Corneille developed an interest in music early on, and it was an interest his father supported and encouraged. His influences included Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole as well as Prince and other artists.
At 16 years old Corneille made his first recording, and was selected as a finalist in a music contest sponsored by the state run television station in Kigali. Corneille's childhood could be characterized as normal for a somewhat privileged youth brought up in a family with caring, highly educated parents.
Daily life in Kigali changed dramatically in 1994, when former President Habyarimana was assassinated, and the largest, most horrific genocide in modern history claimed over 800,000 victims.
Corneille managed to escape first to Kinshasa, and then to Germany, where he was adopted by friends of his parents. He stayed in Germany for three years completing his baccalaureate studies, before arriving ultimately in Montréal. Corneille enrolled in University when he landed in Montréal, but his focus was immediately diverted to music.
In Montréal at 20 years old, Corneille formed a band called O.N.E., meaning Original New Element. O.N.E. achieved modest success, thanks in part to a Ms. Jodi Richards, who supported and advised the band. When O.N.E. disbanded in 2001, Corneille again turned to Ms. Richards for advice. Ms. Richards imparted the belief that you are only an artist when you know what your art means, which became a guiding principal for Corneille.
In 2002 Corneille released his first studio album, 'Parce Qu'on Vient de Loin.' Initially, 'Parce Qu'on Vient de Loin' went for the most part unnoticed in Canada, but due in large part to promotional efforts made by Wagram, Corneille's label in France, Corneille's first album's sales skyrocketed. 'Ensemble' and 'Sans Rancunes,' were the first two hit singles from the album. Sales of 'Parce Qu'on Vient de Loin' gathered powerful momentum, but the album was still virtually unnoticed in Canada. DKD's (now DEJA Musique CEO) Janie Duquette completely re-released the album, with 'Rêves de Star' as the first single. By 2004 sales of 'Parce Qu'on Vient de Loin' on both sides of the Atlantic were booming. With sales reaching Platinum status in Canada, Corneille received his first Felix Award for Best Male Artist selected by the public at the 'Gala de la Disque' in Montréal. Meanwhile in France sales of the album reached over 500,000 copies.
In 2005 Corneille's ascent continued, as he recorded a song with Senegalese superstar Youssou N'Dour, in support of Unicef and the fight against AIDS. Corneille is a Red Cross Canada spokeperson, has been made a Unicef Goodwill Ambassador, and continues to be active in those and other humanitarian roles.
In 2005 Corneille's second studio album, 'Les Marchands de Rêves' was released to rave critical reviews.
In 2007, Corneille earned and signed contracts with Sony Music Japan, and with UniversalMotown for the World ex-Japan (SMJI), France (Wagram) & Canada (DEJA). With these partners, as well as Universal Music Group partners in the UK and elsewhere, and with help from all of you at corneille.ca, Corneille's fanbase is becoming truly global.
On November 20, 2007, Corneille was given the award for best International Singer-songwriter by SOCAN. Look for 'The Birth of Cornelius' US' release on UniversalMOTOWN in Spring 2008. Corneille, a man of this world, and an artist whose time is now...
Petite sœur
Corneille Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Je sais ton chemin
Et Dieu sait qu'on est fiers
Si c'est demain que tu crains
Voilà ma main, tiens-là bien
Et pense à toi hier et surtout...
Prends ton temps petite soeur
Prends ton temps petite soeur
Tu auras ce que tu vaux
Prends ton temps petite soeur
Tu l'auras grands et beau
Prends ton temps petite soeur
Petite soeur, petite soeur
Prends ton temps
Sache que l'amour que t'attends
Est celui qui t'attend
Oui il se fait rare mais tu peux me croire, il vaut ça
Ça prend des larmes et du temps
Des mirages, des amants
Avant que tu te rendes jusque-là
Prends ton temps petite soeur
Tu seras ce qu'il te faut
Prends ton temps petite soeur
Tu auras ce que tu vaux
Prends ton temps petite soeur
Tu l'auras grands et beau
Prends ton temps petite soeur
Petite soeur, petite soeur
Prends ton temps
Prends ton temps petite soeur
Tu seras ce qu'il te faut
Prends ton temps petite soeur
Tu auras ce que tu vaux
Prends ton temps petite soeur
Tu l'auras grands et beau
Prends ton temps petite soeur
Petite soeur, petite soeur
Prends ton temps
The lyrics of Corneille's song "Petite sœur" convey a message of encouragement, support, and guidance to a beloved younger sibling or friend. The singer speaks directly to the younger sister, telling her that he knows where she comes from and the path that she has taken to get where she is. He also acknowledges that there might be fears and uncertainties about the future, but he offers his hand and reassures her that he and others are proud of her.
