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Leslie | |
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Birth name | Leslie Bourgouin |
Born | Le Mans, Pays de la Loire, France | 4 February 1985
Genres | |
Occupation | Singer |
Years active | 2002–present |
Spouse | Kore |
Website | leslie-officiel |
Musical career | |
Genres | |
Instrument | Vocals |
Works | Leslie discography |
Labels |
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Leslie Bourgouin (born 4 February 1985), [1] [2] [3] known professionally by her mononym as Leslie, is a French pop and R&B singer. Emerging in the early 2000s, she became one of the most prominent voices in French contemporary R&B, praised for blending hip hop, soul, and pop influences into the mainstream. Her best-known singles include “Le bon choix”, “Je suis et je resterai”, “Et j’attends”, and her 2004 duet with Amine, “Sobri (Notre destin)”, which became a major hit across France, Belgium, and Switzerland, peaking at number 2 in France and selling over 400,000 copies.
Born and raised in Le Mans, Leslie spent much of her childhood in Gabon and Togo before returning to France as a teenager. She was discovered in 2001 after performing on the national talent show Graines de star, which launched her career in music. Signed shortly afterward, she released her debut album Je suis et je resterai (2002), which produced several charting singles and established her as a fresh voice in French R&B. Her sophomore album Mes couleurs (2004) confirmed her success, showcasing a more mature sound and collaborations with artists such as Kery James and Amine. The album was both a commercial and critical success, cementing her status in the French R&B scene.
Over the next decade, Leslie released three further albums: L’amour en vol (2006), À la recherche du bonheur (2010), and Les enfants de l’orage (2013). Her work during this period was marked by experimentation with electro-pop and dance influences while retaining her R&B roots. Although her 2008 project Futur 80 , an album of 1980s French pop covers, was shelved, it produced several promotional singles such as " Mise au point" and " Boule de flipper".
Following a hiatus during which she married producer Kore and started a family, Leslie withdrew from the spotlight for nearly a decade. She returned in 2024 with a new single, "Dans les veines", in collaboration with Kore and Franglish, and resumed performing live. In 2025, she marked her full comeback with an appearance at the Olympia in Paris for the 20th anniversary of Raï N’B Fever, reuniting with Amine for “Sobri” and announcing a new phase in her career.
During her childhood, Leslie lived abroad with her family, first in Gabon between the ages of six and nine, and later in Togo from the age of ten to fifteen. [4] These years in Africa exposed her to different rhythms and musical traditions, experiences she later cited as shaping her sensitivity to diverse sounds and cultures. [5] After returning to France as a teenager, she began singing in local neighborhood cultural centers (MJC) in Le Mans, where she performed demos and gradually immersed herself in the French urban music scene. [6] [7] Her older brother, known as “Little D,” was a budding composer and arranger who encouraged her to pursue music seriously and helped her record her first demos. [8]
Her first major public appearance came in 2001 on the televised talent competition Graines de star , broadcast on the M6 network. [9] The program, which had also introduced artists such as Alizée to the French public, gave Leslie a national platform at just sixteen years old. [10] Performing an R&B number that highlighted her vocal power and stage confidence, Leslie stood out from the more traditional pop contestants by presenting a style then rarely represented on French mainstream television. [11] [12] Her performance was well-received by both the judges and the audience, earning her comparisons to American R&B singers and positioning her as a promising new voice in France’s evolving pop-urban landscape. [13] [14]
After her Graines de star appearance in 2001, Leslie was signed to M6 Interactions and began recording her debut album with her brother “Little D” and producers Georges Padey and DJ Kore. [15] [16] Released in November 2002, Je suis et je resterai introduced her as one of the first French singers to bring contemporary R&B into the mainstream market. [17] [18] [19] At a time when French pop was still dominated by chanson, variété, and Eurodance, Leslie’s fusion of hip hop beats, soul-tinged vocals, and urban themes felt fresh to younger audiences. [20]
