2be3: The French Boyband Phenomenon that Defined a Generation
2BE3
From: Longjumeau, France
Members: Filip Nikolic, Frank Delay, Adel Kachermi
Years active: 1996–2001
Famous for: Being the first major French boyband and the hit 'Partir un jour'
Biggest hit: “Partir un jour”
{alertInfo}
The Story of 2be3
2be3 was formed in 1996, consisting of three childhood friends from Longjumeau, a suburb of Paris: Filip Nikolic, Adel Kachermi, and Frank Delay. The trio grew up together practicing gymnastics and dance, which later became the foundation of their high-energy stage performances. Inspired by the massive success of British bands like Take That and Worlds Apart, they decided to bring the boyband formula to the French market, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon.
The name 2be3 was a clever bilingual pun on the English phrases "To be free" (in French, être libre) and "To be three" (être trois). Because of this, the name was always intended to be pronounced in English ("Two-Be-Three") rather than French. Their debut single, "Partir un jour," became an anthem in France in 1996, selling over 450,000 copies and topping the charts for weeks.
Hugely popular in French-speaking territories, the group reached such a level of fame that in 1997 they starred in their own semi-autobiographical television series called "Pour être libre". The show ran for 40 episodes on TF1, documenting their rise to fame. They also achieved a milestone by performing a sold-out concert at the Bercy Arena in Paris. Among their many hits, "Toujours là pour toi" gained significant attention as a French-language cover of Rick Astley’s "Never Gonna Give You Up."
In 2000, 2be3 attempted to break into the international market. They moved to Miami to record the album "Excuse My French," produced by the legendary Desmond Child (famous for his work with Bon Jovi and Ricky Martin). Despite a promotional tour across Europe and a successful tour in Asia in 2001, they never quite replicated their French success in the US or UK. The group eventually disbanded in 2001 to pursue solo ventures.
Tragically, the group's story took a somber turn when lead singer Filip Nikolic, who had transitioned into a successful acting career, died of a heart attack on September 16, 2009, at the age of 35. His passing was met with a massive outpouring of grief in France, cementing 2be3's legacy as the most important boyband in the country's history.
Discography
Studio Albums
Partir un jour (1997) - Diamond Certification
2 be 3 (1998)
Excuse My French (2000)Essential Singles
“Partir un jour” (1996)
“Toujours là pour toi” (1997)
“Donne” (1997)
“La Salsa” (1998)
“Don't Say Goodbye” (1998)
“Excuse My French” (2000)
{alertSuccess}
Follow the Members
Frank Delay: Instagram
Adel Kachermi: Instagram
Listen to 2be3 on Spotify
Watch "Partir un jour" Music Video
Listen to More Boybands
Relive the best French pop from 2be3 and many other groups on Boybands Radio.