Photo courtesy of RTBF / Hadrien Hanse

Eurovision 2022 has its first confirmed act. The Voice Belgique winner Jérémie Makiese will represent Belgium next year in Italy.

The 20-year-old artist was confirmed this morning on the VivaCité radio morning show Le 8/9. For 2022, Belgium’s Eurovision entry is managed by the French-speaking broadcaster RTBF. Flemish broadcaster VRT managed the country’s entry in both 2020 and 2021.

Since 2013, RTBF’s Eurovision acts have also been alums of The Voice Belgique — Belgium’s French-language version of the popular reality show franchise. In previous years, The Voice stars Roberto Bellarosa, Loïc Nottet, Blanche and Eliot have represented their country at Eurovision.

While Jérémie has been confirmed for Eurovision 2022, at this stage no information is known about his song. Jérémie lists pop icon Michael Jackson, soul legend Otis Redding, Belgian musical icon Stromae and Belgian-Congolese rapper Damso as among his influences, which may offer clues as to the direction of his Eurovision entry.

Who is Jérémie Makiese?

Jérémie Makiese came to fame through his participation in the 2020-2021 series of The Voice Belgique.

He auditioned with a performance of Labrinth’s “Jealous”, which prompted all four judges to turn. Jérémie was coached by the American-born singer BJ Scott. She had previously coached Loïc Nottet during his time on the show and co-wrote the lyrics to his Eurovision 2015 song “Rhythm Inside”.

Jérémie gave many impressive performances on the show and easily won over the voting public. He won the grand final in April.

Jérémie was born in Antwerp to Congolese parents. He grew up in the Uccle municipality of Brussels and speaks both French and Dutch.

The official press release tells us more:

“He started school in Dutch, his mother tongue. Later, he learned French thanks to his parents, originally from Congo, and during his later studies.”

“At home, each member of his family is bilingual.
Jérémie continued his High School studying geology. But after winning The Voice Belgique he decided to put his studies on hold and to pursue his passion in music and also his evolution in the football world.”

“Since the beginning of his teenage years, Jérémie has been driven by these two passions : music and football.”

“Two passions who have been rhythming his life for several months now. Today, he wishes to give all the chances to his musical and sports careers and… just go for it !”

“Although in the beginning, Jérémie’s father refused for a long time to allow him to play football for fear that his son would get badly injured. He therefore only started playing quite late, at the age of 13, and joined a football team without his parent’s permission : BX Brussels, Vincent Kompany’s club.”

“In addition to football, Jérémie started singing lessons in his local school of Berchem-Sainte- Agathe. Even though he had been singing since his early childhood in churchs with his brothers and at family gatherings, Jeremie never really realized the importance of music in his life. It all seemed normal to him. Indeed, Jérémie grew up in a musical family. His father was a member of a choir that performed all over Belgium. As for his mother, she regularly accompanied herself with the tam-tam when singing. Music runs in their veins.”

“Jérémie really discovered this passion during a song contest organized by the local school of Les Glycines in Berchem-Sainte-Agathe. His father registered him without really knowing what it was all about. Jérémie won the competition hands down. It is this victory that made him want to register for The Voice Belgique at the dawn of his 20th birthday.”

“During this adventure, he developed a deep bond with his coach BJ Scott who remains his mentor in the musical world, a shoulder on which he knows he can lean on whenever he doubts. Church and gospel music are common denominators between these two artists.”

“Today, his football career continues alongside with his deep aspirations in the music industry. Jérémie has just signed a one-year contract as goalkeeper with the Excelsior Virton in D1B. He now strongly wishes to invest himself in his two passions.”

“Perfect candidate to represent us at the Eurovision 2022, Jérémie Makiese is the fruit of our country’s history. Born of Congolese parents, this young Belgian speaks our two national languages. A nice mix of culture that feeds the musical universe of a fully complete artist who sings from the bottom of his soul.”

What do you think? What kind of song should Jérémie perform at Eurovision 2022? Should he incorporate football into his performance? Tell us your thoughts below!

Read more Belgium Eurovision news here

56 Comments
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Bird Lover
Bird Lover
2 years ago

good for him. He’ll be more than fine

Gav
Gav
2 years ago

Very smooth! Jealous is amazing. I hope he brings something of that depth to the contest. ??

