Gela

Arguably the most popular Australian Aboriginal musician these days, rapper Danzal Baker (better known as Baker Boy) has been riding an ever-cresting wave of success since releasing his singles ‘Cloud 9’ and ‘Marryuna’ in 2017.

An original member of Djuki Mala, (aka Chooky Dancers), which garnered internet fame in 2007 for their Arnhem Land-choreographed version of ‘Zorba the Greek’, in recent years Baker has won every possible plaudit, including National Indigenous Music Awards, an Order of Australia medal, the 2019 Young Australian of the Year award and has been nominated for numerous ARIAs (Australia’s Grammys). His dynamic live show continues to be in hot demand. Having delayed this debut album multiple times, but with a string of Top 10 hits already behind him, Gela – Baker’s traditional skin name – has finally arrived. With guest appearances by Aboriginal singer Yirrmal, actor Uncle Jack Charles and Zimbabwean-Australian singer Thando, Baker’s energetic fast-paced raps – in both English and traditional Yolngu Matha – exude the positivity, self-confidence and community pride that has made him a charismatic role model to a generation of young Indigenous (and non-Indigenous) listeners. With tracks like ‘Cool as Hell’, ‘Survive’, ‘Ride’ and ‘Butterflies’, Baker’s hip-hop ethic is not surprisingly aimed primarily at youthful ears, and older listeners may find the relentless beat-heavy word-flow a bit repetitious.