Baker Boy


Danzal Baker, known professionally as Baker Boy, is an Aboriginal Australian rapper, dancer, artist, and actor. A Yolngu man, Baker Boy is known for performing original hip-hop songs incorporating both English and Yolŋu Matha.
He was made Young Australian of the Year in 2019, and his song "Cool as Hell" was nominated in several categories in the 2019 ARIA Awards. In 2018, he won two awards at the National Indigenous Music Awards, and was named Male Artist of the Year in the National Dreamtime Awards.

Early years

Born in Darwin, Baker Boy grew up in the Arnhem Land communities of Milingimbi and Maningrida. His totem is the Olive Python, his moiety is Dhuwa and his skin name is Burralung / Gela boy.
He studied to Year 12 at Shalom Christian College in Townsville, Queensland, before attending the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts in Brisbane. He was able to develop his love of dancing and acting there, and was an original member of the Djuki Mala dance troupe, which toured Australia.
In 2016, Baker appeared on the "Indigenous" episode of Australian award-winning series You Can't Ask That on ABC TV.

Music career

In 2017, Baker Boy attracted national attention as the winner of the Triple J Unearthed National Indigenous Music Awards Competition, releasing the singles "Cloud 9" featuring Kian and "Marryuna" featuring Yirrmal in the same year. Both singles were featured in the Triple J Hottest 100 countdown of 2017.
He has performed at festivals such as BIGSOUND, Groovin' the Moo Festival, the Woodford Folk Festival, St Jerome's Laneway Festival, WOMADelaide, and Golden Plains Festival. In 2018, he performed with acts such as Yothu Yindi and Dizzee Rascal.
He performed as an opening act for American rapper 50 Cent in January 2018, along with A.B. Original.
His third single, "Mr. La Di Da Di" was released in April 2018. "Black Magic," featuring Dallas Woods, was released in July.
On 25 January 2019, Baker released "Cool as Hell" Two days later, "Mr. La Di Da Di" was voted into the 2018 Triple J Hottest 100.
In June 2019, Baker released "In Control". On 7 July, Baker Boy appeared on the children's television show, Play School and performed "Hickory Dickory Dock" as part of NAIDOC Week.
Baker Boy was the headline act at the opening night of the 2019 Tarnanthi exhibition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art at the Art Gallery of South Australia on 17 October 2019, performing outside the Gallery on North Terrace, Adelaide.
Two of his songs made the 2019 Triple J Hottest 100: "Cloud 9" at number 76 and "Marryuna" at number 17.

Acting career

Baker made his debut in True History of the Kelly Gang, released in cinemas in early January 2019 and on Stan from 26 January.

Discography

Singles

As lead artist

As featured artist

Music videos

Awards

APRA Awards

The APRA Awards are held in Australia and New Zealand by the Australasian Performing Right Association to recognise songwriting skills, sales and airplay performance by its members annually. Baker Boy has been nominated for one award.

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards is an annual award ceremony event celebrating the Australian music industry. At the ARIA Music Awards of 2019, Baker Boy was nominated for three awards.

National Dreamtime Awards

The National Dreamtime Awards,, are an annual celebration of Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander achievement in sport, arts, academic and community.

National Indigenous Music Awards

The National Indigenous Music Awards recognise excellence, dedication, innovation and outstanding contribution to the Northern Territory music industry.

Young Australian of the Year 2019

Baker Boy was awarded the 2019 Young Australian of the Year award, on the same day as releasing his single "Cool as Hell". He delivered his acceptance speech in both English and Yolngu Matha.