Corneille (pronounced “kor-NAY”) is a new Motown recording artist, but he’s got a background unlike any other on the iconic label. Not only does he have NO connection to Detroit, he has no ties to the US. Corneille is a young R&B artist who was born in Germany, raised in Rwanda, now holds Canadian citizenship, and sings in English and French. His sound has been compared to Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Sam Cooke. And although he has sold millions of records in both France and Canada, Corneille is relatively unknown here. His latest CD is called The Birth of Cornelius. And if the music doesn’t move people, the back-story will: Corneille’s parents and many members of his extended family were killed in the Rwandan genocide in 1994. He escaped to Germany and eventually found his way to Quebec and back into music. By the way, Cornelius is his given name, but when his parents moved back to Rwanda, the seven-year-old was acutely aware of trying to fit in with his new schoolmates and his name did not help. So Cornelius shortened his name to fit with his friends’ Francophone nicknames.
Here is the video for Corneille’s new song “Too Much of Everything.” Bob called it “the most intimate thing” he’s ever seen and yes, that is Corneille’s wife of three years, Sofia.
Thank you Bob for that compelling story and for the introduction to Corneille. I was doing some Saturday house work and listening to you this week-end. I stopped what I was doing and was completly focused on the story and the music. When you signed off the air I rushed to the phone and called my local music store and learned that they had one CD of "The Birth" I put it on hold will head that way to pick it up as soon as I finish my chores. I also ordered two more of them, to send to my two adult sons.
Love your program! I look forward to it every Saturday. So glad to have you back on NPR.
Thanks again.
Deloris
Would love to see you come to Baton Rouge! Your philosophy is a healing example for other conflicts that have wounded so many. Thank you, Corneille. And, Bob Edwards, I’m in complete agreement with you about that beautiful video. Off now to purchase the CD.
By the way, Corneille, if you do come to Baton Rouge, let me know. There are some great music venues here, and the food ain’t bad either, as they say in the vernacular.
Cornelius:
Thank you for sharing your story on the radio. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your voice. It is smooth, soothing, moving and spiritual as only one emerging from the dark abyss of suffering can address the world around them. But it is filled with hope and gratitude as only one who has tasted healing can express. I look forward to buying the cd. Best wishes in your journey of continued healing. SM