In 2005 Marka was made a Knight of the Order of Leopold II (Chevalier de l'Ordre de Léopold II) by the Minister of Culture for Wallonia and Brussels, Fadila Laanan.
He was given the nickname Markassou by an African friend and it was later shortened to Marka.
Van Laeken, known as Marka, is a Belgian singer, songwriter, composer and film-maker.
His children are the singer Angèle and the rapper Romeo Elvis.