Stromae turns a deeply personal struggle into art that sticks in your head and your heart. In “Quand C’est ?”, the Belgian hit-maker plays on the near-homophone of the title and the word cancer, transforming the disease into a shadowy character he confronts face-to-face. With sharp, almost conversational lyrics, he reminds us how this invisible enemy creeps from one family member to another, from “ses seins” to “du poumon à mon père,” never satisfied, always hunting for its next victim. The repeated plea “Dis-moi quand c’est” (“Tell me, when is it?”) captures that helpless wait for bad news that so many people know too well.
Behind the pulsing beat lies a raw commentary on mortality, addiction, and resilience. Stromae mocks the hypocritical “innocent” warning on cigarette packs while acknowledging how tobacco feeds the very monster he is denouncing. By personifying cancer as an uninvited guest who refuses to take a holiday—“Quand c’est que tu pars en vacances?”—he exposes both fear and defiance, turning the song into a cathartic shout for anyone touched by the illness. It is a danceable yet sobering reminder that life is fragile, urging us to cherish every healthy moment before the chorus asks again, almost breathlessly: “Qui est le prochain?”—Who’s next?
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.