Helmut Lotti, world-renowned singing prodigy for over 30 years
Helmut Lotigiers was born on 22 October 1969 in Sint-Amandsberg. Everyone in the Lotigiers family was musically talented and played an instrument from a very young age. When he was in high school, the teenager sang the songs of his biggest idol, Elvis Presley - in the classroom, in the playground, in church and at markets. In 1988, he was given top billing in the Dutch KRO Soundmixshow, a singing competition for talented youngsters. It was the start of a brilliant career. He owes his first successes to the Flemish classics, including those in English.
He made his real breakthrough in 1995, under the stage name Helmut Lotti, with his series of live albums, "Helmut Lotti goes Classic", classical songs sung with a non-classical voice in a magnificent, grandiose setting and a live worldwide repertoire with a symphony orchestra. It went platinum. In 1997, "Helmut Lotti goes Classic" I, II and III were the three best-selling albums of all time in Belgium respectively and this trend did not stop. Even Michael Jackson was only number 4 with "Thriller". He was on stage as well as on television in South Africa, Wallonia, the Netherlands, Germany, the United States, Canada, Austria and elsewhere. France later followed with the Olympia in Paris, Switzerland, the whole of Scandinavia, Australia and, despite becoming a global name, he did not neglect Flanders.
He has also excelled alongside global stars such as Lionel Richie, Julio Iglesias, Khaled, The Bee Gees, Kenny G., Andrea Bocelli, Montserrat Caballé, Roberta Flack, Placido Domingo, Sarah Brightman, Eros Ramazzotti, Ace of Base, DJ Bobo, Fugees, Céline Dion and Cliff Richard. In addition to the light classics, he embraces other musical genres in his rich career, such as rock, pop, gospel, rock 'n' roll, Latin American, African and Russian music, crooner songs, soul, film music, cantare italiano. He has had countless concert tours, music and other awards and sold innumerable albums.
Such quality, commitment and passion have earned Helmut Lotti considerable official recognition. In 1997, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) offered him the role of ambassador. In this role, in 2001, he met Crown Prince Philippe and Princess Mathilde to discuss the urgent needs and problems of children around the world, and in 2003 he visited various HIV and AIDS prevention projects in Namibia. His commitment led to a charity concert in Kuurne (West Flanders) in aid of one of these projects. In 2008, he launched UNICEF's campaign against malnutrition in Burundi. In 2004, King Albert II appointed him Grand Officer of the Order of Leopold, and on King's Day 2007, he sang the Brabançonne - in Dutch, French and German - in the presence of the royal family and their guests.
His musical ambition and social commitment have remained intact over the years. Today, Helmut Lotti is looking forward to take off again. His fans have been warned!
Copyright Photo: Belga