Mado: "Weird kids have grown up to be cool adults"

We interview the Brussels-based singer at Les Solidarités 2026

BMA: My first question is: you were born in Paris, but you live in Brussels. How did you end up in Belgium, and why?

Mado: I think I really missed my hometown. I think that when I was about 18, I felt a bit like packing my bags and leaving. Alongside all those little questions I was asking myself, I met some artists during an artist residency. I fell head over heels in love with that environment, with that way of making music. I said to myself: OK, you’ll finish this; you’re in your first few years of university. And then, as soon as you take a break, you’ll head off to Brussels.

BMA: How would you describe your style of music?

Mado: I’d describe my musical style as contemporary pop. And I also always like to explain my music as a kind of balance. I love the contrast between energies that are very positive and those that are much more melancholic and nostalgic. And I find that contrast absolutely beautiful – not being completely dark or far too positive, but a blend of the two. That’s it – that slightly nostalgic side. The blend of the positive and the negative is a bit nostalgic. That’s something I love, and it really defines me.

BMA: Who or what inspires your songs?

Mado: I think I’m really inspired by today’s female pop artists. There are loads of names that spring to mind straight away, like Iliona, Yohann... They are girls who speak to their generation, who say things that are incredibly true and incredibly sincere. And I think that’s what guides my sincerity in music. Otherwise, I’ve got loads of influences that are much more rock-oriented – but that’s just it. It’s music I really love.

BMA: You love film soundtracks. Which one would you have liked to sing on, or simply compose?

Mado: When I was little, I was a big fan of Jacques Demy’s films. I must admit that with Les demoiselles de Rochefort, I would have loved to compose, sing – do absolutely anything to be part of it.

BMA: What are your expectations for Les Solidarités?

Mado: It’s the final date of this summer’s tour. I’m already really keen for it to go well. I’m really looking forward to having a good time, because sometimes I can find performing on stage a bit of a strange experience and all that. It hasn’t always been that easy for me to take up space, to make my mark. So I’m really looking forward to it. I’m really keen to end the tour on a high note and, to be honest, it really is an incredible festival.

BMA: Your next gig is on 24 September at the Botanique. What can we expect there?

Mado: At the Botanique, it’s going to be a really special gig because it’s the first time I’ll be playing loads of tracks I’ve never played before. So I’m really looking forward to exploring this project. I reckon that these days, we rely a lot on the media and social media to share our music. So when an artist releases a track on streaming platforms, you already know it all – you know the chorus, you know the verse. I’m quite keen to do this; there’s the first gig on 24 September at the Botanique, and then there’s also one on 1 October in Paris at Le Point Éphémère. I’d quite like these two concerts to be a bit of a counterpoint to social media and what we’re always doing – communicating everything digitally first, and then celebrating it live afterwards. I want to unveil a new project on stage and make it feel a bit exclusive. I think that… I don’t know, I get the feeling it’ll help build a little bond of trust as well.

BMA: A quick message for the Belgium Music Agenda readers?

Mado: That’s the worst question. That’s the worst question because you’re giving me far too much scope here, so I’m tempted to say just about anything. No, but seriously, the message I’d like to get across – because it’s a phrase that’s part of my project and means a lot to me – is: Weird kids have grown up to be cool adults. And it always makes me feel good to say it again. Because if you’re in a situation where you feel a bit different, where you feel a bit left out and you feel a bit lonely, know that tomorrow, you’ll be a really cool person – and only you can decide that.

Watch highlights of the interview here:

🎫 Get tickets for Mado live at Le Botanique on 24 September here. Discover Belgian artists in our playlist.