Stromae

Already a superstar in his native Belgium and much of Europe, Stromae seems all but certain to take over the States as well.

The charismatic French-singing star will cap off a busy summer and fall touring schedule with an Oct. 1 headlining gig at Madison Square Garden, fresh off of collaborations with the likes of Lorde and Kanye West, who made a surprise appearance during Stromae’s recent Coachella set.

“It’s really not easy to stay intimate in such large spaces but I feel we have achieved this  on this tour which is why our shows work so well I think,” Stromae told Pollstar. “It remains human, and time and time again, people tell me that is why they find my live shows so special.”

Photo: John Davisson

Stromae, real name Paul Van Haver, blends styles of pop, hip-hop, jazz, rumba and house with impeccable taste. His undeniable stage charm and infectious grooves have made for international acclaim since his breakout 2009 hit “Alors on Danse.”

Despite the big beats and funky stage moves, Stromae’s lyrical content often deals with bleak topics, as in his “Papaoutai” single, which roughly translates to “Where are you, father?” Stromae, raised in Brussels by his Flemish mother, lost his father in the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

“Papaoutai” has racked up more than 250 million YouTube hits and reached No. 1 on iTunes in 16 countries. 2013’s Racine Carrée charted at No. 1 in six countries.

Photo: AP Photo / Jacques Binon

“Despite my music not being spoken in the American tongue, I have been overwhelmed by America’s reaction to my music and my live show,” Stromae said. “The positive approach American audiences have to new artists is really encouraging and they celebrate success, which I think is a really incredible trait that only America has.” Success indeed, including sellouts at Terminal 5 in New York and Fox Theatre in Oakland under his belt.

Up next for Stromae are summer festivals including Benicassim in Spain and Lollapalooza in Chicago, before a September theatre run on the North American East Coast and Midwest. So far, the Boston date is sold out and The Agency Group says the others are selling well.  

A new album and “hopefully plenty more arena shows” are in store for 2016, Stromae says.