Grand Corps Malade - Des Gens Beaux

Two of my favourite French artists nowadays are Grand Corps Malade and Hoshi. This story starts with the latter. Or rather, this is a story that stars the latter. Hoshi is a very gifted singer-songwriter. Also, she’s a proud member of the LHBTIQ+ community. For open-minded people like you and me, that’s as normal as anything. But you must know that since Hoshi kissed onstage with one of her (female) band members, she received the most appalling threats.

That’s not all, alas. Last April, French ‘music expert’ Fabien Lecoeuvre gave his (sexist) contribution in a radio show. He argued (allow me to paraphrase) that modern popstars are hideous to look at. “Take Hoshi for instance”, he said. “She’s a huge talent without a doubt, but would you hang her poster in your room? She’s scary. She should give her songs to pretty singers.”

(I’ll give you a few seconds to catch your breath…)

Obviously, Hoshi responded to this statement (“You make me puke”), and many French artists denounced Lecoeuvre’s judgments. The most powerful support now comes from Grand Corps Malade. He wrote a song about the affair. Des Gens Beaux is a danceable pop tune, that includes the journalist’s original remarks, combined with cynical lyrics in support of his colleague singer. Even if you don’t speak French, you’ll be able to feel the emotions.

Having said that, at first listen, I thought I heard GCM sing ‘Il faut des jambons’ (we need hams), but the lyrics go ‘Il faut des gens beaux’ (we need beautiful people), which is much more on topic… Don’t forget to watch the great video as well!

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Werner Schlosser

I’m a music industry watcher and journalist. Worked at a CD club, a record store chain and was editor in chief of an entertainment trade magazine. Have been in the radio business since 1987, producing and presenting shows. Was music director of several stations. Also, I developed the European Border Breakers Chart, Music Moves Europe Talent Chart and ESNS Chart. CEO of Werner Bros. tekst | uitleg.