Luc
Luc
2 years ago

For some reason I felt I knew it was going to be him, although I first heard of him some days ago. So far, he looks promising – great voice, charisma and talent, and I’d love to see Belgium fare better than this year, I hope he delivers 😀

Nikko
Nikko
2 years ago

So is he the first Flemish artist for the French broadcaster? The last time it was vice-versa, Axel Hirsoux was Walloon but participated for Flemish TV

James
James
2 years ago
Reply to  Nikko

Anyone who’s from Brussels is a cross between the two language regions.

Stephanie
Stephanie
2 years ago
Reply to  Nikko

Not exactly. The first one was Tonia way back in the 60’s

creupoplite
creupoplite
2 years ago
Reply to  Nikko

HE is born in the flemish part of the country, but he lived nearly his whole live in Brussels, which is neither Flander nor wallonia, but in between. Yeah, it is located on the map in the flemish part, but it is more of a ”neither of those 2 possibilities”

Luc
Luc
2 years ago
Reply to  creupoplite

Indeed, Brussels is the only thing keeping Wallonia and Flanders together!

Adis
Adis
2 years ago
Reply to  Nikko

Sanomi was Flemish send by the French side. It’s not the first time

Ria van de Velde
Ria van de Velde
2 years ago

Good Luck for Belgium, Jérémie has a beautiful voice I hope for a great song !!

Erasmus
Erasmus
2 years ago

He looks and seems great!

If any other country than Belgium would announce someone from the voice (with this I mean a beginner who has zero songs released) I’d be worried but Belgium always produces a great track, he is signed with Universal Music and I’m sure he will deliver something good.

I kinda want another moody track.

Esc addict
Esc addict
2 years ago

The first artist for 2022, great choice, good vocalist, charisma, good luck Belgium, you have something with this guy but what is the aim to present the artist September 15th if you release the song only March 10th the next year, it means almost 6 months, half a year to wait without knowing anything it’s huge…. it’s too long Belgium….like Rai begins to be too long too….Jeremie doesn’t know yet where he will sing in Italy, so what is the host city? The logo ? The slogan? The dates?

Last edited 2 years ago by Esc addict
Esc addict
Esc addict
2 years ago
Reply to  Esc addict

Belgium you should release the song more quickly and send Jeremie to sing it and promote it in all the big national finals, like in Norway, Albania, Sweden, France, Ukraine, for example, I’m sure it can help to get a great result.

Last edited 2 years ago by Esc addict
Wim
Wim
2 years ago
Reply to  Esc addict

That would be good… but will his club allow him so much time off?

Kristof
Kristof
2 years ago
Reply to  Esc addict

The goal is that the candidate does not have to “hide” that he is going to Eurovision. There is no secrecy needed anymore.

creupoplite
creupoplite
2 years ago

He, in fact, didn’t win the public vote easily… The public didn’t choose him for 4 straight weeks… But in the semi finale and in the finale, he finally did… He was well loved by the juries from beginning to end, and tha is why he is there :p But here, in the french speaking community of Belgium, he is not that well-liked… I am hopefull for him, but I am also really scared for my country :/

hhhhurricane
hhhhurricane
2 years ago

One thing about Belgium, they never miss when it comes to choosing the artist ?

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  hhhhurricane

But they have been hit or miss when it comes to staging. Let’s hope that he gets paired with a good song and that they have a great station concept that could give Belgium a great result.

Wim
Wim
2 years ago
Reply to  hhhhurricane

It has indeed been a while now since we last sent a truly terrible singer… but I’m crossing all my fingers and toes that this time we get the song and the staging right as well.

Adri
Adri
2 years ago

With Loic Nottet as songwriter and will also take care of the act and staging, I think this has a huge chance and I am really looking forward to this song.

Sam
Sam
2 years ago
Reply to  Adri

Is that gonna happen? Or is that just something you hope for?

Adis
Adis
2 years ago
Reply to  Sam

I heard from a Belgian friend who told me long before Jeremie was announced,that it would be him and that Loic and the songwriter of City lights, Pierre are both involved. After they messed up the staging in 2019 that Loic will bring in the ideas. He was right about Jeremie, so I hope he will be right about Loic being involved too.

Bella
Bella
2 years ago

Just listened to some of his performances on The Voice… I love him! Please, do not waste his talent and give him a good song!

Xxx
Xxx
2 years ago

Eh… He’s aight.

Efraim
Efraim
2 years ago

He’s got an amazing voice. With the right tune and presentation, I can easily picture Belgium on the top half of the Saturday board.

Sot
Sot
2 years ago

And still no host city announcement! ?

