Bénabar (FR)

About

Also known as: Benabar, Bruno Nicolini, Bénabar & Associés

Bénabar has a knack for finding the comedy and quiet melancholy in ordinary life, which is exactly what made him one of the most distinctive voices in French chanson pop. Born Bruno Nicolini, he writes songs that zoom in on everyday situations with humour and a kind of tender cynicism, leaning heavily on piano, accordion, and the brassy warmth of French fanfare music. His breakthrough came with his 2001 self titled debut, which landed him a spot opening for Henri Salvador, and he kept building from there. His album Les risques du métier won the chanson and variety album of the year prize, and Reprise des négociations went on to rack up millions in sales. His song Le dîner earned him the award for original song of the year in 2007, a track that perfectly captures his gift for turning a social situation into something both funny and painfully recognisable.