M. Pokora facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
M. Pokora
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M. Pokora in 2013
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Matthieu Tota |
| Also known as | MP |
| Born | 26 September 1985 |
| Origin | Strasbourg, France |
| Genres | Pop, R&B, dance |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, dancer |
| Years active | 2003–present |
| Labels |
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| Associated acts | Linkup |
Matthieu Tota (born September 26, 1985), known by his stage name M. Pokora, is a famous French pop singer. He is known for his catchy songs and smooth voice. Pokora usually sings in French, but he has also recorded songs in English.
In 2016, 2017, and 2025, he was a coach on the TV show The Voice Kids France. He was also a coach on the main French version of the show, The Voice: la plus belle voix, in 2017. His team member, Lisandro Cuxi, won the competition that year.
Contents
Early Life and Name
Matthieu Tota was born in Strasbourg, France. His father, André Tota, was a professional football (soccer) player. As a child, Matthieu also loved football and wanted to become a pro player like his dad. But as he got older, he decided to follow his passion for music instead.
He chose his stage name, Pokora, after a conversation with his grandmother, who is from Poland. He asked her how to say "humility" in Polish, and she said "pokora." He liked the meaning and decided to use it for his stage name.
Career Beginnings
Winning Popstars
In 2003, M. Pokora competed on the French TV talent show Popstars. The show's goal was to create a new boy band. He was a favorite with both the judges and the audience. He won a spot in the group, which was named Linkup.
Linkup's first song, "Mon Étoile," was a huge hit in France. Their album, Notre Étoile, also did well. However, the group broke up after their later songs were not as successful.
Solo Music Career
After Linkup ended in 2004, M. Pokora started his solo career. He released his first album, which was originally called Matt Pokora. He later had to change his name to M. Pokora and re-released the album under that name. The album's songs, like "Showbiz (The Battle)" and "Elle me contrôle", were very popular.
Player and MP3 Albums
His second album, Player (2006), went straight to number one on the French charts. He worked with many producers and even recorded a song called "It's Alright" with the famous singer Ricky Martin. To support the album, he went on his first big tour, the Player Tour.
In 2008, he released his third album, MP3. For this album, he traveled to New York to work with American producers like Ryan Leslie and J. R. Rotem. The album included the hit song "Dangerous", which featured the American music producer Timbaland. The album was successful in many countries, including France, Germany, Mexico, and Poland.
More Successful Albums
M. Pokora continued to release hit albums. His fourth album, Mise à jour (2010), included the award-winning song "Juste une photo de toi". He also released an English version of the album called Updated for his international fans.
His fifth album, À la poursuite du bonheur (2012), which means "In Pursuit of Happiness," also became a top seller. He followed it with more number-one albums, including:
- R.E.D. (2015)
- My Way (2016), an album of cover songs.
- Pyramide (2019)
- Epicentre (2022)
Acting and Stage Roles
Besides singing, M. Pokora has also worked as an actor. In 2011, he was the French voice for the main character in the Cartoon Network movie Firebreather.
His biggest stage role was playing Robin Hood in the French musical Robin des Bois in 2013. The show was a huge success, and it toured all over France. M. Pokora sang several songs for the musical's soundtrack, which also became a bestseller.
Personal Life
M. Pokora is a big fan of the French football team Olympique de Marseille. He is good friends with the football player Djibril Cissé and is the godfather to one of his sons.
Since 2017, M. Pokora has been in a relationship with American singer and actress Christina Milian. They got married in 2020. The couple has two sons, born in January 2020 and April 2021.
Charity Work
M. Pokora has supported many charities throughout his career. He has participated in concerts and recorded songs to raise money for causes like AIDS research and helping children in need. Since 2012, he has been a member of Les Enfoirés, a group of French celebrities who raise money for the poor.
Tattoos
M. Pokora is well-known for his many tattoos. Each one has a special meaning.
- POKORA: On his right arm, which means "humility" in Polish.
- Only God Can Judge Me: Also on his right arm.
- Chinese Symbols: On his left shoulder, meaning "Creativity," "Peace," and "Patience."
- Letter X: On his wrist, a tribute to his friendship with footballer Djibril Cissé.
- Arabic Saying: On his neck, which means "Say good things or keep silent."
Discography
Solo Albums
- 2004: M. Pokora
- 2006: Player
- 2008: MP3
- 2010: Mise à jour
- 2012: À la poursuite du bonheur
- 2015: R.E.D.
- 2016: My Way
- 2019: Pyramide
- 2022: Epicentre
Tours
- 2006/2007 Player Tour
- 2008/2009 Catch Me Tour
- 2010/2011 Mise a jour Tour
- 2012 À la poursuite du bonheur – Tour 2012
- 2015 R.E.D Tour
- 2017 My Way Tour
- 2019/2020 Pyramide Tour
See also
In Spanish: M. Pokora para niños