Leslie’s debut studio album Je suis et je resterai was released on 13 November 2002 through M6 Interactions, [21] marking her official entry into the French R&B scene. [22] Recorded between 2001 and 2002 with producers Cutee B, Maleko, David “Little D.” Adet, Georges Padey, and Martial “Kool” Louis, the project blended smooth R&B grooves with pop influences, setting the tone for her future sound. [23] Lyrically, the album reflected on themes of adolescence, heartbreak, personal growth, resilience, and authenticity, [24] with tracks like the title song “Je suis et je resterai” and “Salis par ces gens (What’s Your Name?)” addressing identity and social judgment, [25] while collaborations with artists such as Willy Denzey and Gülseren added variety and bilingual appeal. [26] [27] Commercially, the album debuted at number 61 on the French Albums Chart (SNEP), [28] later peaking at number 41 in January 2003, [29] [30] and remained on the charts for a total of 37 weeks. [31] It was ultimately certified double gold, with sales exceeding 150,000 copies, [32] solidifying Leslie as a rising force in early 2000s French R&B. [33] [34]
Released as the lead single in early March 2002, “Le bon choix” introduced Leslie to a wide audience. [35] Built on an upbeat R&B production with a strong hip hop rhythm, the song lyrically emphasized making the right decisions in relationships and life, [36] themes relatable to the younger listeners who quickly became her fanbase. [37] Its accompanying music video placed Leslie in stylized urban settings, aligning her with the American R&B imagery then popular on MTV and M6. [38] The single peaked at number 11 on the French Singles Chart and sold around 140,000 copies, becoming her breakthrough hit and setting the tone for her debut album. [39] [40]
Serving as the second single and title track, “Je suis et je resterai” was released August 2002, and was considered a statement piece for Leslie at the time. With lyrics asserting self-confidence and authenticity, it functioned as both a personal declaration and an anthem for self-empowerment among her listeners. [41] The single did not reach the same commercial heights as “Le bon choix”, but it was crucial in branding Leslie as a serious young R&B singer rather than a one-hit newcomer, reaching a peak position at number 13 and remained on the charts for 22 weeks. [42] [43] [44] The music video reinforced this message, featuring Leslie performing against moody backdrops that emphasized introspection. [45]
Released as the third single in February 2003, “On n’sait jamais” highlighted Leslie’s versatility. With a lighter, more melodic arrangement, [46] the song focused on the unpredictability of love and life, resonating with her teenage audience. [47] Critics noted that this single showcased Leslie’s vocal range more fully than her earlier work. Its video adopted a more narrative-driven approach, showing Leslie in everyday situations, emphasizing spontaneity and youth. [48] Compared to previous singles, the song experience more success, charting in Belgium (Wallonia), Switzerland, and France. [49] [50] [51] It strengthened her presence on radio and music television channels such as NRJ and M6. [52]
Closing the album’s promotional cycle, “Pardonner” was released as the fourth single in August 2003. [53] While rooted in R&B traditions, the song’s tempo and arrangement are notably upbeat for its theme of forgiveness. [54] The lyrics convey the difficult act of letting go; seeking to “forgive”, yet do not dwell in sadness. [55] The visuals reinforce this positive tone. The choreography symbolizes the transformative power of forgiveness and appears celebratory rather than captive to sorrow, illustrating that emotional growth can be invigorating and even joyful. [56] The song performed well on charts, spending 20 weeks on the French Singles Chart and peaking at number 18, [57] [58] with additional chart entries in Belgium and Switzerland. [59] [60]
Following the promising success of her debut, Leslie returned to the studio with producers Kore & Skalp to refine her sound for a second album. [61] Released on 17 May 2004, [62] Mes couleurs (“My Colors”) marked a significant step forward in her artistic development, blending contemporary French R&B with elements of pop, soul, and hip-hop. [63] The record distinguished Leslie from her peers by embracing a more assertive and urban aesthetic, cementing her reputation as one of the first mainstream French artists to popularize R&B in the national charts. [64] [65] [66]
