Marka (Singer) Biography: Wife, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Albums, Movies & TV Shows

Serge Van Laeken, known professionally as Marka, is a Belgian singer, songwriter, composer, and filmmaker who has left a significant mark on the French-speaking music scene with his eclectic style blending pop, rock, and world music influences.

He first gained recognition in the early 1980s as a member of the new wave band Allez Allez and later as the frontman of Les Cactus.

His solo career, launched with his 1992 debut album, showcased his distinctive voice and witty lyricism, with hits like “Accouplés” and “La Poupée Barbue.”

Marka’s multifaceted career also includes filmmaking, with documentaries like Señor Marka and Si j’étais japonais, and collaborations with his wife, Laurence Bibot, in music and theater, making him a respected figure in Belgian arts.

Profile

• Full Name: Serge Van Laeken
• Stage Name: Marka
• Born: 27 May, 1961
• Age: 64 years old
• Birthplace: Watermael-Boitsfort, Brussels, Belgium
• Nationality: Belgian
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Composer, Filmmaker
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Van Laeken
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Laurence Bibot
• Children: Angèle, Roméo Elvis
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $3 million

Early Life and Education

Serge Van Laeken was born on May 27, 1961, in Watermael-Boitsfort, Brussels, and raised in the bilingual Molenbeek-Saint-Jean neighborhood. His parents names are unknown but are referred to as, Mr. and Mrs. They were often busy, leaving him primarily in the care of his grandparents during his untroubled childhood filled with football and friends.

An African friend nicknamed him “Markassou” after a Belgian sausage brand, later shortened to Marka. Details about his formal education are scarce, but his passion for music emerged early, leading him to purchase his first guitar in 1978.

His ethnicity is Belgian with Flemish roots, and his religion is not publicly disclosed.

Career

Marka began his musical career in Brussels’ vibrant scene, performing with small groups before joining the new wave band Allez Allez in 1981. Their EP African Queen gained radio play across Belgium, and the band performed at the 1982 Torhout-Werchter festival alongside U2 and Talking Heads. In 1983, Marka formed Les Cactus, blending punk and pop influences.

His solo debut album in 1992 marked a turning point, followed by a 1995 contract with Columbia France for three albums. Singles “Accouplés” and “La Poupée Barbue” became hits, though “Accouplés” faced radio bans in 1995 due to its Arab music elements amid terrorist attack concerns.

Marka’s career diversified in the late 1990s and 2000s with albums like L’homme qui aimait la scène (1998), featuring a cover of MC Solaar’s “Caroline,” and Avant-Après (2001). His 1999 collaboration with his wife, Laurence Bibot, in the show À nous deux at Le Botanique led to a live album on his label, Daring Music.

He composed the anthem for Les Francofolies de Spa in 2000 and scored the short film Signe d’appartenance (2004), which won a Silver Lion at Venice. His 2007 electro-pop project with Bibot, Monsieur et Madame, produced an album and international performances, while his 2008 collaboration with La Sonora Cubana resulted in the album Marka y La Sonora Cubana and the documentary Señor Marka.

Marka remains active, with his 2013 book Marka se reprend accompanied by a “best of” CD and a stage show. His 2010 album Made in Liège, written with Jacques Duvall and Thierry Robberecht, showcased his enduring creativity. In 2024, he performed at festivals and worked on new music, while his documentaries, including Si j’étais japonais (2009), reflect his passion for cultural exploration.

As the father of singer Angèle and rapper Roméo Elvis, Marka’s legacy extends through his family’s contributions to music. His 2005 knighthood as a Knight of the Order of Leopold II underscores his cultural impact in Belgium.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @marka_le_belge
• Facebook Handle: markalebelge

Personal Life

Marka is married to Belgian comedy actress and humorist Laurence Bibot. The couple has collaborated professionally, notably on the 1999 show À nous deux and the 2007 electro-pop project Monsieur et Madame. They have two children, singer Angèle and rapper Roméo Elvis, both prominent figures in Belgian music.

Discography

• Marka (1992)
• L’Idiomatic (1997)
• L’homme qui aimait la scène (1998)
• À nous deux (1999, live album with Laurence Bibot)
• Avant-Après (2001)
• Aktion Man (2006)
• Monsieur et Madame (2008, with Laurence Bibot)
• Marka y La Sonora Cubana (2008)
• Made in Liège (2010)
• Marka se reprend (2013, “best of” compilation)

Filmography

• Signe d’appartenance (2004, short film) – Composer
• Travestis (2007, documentary) – Director
• Señor Marka (2008, documentary) – Director
• Si j’étais japonais (2009, documentary) – Director
• Rendez-vous mè Dieu (2017, short film) – Music Department

Net Worth

Marka has an estimated net worth of $3 million USD. His income primarily derives from his extensive music career, including album sales, live performances, and festival appearances, such as Les Francofolies de Spa. His work as a filmmaker, with documentaries like Señor Marka, and collaborations with artists like La Sonora Cubana and his wife, Laurence Bibot, further contribute to his financial success.