Baloji on stage Photo: Supplied
Baloji is a musician and award winning vocalist whose name means 'sorcerer' in Swahili. He draws influences from his Congolese heritage that he delivers with a poetic and political punch.
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1978 to a Belgian father and a Congolese mother, he grew up in Belgium from the age of four. Obsessed by music, Baloji embraced hip-hop and joined the leading hip-hop crew in Belgium, the Starflam collective. They recorded a platinum selling album which helped to establish Baloji as a solo artist.
Baloji Photo: Supplied
Baloji has gone on to record three albums that have been described as packing a heady cocktail of futuristic funk, soul and rap. He draws influences from his Congolese heritage that he delivers with a poetic and political punch. In addition, Baloji directs his own videos and creates the visuals for his many projects.
Accompanied by a very proficient band, Baloji took to the TSB Bowl Stage on the opening Friday night at WOMAD and delivered a set that was well received by the audience who appreciated his personal charisma, musical gifts and stage presence.
Baloji is an artist who paints pictures with words and as he himself says, "Dance along - Humanity depends upon it!"
Baloji at WOMAD 2019 Photo: RNZ/Kirsten Johnstone
Baloji live at WOMAD Taranaki 2019 was recorded and produced by Darryl Stack for RNZ Music.
