Song:Seul au Monde
Album:Parce Qu'on Vient de Loin
Soul singer songwriter Corneille was born in Europe, grew up in Africa and currently lives in Canada. He sings mostly in French and has had success in Quebec and France. Someone needs to properly introduce him to the English speaking audience because he's really good. He was born Cornelius Nyungura Mar. 24, 1977 in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany to Rwandan parents completing an overseas study program so he grew up in Rwanda. As a child, he absorbed African music, American soul and his parents' collection of chanson records by Jacques Brel etc. Just as he was getting started in his music career in 1994, a Rwandan military team stormed his family's home and killed his whole family. Apparently his father was an enemy of the current regime. Corneille survived because he hid behind a sofa. He fled to Zaire and a German couple who were friends with his parents took him to Europe. In 1997, Corneille moved to Montreal to study communications at Concordia University. He formed the R & B group O.N.E. with Pierre Gage and Gardy Martin and they had a big hit in Quebec with the song Zoukin. Corneille went solo when O.N.E. split up in 2001 but Gage continues to work with Corneille. A performance at the 2002 Francofolies festival got him noticed by Eurythmics leader Dave Stewart and then a contract with the French label Wigram Records. Parce Qu'on Vient de Loin was his debut CD and Seul au Monde was a hit in France and Quebec. He won awards in both countries. He became a Canadian citizen in 2004 and married model Sofia de Madeiros in 2006. Corneille has also worked with Craig David, Jimmy Cliff and Youssou N'Dour. He released an English album in 2007 but outside of France and Quebec, Corneille is unknown. Even if you don't speak French, soul fans will enjoy Corneille's music. Here's the video for Seul au Monde by Corneille.
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