Corneille (singer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Corneille
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Corneille performing in 2019
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Cornelius Nyungura |
| Born | 24 March 1977 Freiburg im Breisgau, West Germany |
| Origin | Rwanda |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 1993–present |
Cornelius Nyungura, known as Corneille, is a Canadian R&B singer. He was born in West Germany on March 24, 1977, to Rwandan parents. He spent most of his childhood in Rwanda. In 1997, he moved to Quebec, Canada. Corneille sings in both French and English. His music is inspired by American funk and soul artists like Prince, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder.
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Corneille's Early Life
Corneille was born in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. He grew up mostly in Rwanda. In 1993, he discovered his love for music and joined an R&B group. His group won a competition called Découverte 1993. This experience also taught him about writing songs and creating music.
However, his life changed a lot after the Rwandan genocide in 1994. When he was 17, he lost his parents and his three brothers and sisters. He then went to Germany, where some friends of his parents helped him.
Corneille's Music Career
In July 1997, Corneille decided to move to Montreal, Canada. He wanted to study communication at Concordia University. While there, he started an R&B band called O.N.E. with Pierre Gage and Gardy Martin. They met soon after Corneille arrived in Quebec. One of their songs, "Zoukin," which Corneille wrote, became very popular on Canadian radio.
In early 2001, Corneille left the band to start his own solo career. He began to write songs about his past experiences.
First Albums and Collaborations
In 2002, Corneille worked on several music projects. He wrote songs like "Ce soir" for a music collection called Cocktail R&B 2. He also wrote "Si seulement on s'aimait" for Hip Hop Folies. Dave Stewart invited him to perform in Paris, where he even sang with Jimmy Cliff. In January 2003, Corneille opened for Cunnie Williams at the famous Olympia venue.
Corneille's first album, Parce qu'on vient de loin, was released in Canada on September 10, 2002. A French version with extra songs came out on October 20, 2003, and quickly became very popular. In April 2003, Corneille sang with Craig David on his song Rise and Fall, adding French lyrics. He started his first tour in May 2003, performing to sold-out crowds in many French cities.
In March 2005, Corneille took part in the Africa Live concert. This event was organized to help fight against malaria. It was the first time he had returned to Africa since the genocide. His second album, Les marchands de rêves, was released in November 2005.
Corneille has also worked with the Canadian Red Cross. He helped raise awareness for children who are affected by war. In July 2007, he released his first album in English, called The Birth of Cornelius. In late 2014, he was a contestant on the French TV show Danse avec les Stars, which is like Dancing with the Stars. In 2022, his song “Nouveau monde” won the "Manie Musicale" tournament.
Other Projects
Corneille wrote the song "Il était temps" for Virginie Pouchain. She sang it when she represented France in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006. The song finished 22nd out of 24 finalists.
In 2014, he competed in the fifth season of Danse avec les stars. He danced with professional dancer Candice Pascal. They were eliminated on November 8, 2014, finishing 6th out of 11 contestants.
Corneille's Family Life
Corneille married Canadian model and actress Sofia de Medeiros in 2006. They have two children together.
Corneille's Music Albums
Corneille has released several studio albums, special editions, and live albums.
Studio Albums
- 2002: Parce qu'on vient de loin
- 2005: Les Marchands de rêves
- 2007: The Birth of Corneillius
- 2009: Sans titre
- 2011: Les Inséparables
- 2013: Entre nord et sud
- 2019: Parce qu'on aime
- 2022: Encre Rose
Special Editions
- 2003: Parce qu'on vient de loin (édition deluxe) (a two-disc set)
- 2006: Parce qu'on vient de loin / Les marchands de rêves (a double album re-release)
Live Albums and DVDs
- 2005: Live (a double album and DVD)
Awards
- 2005 NRJ Music Awards: Video of the Year for Parce qu'on vient de loin
- 2005 EBBA Award
See also
In Spanish: Corneille (cantante) para niños
