JELLAM, also known by his legal name Jérémie Makiese (; born 15 June 2000) until June 2026, is a Belgian singer and footballer, who rose to fame after winning The Voice Belgique 2021. He represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 with the song "Miss You" under his birth name.
Early life Makiese was born in Antwerp to Congolese parents. At 6 years old he and his family (including his three brothers and sister) moved to Berchem-Sainte-Agathe, then to Dilbeek a few years later, spending his childhood between the two municipalities, where he learned to speak both Dutch and French. They finally settled in Uccle.
Makiese took up singing from both of his parents (his mother also playing the tam-tam), starting in a church choir at a young age and later moving on to singing lessons at school, where he took part in, and won, a contest.
Musical career
2021: The Voice Belgique Makiese auditioned for season nine of The Voice Belgique performing Labrinth's "Jealous", with all four coaches turning for him. He chose to join Beverly Jo Scott's team. In April 2021, he won the show. +The Voice Belgique PerformancesSongOriginal Artist(s)NotesBlind Audition"Jealous"LabrinthFour-chair turn, joins Team BJ ScottDuel"You Say"Lauren DaigleWon against Astrid CuylitsLive Shows"You're Nobody 'til Somebody Loves You"James Arthur"Ça fait mal"Christophe Maé"Feels Like Rain"Buddy GuyWith B.J. Scott, Elsa Puls, and Mateo Rodriguez"Say Something"A Great Big World & Christina AguileraSemifinal"Ma philosophie"Amel BentWith Amel Bent and Sonita Ojong"Leave the Door Open"Silk Sonic (Bruno Mars & Anderson .Paak)Final"Stop This Flame"CelesteWith the other finalists"Earth Song"Michael Jackson"Nous"Julien DoréWith Julien Doré and Sonita Ojong"Revival"Gregory PorterDuet with B.J. Scott"Jealous"Labrinth
2022: Eurovision Song Contest On 15 September 2021, broadcaster (RTBF) announced that they had internally selected Makiese to represent Belgium in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Turin, Italy. He competed in the second semi-final, where he qualified for the Grand Final, where he finished 19th with 64 points.
Artistry
Influences Makiese cited Michael Jackson, Otis Redding, Gregory Porter, James Brown, Bill Withers and Aretha Franklin among his inspirations, as well as Damso and Stromae.
Personal life and other activities Makiese has reportedly always had an interest in football: at the age of 13, he started to play as a goalkeeper for BX Brussels. In September 2021, he signed a one-year contract with Excelsior Virton, after playing with Jeunesse Molenbeek, Royal Wallonia Walhain, and briefly with La Louvière Centre in summer 2021.
Following his success at The Voice Belgique, Makiese took a break from his higher studies in geology to focus on his singing and sports careers.
Discography Singles As lead artist + List of singles, with selected chart positions Title Year Peak chart positions Album or EP BEL(Fl) BEL(Wa) LTU NLDTip SWEHeat. "Miss You" 2022 1 3 17 11 12 rowspan="9" "Oasis" 2023 — 38 — — — "" 2024 — — — — — "" 2025 — — — — — "" — — — — — "Vida" — — — — — " " — — — — — "" 2026 — — — — — "" — — — — — "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
As featured artist Title Year Album or EP "" 2025 rowspan="2" ""
References