HCM CITY — French singer, songwriter and music producer Chaton will perform in a concert in HCM City on March 16 as part of his tour in Southeast Asia.

The singer will perform his latest songs, featuring rap and auto-tune melodies. The songs reflect his life experiences, dreams and illusions.

During his tour in Viet Nam, organised by the French Institute in Viet Nam, Chaton will also hold concerts in Can Tho City on March 10, Da Nang on March 12, and Ha Noi on March 23.

The institute will host an online singing contest for individuals or groups on its Facebook page.

Contestants should send a video of their performance of Chaton’s songs at https://goo.gl/forms/HhnoTAYmztlri7uq1 by March 14.

The videos will be uploaded on the institute’s Facebook page for voting.

The winners will be announced on March 19. They will receive cash prizes and tickets for Chaton’s concerts.

Chaton, whose real name is Simon Rochon Cohen, was known as Simeo before he changed his stage name.

He started playing piano at the age of 10, and then studied the guitar, drums and percussion.

He began composing for amateur music groups in his twenties.

In 2003, he released his debut album Les idees bleues (Blue Ideas) featuring his own songs.

His second album Envie (Desire), which was released three years later, was voted the favourite album at La Fnac, the large French retail chain selling cultural and electronic products.

His songs contain poetic lyrics and gentle melodies, with rap and reggae music.

He toured across Europe and Asia from 2003 to 2009, hosting nearly 500 performances. Viet Nam was one of his destinations, as well as Cambodia, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Thailand.

Chaton’s concert in HCM City will begin at 8pm at the Institute of Cultural Exchange with France (IDECAF) at 28 Le Thanh Ton Street in District 1.

Tickets can be purchased at http://bit.ly/CHATON-HCMV. — VNS