The album’s lead single, “ Sobri (Notre destin) ”, a duet with Amine, was released on 11 May 2004. [67] Fusing French R&B with raï influences, [68] the track became an immediate hit, reaching the top ten of the French Singles Chart and enjoying heavy rotation on radio and music television. [69] [70] [71] Its success introduced Leslie to a broader audience beyond R&B enthusiasts, [72] making the song one of the defining urban-pop crossovers of the mid-2000s in France. [73] [74] The single’s popularity also extended to Belgium and Switzerland, helping to consolidate her international profile. [75] [76] Proving to also be successful in sales, it sold over 320,000 copies, without any certifications given. [77]
The second single, “ Et j’attends ”, followed on 12 September 2004. [78] A slower, more introspective ballad, the song showcased Leslie’s vocal range and ability to blend emotion with smooth R&B phrasing. Although it did not reach the same commercial heights as “Sobri (Notre destin),” it demonstrated her versatility as an artist and appealed strongly to her growing fanbase, [79] [80] [81] reinforcing her identity as one of the few female voices in France committed to this genre. [82] It sold over 110,000 copies, proving capable of receiving sales. [83]
The final single from the project, “ Vivons pour demain ”, was released on 10 May 2005. [84] With its uplifting message and rhythmic energy, [85] it became a summer anthem and maintained Leslie’s presence on the charts more than a year after the album’s release. [86] [87] Its music video portrayed her in a more polished and mature image, signaling her evolution from a teenage R&B hopeful into a confident young woman with a defined artistic direction. [88]
With the growing success of Mes couleurs, Leslie sought to broaden her artistic horizons and move toward a more international sound. This ambition culminated in her third studio album, L’amour en vol (“Love in Flight”), released in November 2006. [89] The project leaned into a sleeker production style, blending French R&B with transatlantic influences from American hip-hop and contemporary soul. [90] Thematically, the album revolved around love, personal reflection, and empowerment, and it signaled Leslie’s transition into a more mature stage of her career. [91]
The lead single, “ L’envers de la terre ”, was released in July 2006. [92] Combining reflective lyrics with atmospheric R&B arrangements, the song highlighted Leslie’s increasing sophistication as a songwriter and performer. [93] Upon release, the single performed well, charting in France, Switzerland, and temporarily, Belgium. In France, the single debuted and peaked at number 16 on the French Singles Chart, breaking entry into the top 20, dated 8 July 2006. [94] Lasting a total of 18 weeks on the chart, [95] its last chart presence was at number 96 in November 2006. [96] In Switzerland, the song debuted at number 84, dated 23 July 2006. [97] A few weeks later, the song reached its peak position at number 65 on the Swiss Singles Chart, dated 3 September 2006. [98] In total, the single spent 7 weeks on the Swiss HitParade charts, [99] with its final chart presences residing at number 93 on 10 September 2006. [100] In Belgium, it charted highly for one week on the Ultratip charts at number 3, dated 16 September 2006. [101]
Later that year, on 27 November 2006, Leslie revisited one of her defining hits with “ Sobri 2 ”, a reimagined follow-up to her 2004 collaboration with Amine. [102] The sequel single updated the original’s fusion of R&B and raï with more modern production, appealing to both fans of the first version and new listeners. [103] Its release generated considerable buzz, [104] [105] [106] as “Sobri (Notre destin)” had become one of the iconic French urban tracks of the decade, and the sequel reinforced Leslie’s standing as a central figure in this musical movement. [107] [104]
Her third single from the album, “ Accorde-moi ”, released on 23 April 2007, represented her most ambitious international crossover effort yet. [108] Recorded as a duet with American R&B singer Bobby Valentino, the track blended French and English lyrics, symbolizing Leslie’s desire to connect beyond francophone audiences. [109] [110] The collaboration received attention in both France and abroad, [111] and the single became one of her signature songs from this era, further enhancing her credibility in the urban music scene. [112]
After the release of L’amour en vol, Leslie began preparing a new project called Futur 80. [113] It was announced in late 2007 as an album of 1980s French pop covers, reimagined with modern R&B and electronic production. [114] According to eVous, the concept included tracks such as Boule de flipper and Mise au point, and even a duet with Alain Chamfort. [115] The article noted that it was “a concept album of 80s covers” that aimed to bring a nostalgic yet contemporary sound. [115] Promotional singles like Boule de flipper were given radio play and music videos, and NRJ described it as a project “expected in 2008” but constantly delayed. [116]
