Le Grand Jojo

Recognized as one of Belgium’s most iconic artists, singer Jules Jean Vanobbergen (July 6, 1936), better known as Grand Jojo, etched himself indelibly on his country’s popular culture by perfectly synthesizing the national spirit with his festive brand of schlager music. Born in the neighborhood of Ixelles, he attended the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts with the hopes of becoming a painter. After working as a marketing draughtsman and then as a cartoonist, he decided to make a foray into music as Grand Jojo, a nickname he was given during his time in college. He made his debut in 1972 with the surrealist tango “Le Tango du Congo,” which quickly became one of his trademark songs. Further success ensued with tracks like “Victor le footballiste” (1974), “On a soif !” (1979), “Jules César” (1982), and “Sergent Flagrada” (1983), a slew of drinking songs that attained ubiquitous status around pubs in Brussels. In order to celebrate Anderlecht’s third consecutive title in 1985, he released the song “Anderlecht Champion,” followed by “E Viva Mexico” a year later, written to support the national team at the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Grand Jojo continued to perform well into the 21st century, sharing the stage with bands such as Skaïra and Poulycroc, and releasing albums like 2015’s Tout Va Très Bien, his last studio effort. A few months after announcing his retirement, Grand Jojo passed away on December 1, 2021, at the age of 85.