1. Stromae, “Alors on Danse” (Belgium/Rwanda)
As Poirier puts it, “2010 was the year of Stromae and his worldwide hit ‘Alors on Danse’. It was truly THE francophone hit of the year. And when I say worldwide, it’s obviously in all the francophone countries possible, from a Dakar club where I saw DJs playing the original and remixes, to Montreal clubs and radio. I even did a mash up with it to play at Karnival parties in Montreal – with “Que Viva” feat. Boogat. But when I say worldwide I mean also non-francophone countries. ‘Alors on Danse’ invaded all Europe and there is even a version with that guy Kanye West.” But why was “Alors on danse” so huge? “Maybe because the melody is post-Calabria,” proposes Poirier – after all, “Calabria” was one of the best dancehall tunes in the first decade of this here century. Other reasons? “Maybe because the beat is straight euro-dance from the 90s, maybe because Stromae doesn’t look like a star? If you check the lyrics, it’s very depressive and dark, really unusual for such a hit.” A quick translation of the first few lines: One who says study says work / One who says work says cash / One who says money says spend / One who says credit says debt / One who says debt says collection / And that says you’re in shit. Sounds like the perfect soundtrack to austerity.