Despite this early promotion, the album faced setbacks with Leslie’s label, EMI. Charts in France reported that Futur 80 would be “available only digitally,” but the release never happened. [117] Paperblog also reinforced that the label had abandoned a physical format, reflecting hesitation and lack of support. [118] On her official Universal Music France page, the project was later described as one that “confuses her audience,” signaling that her fanbase struggled to connect with the idea. [119] RTBF summed it up simply: “The album Futur 80 is cancelled for an unknown reason.” Even though some songs reached the public, the full project was shelved, and critics saw this cancellation as a turning point. [120] As LiveOne explained, the covers album “marked a halt in her career,” pausing her momentum at a crucial stage. [121]
After the aborted 80s covers project in 2008, Leslie regrouped independently with Artop/Wagram and returned to album writing across 2009–2010 with longtime collaborator and producer Kore (also credited as DJ Kore) and his circle (notably Bellek/Skalp on the production side). [122] [123] Recording took place between 2009 and 2010, with an aesthetic shift toward electro/dance textures grafted onto her R&B-pop foundations. [124] The result, À la recherche du bonheur, was released on 6 September 2010. [125] French press framed it as a personal, contemporary R&B set that broadened her palette to electro-pop club sonics. [126]
Editorially and lyrically, the album pivoted toward intimate, sometimes social topics. [127] In an in-depth release-week interview, Leslie explained the change of tone and her mindset at 25: "Today, I may be afraid of more things, but on the contrary, I feel freer. Freer artistically, freer in my life... It's an album that is in the present... the modest side that I could have previously had in my lyrics, I had it much less in this one, where I address my childhood, the problems I had with my father...". [127] The same feature details how the Miami-leaning single “Never Never” mirrored the album’s clubbier side, [128] while “Tout sur mon père” served as a cathartic lead single about an absent father. [129]
Commercially, the album performed modestly in France, peaking and debuting at number 34 on the French Albums Chart (SNEP) and logging a short chart life of 7 weeks. [130] Subsequently enough, the singles “Tout sur mon père”, “Never Never” and “Hier encore” failed to match the impact of earlier hits and chart on the Singles chart. [131] [132] [133]
During the cycle, Leslie also toured media stages and took part in one-off collaborations: in 2011 she joined FDJ/NRJ12 concert events, [134] released “I Need You More” with Romanian act Crush & Alexandra under European dance producers, and proved to be moderate on the French Singles chart, [135] debuting at number 87, dated 17 September 2011, [136] and reached a peak position at number 54, dated 1 October 2011. [137] She also appeared on Alpha Blondy’s “Vuvuzela” remix produced by Kore, illustrating her widening stylistic and collaborative range even as the album era closed. [138] [139]
In 2012, Leslie announced a new project led creatively by Kore with songwriting penned primarily by Siméo and additional composition/production from Fred Savio, [140] signaling a more “organique” and writer-driven approach. [141] Label communications and music-press briefs emphasized that Leslie and her team were working outside major-label structures “pour être totalement libres dans leurs choix artistiques,” with Siméo “résumant” her voice in direct, uncluttered texts. [142] Sessions were held in Paris studios (Studio Haxo, Studio Question de Son), and the record leaned into French pop/R&B with some pop-rock inflections. [143] [144] [145]
The campaign launched in May–June 2012 with “Des mots invincibles”, [146] introduced to radio and press as the first single (a remix featuring Youssoupha followed). [147] [148] [149] A fall 2012 second push highlighted “Ma génération,” [150] [151] before the album arrived on 4 February 2013. [152] Media pieces from the period presented the record as a turning point a decade after her debut, positioning Leslie as a more mature vocalist fronting songs written to fit her lived perspective. [153]
The album’s most visible chart moment came via her feature on the nationwide Génération Goldman tribute series: “Je te donne” (Leslie & Ivyrise) entered the French singles chart and peaked at number 38, giving her a notable mainstream presence during the campaign window. [154] Meanwhile, the parent album Les enfants de l’orage debuted at number 70 on the French Albums Chart and spent two weeks on the chart, [155] a relatively brief run despite sustained airplay pushes for “Des mots invincibles” and follow-ups. [156]
