Jo Lemaire & Flouze

Belgian husband-and-wife duo Jo Lemaire + Flouze burst onto the scene in the late 1970s with their eclectic blend of new wave, post-punk, and Afro-pop. The duo, formed in 1979, consisted of singer Jo Lemaire and her partner, multi-instrumentalist Philippe Depireux. Their debut release, the self-titled album Jo Lemaire + Flouze (1979), served as an introduction to the group's angular yet dancefloor-oriented tendencies. The album's innovative arrangements and Jo Lemaire's ethereal vocals quickly caught the attention of critics and listeners alike. The group continued to refine their sound and further develop their style with their second release, Precious Time (1980). Their sophomore effort expanded their repertoire, incorporating a wider range of instruments and even more sophisticated songwriting. In 1981, Jo Lemaire + Flouze reached new heights with the release of Pigmy World, an ambitious release that found the duo pushing the limits of their sound even further by associating themselves with Durutti Column's Vini Reilly. Driven by the success of their synth-pop take on Serge Gainsbourg's "Je Suis Venue Te Dire Que Je M’en Vais," Pigmy World marked a pivotal moment in their career, as the duo gained international recognition and a dedicated fan base. Despite their growing success, Jo Lemaire + Flouze decided to disband in 1982, with Jo Lemaire embarking on a solo career shortly after.