A title that stands the test of time. In 2002, “Manhattan-Kabul”, a song written by Jean-Pierre Bucolo and Renaud and performed by the latter and Axelle Red, upset the French. Even today, the poignant lyrics of this song resonate in our current world where armed conflicts are increasing. “I think that when we put ourselves in the shoes of the characters, as we do in ‘Manhattan-Kaboul’, It’s to create empathy.. And so people really understand this injustice”, explained Axelle Red on the set of Telematin, on France 2, this Monday, December 4. And to continue: “So, unfortunately, it remains currentbut fortunately songs like this have stood the test of time and can continue this small role of awakening the senses.”
By evoking this title on the microphone of Thomas Sotto and Marie Portolano, the 55-year-old Belgian singer also remembered his delicious collaboration with Renaud: “It was great to be able to sing with someone who I call a soul mate or rather a soul brother like Renaud, that I admire enormously.” Thus, this collaboration gave rise to a beautiful friendship between the two artists. “I love Renaud, it’s someone I have in my heart. We’re not everyday friendsbut when we see each other, it’s very deep, when we call, it’s an hour and a half”, confided the mother of Janelle (born in 1999), Gloria (born in 2003) and Billie (born in 2005) to Galain 2018. And added: “When he’s bad, I’m always a little ashamed to call him but then, when I do, I’m happy.”
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“He’s a real man”
Axelle Red appreciates Renaud in his entirety, despite the faults of the singer who sank into depression and alcohol for several years. “My heart is super sensitive to this man. He’s a real man. And I’m sadbeing so loved by this French population, that he did not the 100% happy life he deservesit hurts my heart”, she explained in the show Boomerangon France Inter, in June 2022. And to describe the complexity of his friend: “We recognized ourselves asslightly vulnerable souls. We say what we think, we go for it, even if it’s not easy and we’re going to get slapped. He has the revolt of a committed teenager, and there was already a wisdom that saddened him. The adult version is unfortunate at Renaud’s.”
Article written in collaboration with 6Medias
Photo credits: Screenshot France 2