Baloji in Swahili can mean both scientist and sorcerer. It is also the name of a remarkable artist who, like a true alchemist, seems able to turn anything into gold.
Born in Congo, Baloji moved to Belgium at an early age and has built an impressive career spanning film, video art, poetry and, not least, music. He found early inspiration in French hip-hop and started the band Starflam as a teenager. He has since found his voice as a solo artist with a personal blend of hip-hop, funk, ragga, afrobeat and inspirations from his Congolese roots.
His debut album, Hotel Impala, was released in 2008 and quickly drew attention to Baloji, who joined Damon Albarn's African Express project in 2011. In 2012, he visited Roskilde Festival with a strong solo concert, and since then several albums have followed, showing Baloji as an artist in constant development. In 2023, he received high praise for his film Omen, for which he has also released a companion album.
We look forward to bringing the multifaceted artist back to Roskilde Festival, where he is ready to deliver a captivating mix of poetic lyrics, progressive hip-hop and Congolese grooves.
