Marka (singer)

Serge Van Laeken was born into a Flemish family and grew up in the bilingual Brussels municipality of Molenbeek. Since his parents were very busy, he was brought up mainly by his grandparents. His childhood was untroubled and he spent a good part of his time playing football with his friends. He was given the nickname Markassou by an African friend and it was later shortened to Marka. Marka bought his first guitar in 1978 and then began performing with small groups in Brussels. He joined the group Allez Allez in 1981. In February 1983 he formed Les Cactus and released his first solo album in 1992. In March 1995 he signed a contract with Columbia France for three albums and released as singles two of the tracks which were to sell the best, "Accouplés" et "La Poupée Barbue". "L'Idiomatic" was released in 1997.