Baker Boy facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Baker Boy OAM
Baker Boy performing at Laneway in 2019
Background information
Birth name	Danzal James Baker
Born	(1996-10-10) 10 October 1996 (age 28) Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
Origin	Milingimbi Island, Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia
Genres	Australian hip hop R&B soul
Occupation(s)	Rapper dancer artist
Instruments	Vocals yidaki
Years active	1999–present
Labels	Universal Music Australia Island Records Australia
Associated acts	Dallas Woods Yirrmal Yothu Yindi

Danzal James Baker (born 10 October 1996), known as Baker Boy, is a talented Yolngu rapper, dancer, and artist from Australia. He is famous for his unique hip-hop songs that mix both English and Yolŋu Matha languages. Baker Boy is one of the most well-known Aboriginal Australian rappers.

He was named Young Australian of the Year in 2019. His song "Cool as Hell" was nominated for several awards at the 2019 ARIA Awards. In 2018, he won two awards at the National Indigenous Music Awards. He was also named Male Artist of the Year at the National Dreamtime Awards. His first album, Gela, came out on 15 October 2021. At the 2022 ARIA Music Awards, he won five awards from seven nominations.

Early Life and Dance Beginnings

Namila Benson, Uncle Jack Charles and Baker Boy at an event in Melbourne, November 2021

Danzal James Baker was born on 10 October 1996 in Darwin, Australia. He grew up in the Arnhem Land communities of Milingimbi and Maningrida. He has one brother. His family connections are important to him; his totem is the Olive python, and his skin name is Burralung / Gela boy.

He finished high school in Townsville, Queensland. After that, he went to the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts in Brisbane. There, he developed his love for dancing and acting. He was also an original member of the Djuki Mala dance group, which toured all over Australia.

In 2016, Baker Boy was part of the music video for "Yolngu Style." This modern dance video was made by artists to inspire people to dance and learn about the Yolngu style.

Music Career Highlights

Starting Out: 2017–2019

In 2017, Baker Boy became well-known after winning the Triple J Unearthed National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) Competition. That same year, he released two singles: "Cloud 9" with Kian, and "Marryuna" with Yirrmal. Both songs were popular on Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2017.

Baker Boy performing at the Riddu Riđđu Festival in Norway, 2018.

In 2018, he performed with famous groups like Yothu Yindi. He also opened for American rapper 50 Cent in January 2018.

His third single, "Mr. La Di Da Di," came out in April 2018. "Black Magic" featuring Dallas Woods, was released in July 2018.

Baker Boy performed at the Riddu Riđđu Festival in Norway in 2018. This was his first international show outside of Australia.

On 25 January 2019, Baker released "Cool as Hell." A few days later, "Mr. La Di Da Di" was voted into Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2018.

In June 2019, Baker released "In Control." On 7 July, Baker Boy appeared on the children's TV show, Play School. He performed "Hickory Dickory Dock" for NAIDOC Week.

Baker Boy was the main performer at the opening night of the 2019 Tarnanthi art exhibition. This event showcased Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art.

Baker also made his acting debut in the movie True History of the Kelly Gang, which was released in early 2019.

Gela Album and Beyond: 2020–2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Baker Boy spent time finishing his album Gela. This allowed him to focus without a busy touring schedule.

On 23 September 2020, Baker released the single "Better Days." He worked on this song with Dallas Woods and Sampa the Great.

On 25 September 2021, Baker Boy performed before the 2021 AFL Grand Final at Perth Stadium.

His first studio album, Gela, was released on 15 October 2021. The album features traditional Yolngu vocals and yidaki (didgeridoo) on some tracks.

Baker has also appeared in TV ads for companies like Menulog and Google.

He performed at the closing ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. This was part of the handover to Australia, which will host the 2026 Games.

New Music: 2024–2025

In August 2024, Baker Boy released a new song called "King."

In July 2025, Baker announced that his second album, Djandjay, would be released soon.

Personal Life and Inspiration

As of 2020, Baker Boy lives in Bendigo, Victoria, with his partner and his bulldog.

He has shared that he wants to inspire Indigenous children living in remote communities. He hopes to help them overcome "shame" and feel proud.

In 2024, a portrait of Baker Boy called Rhythms of heritage won the Packing Room Prize at the Archibald Prize awards.

Music Releases

Studio Albums

Singles

As the Main Artist

As a Featured Artist

Film and TV Appearances

Awards and Recognition

In 2019, Baker Boy was given the Young Australian of the Year award. He gave his acceptance speech in both English and Yolngu Matha.

At the 2021 Australia Day Honours, Baker Boy received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). This award recognized his contributions to music as a singer and musician.

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards celebrate the Australian music industry. Baker Boy has won several of these important awards.

National Indigenous Music Awards

The National Indigenous Music Awards celebrate the achievements of Indigenous Australians in music.