After more than a decade of relative silence, Leslie made a triumphant return to the music scene in 2024. In July, she appeared at the Do You Remember (DYR) Festival near Paris, surprising fans with a performance that featured a selection of her early hits, such as Sobri, Le bon choix, Je suis et je resterai, and Et j’attends, marking her first live appearance since 2013. [157] [158]
Her studio comeback followed that September with the release of “Dans les veines,” a new single produced by her partner DJ Kore and featuring the R&B artist Franglish in September 2024. According to M Radio, Leslie announced on Instagram: “Tonight at midnight, ‘Dans les veines’ will be released with my brother Franglish, produced by the goat DJ Kore... to celebrate the 20 years of ‘Raï N’B Fever’, for nostalgia… but also to open a new page…”. [159] Charts in France similarly celebrated her R&B resurgence, calling “Dans les veines” a “serious hit” that reasserted her presence in the genre after a significant hiatus. [157]
The new single " Dans les veines " was released on 27 September 2024, produced by Kore and featuring Franglish. It marked a strategic, successful comeback: according to user reports on fan forums, the song gathered approximately 700,000 streams on Spotify shortly after release, signaling strong audience engagement. [160] Chart data shows the single peaked at number 81 on the Apple Music chart (early October 2024), and reached #12 on radio airplay charts around mid-October, confirming notable reach across platforms. [161] Media coverage emphasized Leslie’s musical versatility and return to form. Axone Radio described the single as “vibrant and melodious,” reaffirming her skill in blending genres and touching listeners, reinforcing her relevance despite time away. [162] On the French Singles Chart (SNEP), the single peaked and debuted at number 138, and maintained one week total on the chart. [163]
Leslie’s return gained further momentum in February 2025, when she took the stage at the legendary Olympia in Paris for the 20th anniversary of Raï N’B Fever. Sharing the stage with Amine, she performed Sobri and emotionally addressed the audience: "Je ne vous ai pas oubliés moi non plus” (“I have not forgotten you either”)". [164]
Leslie is married to the music producer Kore (DJ Kore, née Djamel Fezari), who has been both her longtime creative collaborator and romantic partner. They have been together since the early to mid-2000s and maintain a strong artistic and personal bond. [165]
In late January 2015, Leslie announced her pregnancy with their first child. A few months later, in August 2015, she confirmed the birth of a son via a heartfelt Instagram post, sharing a touching image of her newborn’s tiny feet. [166]
Earlier, in a 2003 interview, Leslie revealed that her father had left the family when she was just four years old. She described feeling apprehensive about reconnecting with him years later, explaining, “I realized very late that I was angry with him… I was panicked. I had the feeling I was going to see a ghost.” She added that her relationship with Kore helped support her through these emotional challenges. [167]
Beyond performing, Leslie stepped into a mentorship role as a director artistique at the label Awa Gang, founded by Kore. In 2018, she co-wrote the song “Casablanca” for Moroccan artist Saad Lamjarred and shared that she continues to write music; both for herself and to help guide emerging artists in their musical development. [168]
Leslie possesses a soprano vocal type with the ability to deliver both delicate whispers and resonant belts, lending her pop-R&B tracks expressive versatility. [169] She emerged in the early 2000s as one of the first French artists to successfully bring contemporary R&B into the Francophone mainstream, at a time when France’s music scene was dominated by chanson and variété. [170] Her fusion of hip-hop beats, soul-tinged vocals, and urban lyrical themes struck a chord with younger audiences. [171] Leslie’s music is characterized by a blend of French R&B and pop, often informed by her multicultural heritage. She integrates world music elements, drawing from Latin, North African, and African influences, thanks to her upbringing in Gabon and Togo. [172] [173] Leslie’s personal narrative, rooted in her multicultural background (Vietnamese, Wallisian, African upbringing), deeply shapes her musical identity. Her work stands out for interweaving R&B, soul, urban pop, and diverse global rhythms to create a sound that feels both universal and intimately personal. [174]
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