, from hip-hop to electronic and world music.