The main message of the song is to urge the younger sister to take her time and not rush to achieve her goals. The singer reminds her that she will become what she needs to be, to take her time, and to remember her past. The message is clear - the younger sister needs to slow down and enjoy the present, not to worry about the future. The singer tells her that she will have what she deserves if she takes the time to get there. He also advises her to keep looking for true love, and that she will find it eventually, but only after shedding tears and facing heartbreaks.
Overall, the lyrics of "Petite sœur" are touching and inspiring, as they remind listeners to take their time, cherish their past, learn from their mistakes, and believe in their future. It is a beautiful song that encourages and supports, giving hope to the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
Je sais d'où tu viens
I know where you come from
Je sais ton chemin
I know your journey
Et Dieu sait qu'on est fiers
And God knows we're proud
Si c'est demain que tu crains
If tomorrow is what you fear
Voilà ma main, tiens-là bien
Here is my hand, hold it tight
Et pense à toi hier et surtout...
And think about yesterday, and especially...
Prends ton temps petite soeur
Take your time little sister
Tu seras ce qu'il te faut
You will be what you need to be
Tu auras ce que tu vaux
You will have what you're worth
Tu l'auras grands et beau
You will have it big and beautiful
Prends ton temps petite soeur
Take your time little sister
Petite soeur, petite soeur
Little sister, little sister
Sache que l'amour que t'attends
Know that the love you're waiting for
Est celui qui t'attend
Is the one waiting for you
Oui il se fait rare mais tu peux me croire, il vaut ça
Yes, it's rare, but believe me, it's worth it
Ça prend des larmes et du temps
It takes tears and time
Des mirages, des amants
Mirages, lovers
Avant que tu te rendes jusque-là
Before you get there
Contributed by Stella I. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Redline Dorsainvil
je me souviens quand ma grande soeur cherie ma envoyer cette musique, quand je lui ai dit que j"ai quelqu"un qui me fait la cour, j"etais en premiere annee FAC,,, oupssssss!!!! :-):-):-) loll ,,sans rien me dire,elle me l a envoyer comme reponse, j"ai tout compris et j"ai obeir ,et je n"ai pas regretter une seul segonde d"avoir ecouter et mettre en pratique les paroles,car j"ai trouver l"hoe de ma vie . Merci a ma grande soeur Edweena love you.
Maya Justine Alma
R.I.P à sa soeur , son frère et ses parents ! Que Dieu le bénisse et en espèrant qu'il fondera une belle famille avec celle qu'il mérite!
Disciple Meg
Elle a écrit ce commentaire y'a 5ans quand mm hein 😒
Benicat Benoit
Il a deja une famille avec une belle femme et deux beaux enfants. Meme en le connaissant pas, je suis tellemet contente pour lui
Marthe van wassenhove
j'aime les chansons de Corneille , pour moi ,c'est un message à tous les jeunes du monde pour une prise de conscience de la beauté de la vie .
Roman Zolanski 🦄
Moi , originaire du même pays que lui , j'ai un cousin qui à été adopté par mon oncle et il a vécu la même chose que lui
Que tout les rwandais qui ont vécu ca lors du Génocide soient bénit
Kingue JACOB ESAIE
c'est le meilleur parolier de tous les chanteurs de sons d'amour ...et tu fais bien d'aimer sa zik.....bon choix Imami Jones
HAMADA Nasra
T'es vraiment géniale Corneille
Missa p
magique chanson pour toute les soeurs sans exeption....
Buffalo New Yorker
J'aime beaucoup cette chanson. Much respect to ma brotha.