Sofiane Pamart

Sofiane Pamart (born 25 April 1990) is a French pianist, originally from Hellemmes-Lille in France. He is known for playing in the French rap scene and collaborating with Formula One driver Charles Leclerc. He most recently performed for the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Summer Olympics, performing John Lennon's song Imagine in collaboration with Juliette Armanet.

He was a gold medalist at the Conservatoire de Lille. He has collaborated with French and Belgian rappers, including Koba LaD, Vald, Maes, Sneazzy, Médine, Hugo TSR, Scylla, Lord Esperanza, Frenetik and Dinos.

In 2019, he was a songwriter for two singles certified Gold: "Matin" by Koba LaD ft. Maes and "Journal Perso II" by Vald. The albums that both singles appeared on also achieved Gold status.

Early life and education

Sofiane Pamart was born on 25 April 1990 in Hellemmes where he grew up with his brother and sister, of whom he was the eldest. His father, from a family originally from Nord-Pas-de-Calais, then directed a French language center for foreigners, while his mother was a professor of literature. The mining tradition has been present in his family since his great-grandfathers who were underground miners. His maternal grandfather is of Moroccan origin, from a Berber family from Taroudant, who came to France to also be an underground miner.

His mother enrolled him at the age of seven at Conservatoire de Lille, where he studied piano and classical music for sixteen years. He obtained the Conservatory Gold Medal at the age of 23 by performing Maurice Ravel's "Alborada del gracioso" and Frédéric Chopin's " Ballade No. 4". At the same time, he graduated with a university degree in musicology and another degree in piano performance. He later completed his master's degree in law, economics, and management in University of Lyon, and in business administration at École de Management des Industries Créatives in Levallois-Perret.

Musical style and artistry

Pamart recognizes Frédéric Chopin, Maurice Ravel, and Claude Debussy as his models in classical piano music, and declares that Chopin is his favorite. Pamart said, "I love his talent for telling stories in his Waltzes, for accompanying moments of life in his Nocturnes. He has the gift of bringing out what is purest at the heart of his music." He also grew up listening to Georges Brassens because of his family. His piano compositions feature sounds with influences to the music of said composers. French classical pianist Henri Barda is also one of the figures who inspire him. He met Barda during his studies in Conservatoire de Lille. Pamart further said, "He taught me accuracy in emotion. Without him, I would not have become what I am." He also believes that his nomadic Berber origins through his mother give him a feeling of freedom and connection which can be found in his music as an influence.

Criticisms

His pianistic style as well as his compositions received negative reviews for their lack of ambition and their false virtuosity. Thus, the French jazz pianist described Pamart as "Chopin Wish version, easy version" or even "Richard Clayderman in bad boy mode". The musicologist "does not consider him in any way a classical pianist". He added, "it's objective is not to add something to the classical repertoire, but to forge a link with variety."

Discography

Studio albums

Extended plays

Singles

As lead artist

As featured artist

Honours

*2018: Ambassador for Salon du Luxe Paris
*2019: Gold Single for the composition of "Matin" - Koba LaD ft. Maes
*2019: Gold Single for the arrangement of "Journal Perso II" - Vald

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pamart, Sofiane
21st-century French male pianists
21st-century French composers
Living people
1990 births