M. Pokora, born Matthieu Tota on September 26, 1985, in Strasbourg, France, is a French singer, songwriter, and performer. He is of Alsatian and Polish descent and grew up in a musical environment, influenced by his father, Jean-Paul Tota, a singer and actor. From a young age, Matthieu developed a passion for music, dancing, and performing.
His breakthrough came in 2003 when he participated in the French talent show Popstars, where he was part of the group Linkup. Although the group disbanded shortly after their debut, M. Pokora's solo career began to take off. His debut solo album, "M. Pokora", released in 2004, quickly gained popularity, marking the start of his rise to fame in the French music industry.
Musical Career
M. Pokora’s career has spanned over two decades, with several successful albums, hit singles, and memorable performances. Here are the key stages of his career:
2004: "M. Pokora": His debut album, which blends pop with R&B influences, included hits like "Showbiz (That's The Way I Like It)".
2006: "Player": This album solidified his position in the French pop scene with more mature sounds, including the popular single "Elle me contrôle".
2008: "M. Pokora" (self-titled album): A mix of pop and electro sounds, this album featured songs like "Dangerous" and "Le temps qu'il faut".
2010: "À la poursuite du bonheur": This album showcased a more rock and electro-pop sound and included hits such as "Juste une photo de toi".
2017: "My Way": A tribute album to French music legend Claude François, this album featured reimagined versions of his iconic hits. It was a commercial success and further established M. Pokora's broad musical talent.
2020: "Pyramide": With this album, M. Pokora returned to his pop roots, incorporating dance, R&B, and contemporary sounds, with singles like "Tombé".
In addition to his music career, M. Pokora has ventured into acting and television, notably appearing as a coach on The Voice France, and starring in the musical "Robin des Bois" (Robin Hood).
Influences
M. Pokora has cited several artists and genres that have shaped his musical identity:
Claude François: A major influence on his career, especially with his tribute album My Way, where he reinterprets many of Claude François’ classics.
Michael Jackson: M. Pokora has frequently referenced MJ as one of his biggest inspirations, particularly in terms of dance and performance.
Justin Timberlake & Usher: These American pop and R&B stars have been key influences in shaping his vocal style and dance performances.
Prince: His fusion of pop, funk, and rock has had a notable impact on M. Pokora’s sound, especially in his more experimental works.
French Pop Icons: M. Pokora draws inspiration from French chanson and pop artists, integrating a strong sense of French musical identity into his work.
Musical Style
M. Pokora's musical style is an eclectic mix of several genres, which he has seamlessly blended throughout his career:
Pop: M. Pokora is primarily known for his pop music, with catchy melodies and accessible sounds. He has consistently produced radio-friendly hits that appeal to a wide audience.
R&B and Soul: Early in his career, M. Pokora was heavily influenced by American R&B, incorporating smooth melodies and heartfelt lyrics into his music.
Dance and Electro-pop: In later years, especially in albums like Pyramide, M. Pokora embraced contemporary dance music and electronic sounds, aligning himself with modern pop trends.
Pop-Rock: His album À la poursuite du bonheur shows his experimentation with pop-rock, combining rock guitar riffs with electronic elements.
French Variety: As seen in his My Way album, M. Pokora also taps into French musical tradition, giving a modern spin to the classic French chanson.
M. Pokora's style also stands out for its strong performance aspect—he is known for his elaborate dance routines and stage presence, often drawing comparisons to international pop stars like Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake.
Conclusion
M. Pokora remains one of the most prominent and versatile artists in the French music industry. With his ability to blend pop, R&B, dance, and French chanson, he has maintained a strong and evolving presence. Known for his powerful voice, dynamic dance moves, and commitment to reinvention, M. Pokora continues to captivate fans both in France and internationally. Whether through his solo music, his tribute albums, or his work in musicals, M. Pokora’s artistic journey continues to inspire new generations of listeners and performers alike.
ZENITH DE ROUEN
Avenue des Canadiens
76120 Le Grand Quevilly
FR
ZENITH EUROPE STRASBOURG
1 Allée du Zénith
67201 Eckbolsheim
FR
ARENA FUTUROSCOPE
AVENUE DU FUTUROSCOPE
86360 Chasseneuil Du Poitou
FR
ZENITH TOULOUSE METROPOLE
11 AVENUE RAYMOND BADIOU
31300 Toulouse
FR
ZENITH - SAINT ETIENNE
rue Scheurer Kestner
42000 St Etienne
FR
ZENITH D'AUVERGNE
Plaine de la Sarlieve
63800 Cournon D Auvergne
FR
ARENA D'ORLEANS
RUE DU PRESIDENT ROBERT SCHUMAN
45000 Orleans
FR
PALAIS DES SPORTS - GRENOBLE
14 boulevard Clemenceau
38000 Grenoble
FR
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