Last edited 2 years ago by Sot
Hyunwoo
Hyunwoo
2 years ago
Reply to  Sot

Perhaps they will announce it at the end of September

AdD
AdD
2 years ago
Reply to  Sot

Crazy, right? We’re beginning to learn who will compete, but have no idea where.

Azaad
Azaad
2 years ago

If he has a good song Belgium will do very well with the juries because his voice is incredible.

Colin
Colin
2 years ago

Welcome to the ESC family, Jeremie! All the best. 🙂
He obviously can sing, and has all the needed charisma. Now, of course, what is needed is a good song. Something that feels authentic to him, while also being able to capture the attention of others.

Last edited 2 years ago by Colin
Aeria
Aeria
2 years ago

I refuse to believe he is only 20 xD

Sam
Sam
2 years ago
Reply to  Aeria

He’s 21 😉

sanne
sanne
2 years ago

I’m very happy with my country’s artist! I don’t know him yet, but he sounds great and his musical style seems cool to me. He sings great and looks good and fresh. I’m exited we will do well again

Last edited 2 years ago by sanne
dygh
dygh
2 years ago

Born in Antwerp? Living in the Brussels region? Famous in Wallonia?
He is perfect!
His influences indicate this might be the first more uptempo song for Belgium since 2016. Very excited!!

Justin
Justin
2 years ago
Reply to  dygh

Uptempo ? considering his performances in The Voice Belgium, it’s unlikely the song would be a uptempo, but I hope it will, because I’m not that convinced that his kind of music is well-placed in Eurovision.

Let’s see and hope for the best !

Adis
Adis
2 years ago
Reply to  dygh

I think it will be a balad like City lights. I strongly doubt that they will give him an uptempo song.

Yudhistira Mahasena
2 years ago

Tusse, Jessy Matador, and now this… we’re getting Congolese diaspora in Eurovision right now. Dark-skinned people do have the greatest singing voices. So sad they are often the target of racism.

Belgium sure can win… but depends on whether or not Jeremie’s song is good or not next year.

Apollo
Apollo
2 years ago

?

Adis
Adis
2 years ago

If something Belgium is strong at the recent years, it are the songs. I am sure they will have a great song and a great vocalist. Let’s just hope they won’t mess up the staging again. Because what have they done with Wake up?

Hyunwoo
Hyunwoo
2 years ago

He really sings great, maybe he will get into the top five!

kir
kir
2 years ago

Two ESC artists of Congolese origin in a row. Interesting.

Last edited 2 years ago by kir
dygh
dygh
2 years ago
Reply to  kir

Celebrating diversity, babe.
I don’t really understand what you’re trying to point out here.

Giorgio
Giorgio
2 years ago
Reply to  kir

Who’s Congolese in Hooverphonic? Hm….

sanne
sanne
2 years ago
Reply to  Giorgio

He meant Tusse obviously, Giorgio.

Sot
Sot
2 years ago
Reply to  Giorgio

The girl with the bells XD just joking

Adis
Adis
2 years ago
Reply to  Giorgio

hahahaha, maybe Alex have been bading too long in bleach.

DonutLover
DonutLover
2 years ago

As I expected,promising artist!
Let’s hope his talent will be given a right treatment..
I love the mix of cultures and the way he feels the songs!

Leo
Leo
2 years ago

He seems promising
But please don’t waste his talent on a gospel song!

Ashton
Ashton
2 years ago
Reply to  Leo

gospel done right can slay though

James
James
2 years ago
Reply to  Leo

“Is it too late for love? Ooooh…I wanna know…”

Giorgio
Giorgio
2 years ago
Reply to  Leo

i’m seeing more R&B/disco coming from him than gospel. either way he is so talented (and gorgeous to look at too). i’m so excited! (Ha!)

Eugenie
Eugenie
2 years ago
Reply to  Giorgio

It would be cool to hear disco from him. You rarely hear it on ESC.

Eugenie
Eugenie
2 years ago
Reply to  Leo

Why gospel? Maybe, he’ll choose some electronic song or trap-influenced pop. You know, he’s skin colour doesn’t mean he’ll go with gospel.

Eugenie
Eugenie
2 years ago
Reply to  Eugenie

*his

GojoSatoru
GojoSatoru
2 years ago
Reply to  Eugenie

If you watch his The Voice performances, then you can see he sings, R&B, gospel, pop and some funk related songs.

Adis
Adis
2 years ago
Reply to  Leo

I don’t that Pierre and Loic Nottet will write a gospel song. I think it will be a balad with electo sound