Former Rhinoceros Party leader releases satirical hip-hop track while introducing a new holiday called “Ananas Day”
RIMOUSKI, Que. — Former Rhinoceros Party of Canada leader Sébastien CoRhino is marking Canada Day with the release of his debut single, Ananas > Canada, a comedic and politically charged hip-hop track that blends satire, personal reflection, and social commentary.
The song, whose title is pronounced “pineapple greater than Canada,” arrives after CoRhino’s decade-long tenure as leader of the Rhinoceros Party, a federal political party known for its humour and unconventional approach to politics. The release coincides with what CoRhino has dubbed “Ananas Day,” a tongue-in-cheek alternative to Canada Day.
“Tout le monde sait qu’au Québec, on ne célèbre pas la fête du Canada : on déménage! Et qui dit déménagement dit pizza, et la pizza à l’ananas a été inventée au Canada! C’est pourquoi j’appelle cette fête l’Ananas Day!” said CoRhino.
The single traces the artist’s political journey, beginning with his involvement in politics at age 16 and ending with his growing disillusionment with traditional political structures. Through humour and rap-inspired storytelling, CoRhino critiques what he sees as the hierarchical nature of party politics and the challenges of advancing within established political organizations.
A satirical look at political life
The song’s lyrics focus on the pressures of climbing the political ladder, a theme reflected in one of the track’s featured verses:
“monter monter monter
monter les escaliers
faire le beau dans le parti
éviter tous les soucis
sourire quand t’as pas envie
embrasser la hiérarchie
monter………………………… 3e étage!”
– CoRhino
Its chorus reinforces the artist’s shift away from politics and toward a simpler outlook on life:
“J’aime mieux manger des fruits, que faire d’la politique
J’aime mieux servir un Ananas, que servir le Canada”
– CoRhino
Musically, Ananas > Canada combines West Coast hip-hop and funk influences. The track is built on a beat produced by DJ Horg, known for his work with Indigenous rapper Samian, and features electric guitar and flute elements that give the song a distinctive sound.
The single is available on Bandcamp and major digital streaming platforms.
Introducing ‘Ananas Day’
Beyond the song itself, CoRhino is using the release to promote what he calls “Ananas Day,” encouraging Canadians to take a break from consumer culture and focus on personal well-being.
“Pour Ananas Day, je veux inciter des Canadiennes et les Canadiens à consommer beaucoup de fruits”, said CoRhino in an interview.
In a statement accompanying the launch, he expanded on the idea.
“Le 1er juillet arrive au tout début de l’été, j’incite tout le monde à prendre une journée de pause et réfléchir à ce qui compte vraiment dans notre vie. Je suis né en Amérique, dans une société de surconsommation, mais je ne suis pas obligé de suivre cela à tous les jours de ma vie : le 1er juillet, on décroche, on ferme les écrans, on ne visite aucun magasin, et on fait avec ce qu’on a dans notre environnement!” a annoncé CoRhino dans un discours.
The concept combines humour with a broader message encouraging people to disconnect from technology, avoid shopping, and spend time reflecting on priorities and community.
From federal campaigns to the recording studio
CoRhino served as leader of the Rhinoceros Party from 2014 to 2024 and participated in federal politics for two decades, contesting and losing ten federal elections during that period.
Following his retirement from politics, he has turned his attention to music. According to his biography, Ananas > Canada is the first release in a broader creative project that will include a full-length album, an autobiography, and a second album in the future.
A graduate of the University of Sherbrooke with a bachelor’s degree in music, CoRhino has previously performed alongside artists including Le GGRIL, David Goudreault, and Sabir.
With the launch of Ananas > Canada, the former political figure is betting that satire, music, and a healthy serving of pineapple can resonate with Canadians looking for a different way to celebrate July 1.