Mourad Tsimpou, a young piano prodigy from Marseille, passed away at the age of 19 after battling a rare liver disease throughout his life. Mourad died on Saturday morning at the Necker children's hospital in Paris. His exceptional talent and meteoric rise in the music world have left an indelible mark on those who knew him and his work.
Mourad, often referred to as the 'Zidane of the piano,' hailed from Castellane, a city in Marseille known for producing the football legend Zinédine Zidane. Despite not having a piano at home, Mourad discovered his passion for the instrument during a visit to the Timone hospital at the age of 14. With no formal training or knowledge of music theory, he amazed everyone with his perfect pitch and ability to play without a score.
In 2018, Mourad's life changed dramatically when a video of him performing Chopin's 'Fantaisie-Impromptu' on a hospital piano went viral on Twitter. The video garnered the attention of music professionals, including songwriter André Manoukian, and marked the beginning of Mourad's illustrious career. With the help of Samia Ghali, then a senator and now deputy mayor of Marseille, and Éric Scotto, a music store manager, Mourad received his first piano.
Mourad's talent quickly propelled him to fame. He made a notable television appearance on the show 'Quotidien' in 2019, where he improvised a Chopin piece live. He was also recruited by Olympique de Marseille to perform 'Jump' by Van Halen at the Stade Vélodrome. In 2021, he performed at the opening of the Top 14 rugby final between Toulouse and La Rochelle at the Stade de France.
Throughout his career, Mourad released two studio albums, 'Prémices' in 2019 and 'Little Brother' in 2021. He collaborated with various artists, including André Manoukian, Soprano, Alonzo, Léa Castel, and Jok'Air. His contributions to music and his unique ability to express his love for Marseille and Olympique de Marseille through his piano playing have left a lasting legacy.
Following the announcement of Mourad's death, many tributes poured in. Olympique de Marseille's official account shared a heartfelt message, and the mayor of Marseille, Benoît Payan, expressed his condolences to Mourad's family and loved ones. Mourad will be buried in the Comoros, where his family is originally from. A Leetchi fundraiser has been set up to support his family during this difficult time.
- Mourad's journey from a hospital piano to fame is a testament to his extraordinary talent and determination. Despite never receiving formal training, his natural ability and passion for music shone through in every performance.
- The viral video that launched Mourad's career not only showcased his talent but also highlighted the power of social media in discovering and promoting new artists. His story serves as an inspiration to many young musicians who dream of making it big.
- Mourad's collaborations with well-known artists and his performances at major events demonstrated his versatility and ability to connect with diverse audiences. His music transcended genres and brought people together.
- The outpouring of tributes following Mourad's passing underscores the impact he had on the music community and beyond. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and fans alike.
