Stromae Returns on New Duet ‘Des Fleurs’ with Tove Lo
Belgian music superstar Stromae has made his latest musical return, appearing on the new single “Des Fleurs” (“Flowers”) alongside Swedish pop artist Tove Lo. Released on June 12, the track serves as the lead single from Tove Lo’s upcoming sixth studio album ESTRUS, scheduled for release on September 18, 2026. Stromae co-produced the song and delivers one verse in French in his signature style, marking another high-profile collaboration since he stepped back from touring in 2023.
A Collaboration Nearly a Decade in the Making
The partnership between Stromae and Tove Lo has an origin story that spans years and continents. The two artists first crossed paths in 2015 when Stromae performed at the Coachella festival in California. In an interview with Numéro Netherlands, Tove Lo recalled being immediately captivated: “I was walking by one of the tents where he was playing, and I was just pulled in by the energy that was coming out of there. He had everyone wrapped around his finger, it was really hypnotising.”
They stayed in touch over the years, discussing the possibility of making music together but struggling to coordinate due to geographic distance. The breakthrough came in 2022, shortly after Tove Lo released her album Dirt Femme, when Stromae sent her a collection of instrumental demos. One of them — a piece built around a delicate piano melody and a humming choir — caught her attention while she was in New Zealand.
“I was in New Zealand looking out over a volcanic beach in this deserted place when I got those instrumentals,” Tove Lo told Numéro Netherlands. “There was beautiful piano music and a choir humming in the background — and that really grabbed me by my heart. I had my portable studio with me, so I just sat down and wrote a song for it. I sent it to him and he loved it.”
The song was initially put on hold, but when Tove Lo began assembling ESTRUS, she reached back out. According to VRT NWS, Stromae asked if he could sing on the track as well. “I remember him asking if he can sing on it as well, and me just going ‘please, please, please!” Tove Lo said. “He sent me his verse in French, and it’s one of my favourite songs on the album.”
Stromae’s Post-Tour Strategy
“Des Fleurs” is the latest in a series of collaborations Stromae has undertaken since he cancelled the remainder of his Multitude world tour in May 2023 due to health reasons. Rather than rushing back into solo work or touring, the Belgian artist has adopted a deliberate strategy of working on other artists’ projects.
His wife and creative partner Coralie Barbier confirmed this approach in an interview earlier this year, stating that Stromae “currently wants to work on projects of others and be less in the spotlight himself.” Recent collaborations include “Ma Meilleure Ennemie” with Pomme and Chris Martin of Coldplay for the Arcane soundtrack, a duet with German DJ Paul Kalkbrenner on “Que Ce Soit Clair,” and a collaboration with Nigerian afrobeat star Burna Boy.
According to RTBF, the new track showcases Stromae’s signature style — a raw, unfiltered lyrical approach with layered production. “On retrouve du Stromae à 100% comme on le connaît,” the Belgian broadcaster noted, describing the song’s hypnotic rhythm and candid exploration of tension between two people.
A Gradual Return to the Spotlight?
While Stromae has remained largely behind the scenes since his tour cancellation, there have been signs of a gradual return. On March 12, 2026 — his 41st birthday — he made a surprise stage appearance at the ING Arena in Brussels, performing “La Pluie” alongside French rapper Orelsan. It was his first time on stage in three years.
Tove Lo will bring her ESTRUS tour to Vorst Nationaal (Forest National) in Brussels on November 9, 2026, raising speculation that Stromae might join her on stage. For fans eager for new material, “Des Fleurs” offers a compelling taste of what the Belgian superstar can still deliver — even if it comes through collaboration rather than a solo release.
What’s Next
With ESTRUS set for release in September and Tove Lo’s European tour beginning shortly after, the coming months will reveal whether Stromae continues his collaborative path or takes further steps toward a full return. For now, “Des Fleurs” stands as a testament to a creative partnership that took nearly a decade to fully blossom — and a reminder of Stromae’s enduring influence on the global pop landscape.