Grand Corps Malade

Fabien Marsaud, known by his stage name Grand Corps Malde, is a seminal French slam poet and singer‑songwriter whose career has reshaped the contemporary French music landscape. Born on 31 July 1977 in Le Blanc‑Mesnil, Seine‑Saint‑Denis, he grew up in a middle‑class family; his mother worked as a librarian and his father, Jacques Marsaud, served as a regional civil servant. From an early age Marsaud displayed an aptitude for literature, writing his first verses at fourteen, while simultaneously excelling in sports such as basketball and athletics. A life‑changing spinal injury suffered in a 1997 diving accident left him reliant on a crutch, an experience that inspired his evocative stage name—Grand Corps Malade translates to “tall sick body.” After completing a DEUG in physical education and a DESS in sport management, he entered the marketing world at Stade de France before turning to slam poetry in 2003, quickly gaining recognition at venues like Place de Clichy and Reservoir. His debut album Midi 20 (2006) broke into the French top ten, earning two Victoires de la Musique awards and establishing him as a voice of a new generation.

Since then, Grand Corps Malade has released a string of critically acclaimed albums, each exploring personal and societal themes through a blend of spoken word and minimalist melodies. Enfant de la ville (2008) and 3 ème temps (2010) solidified his reputation, while Funambule (2013) and Plan B (2018) saw him experiment with vocal singing for the first time. His collaborative project Mesdames (2020), a tribute to women featuring duets with prominent French artists, topped both French and Belgian charts and earned him a third Victoire de la Musique award. Expanding into cinema, he co‑directed the acclaimed films Patients (2017) and School Life (2019), both reflecting his personal narrative of resilience. With more than seven studio albums, numerous film credits, and a legacy of bringing slam poetry to mainstream audiences, Grand Corps Malde remains an influential cultural figure whose work continues to inspire across music, literature, and film.