Angèle : The New Voice of Francophone Pop
Not long ago, I introduced (or reintroduced) you to Édith Piaf in the article Édith Piaf: The Timeless Star of French Song. Today, I invite you to dive into the world of Angèle, a Belgian artist who perfectly embodies the new generation of French-language music — blending pop, authenticity, and activism.
Angèle is one of the most popular French-speaking Belgian artists of recent years. With her unique pop style, meaningful lyrics, and natural image, she has won over a wide audience in Belgium, France, and far beyond.
Angèle Van Laeken was born on December 3, 1995, in Uccle, near Brussels, into an artistic family. Her father, Marka, is a singer, and her mother, Laurence Bibot, is an actress. From a young age, Angèle was immersed in music and the performing arts.
After studying piano at the conservatory, she began posting short humorous and musical videos on Instagram. Her talent and offbeat style quickly won over the internet. In 2018, she rose to fame with her debut single La Loi de Murphy, followed by Je veux tes yeux.
That same year, she released her first album, Brol, which was a huge critical and commercial success. It featured now-iconic tracks like:
- Balance ton quoi, a feminist anthem
- Flou, a more intimate song about the dizzying effects of fame
Thanks to her freshness, humor, and emotional depth, Angèle has become a major figure in Francophone pop. She sells out major venues and has won numerous awards, including at the Victoires de la Musique.
In 2021, Angèle returned with her second album, Nonante-Cinq (a nod to her birth year). More personal and introspective, this album explores themes such as love, heartbreak, anxiety, and the search for identity. The track Bruxelles je t’aime is a heartfelt and nostalgic tribute to her hometown.
Angèle is also an outspoken artist. She regularly speaks out on issues like sexism, environmentalism, and mental health, using her platform to raise awareness and spark change.
Today, Angèle is much more than a singer — she’s an icon for an entire generation who sees themselves in her authenticity and freedom of expression.
Her influence extends far beyond Belgium. In 2022, she collaborated with global superstar Dua Lipa on the track Fever, which became a huge international hit. I absolutely love that song!
Angèle continues to shine on the music scene, and there’s no doubt she will leave a lasting mark on the history of Francophone pop.
Have you heard of Angèle before? If so, what’s your favorite song?
Lilas, OLS Community Manager — French