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 29) 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	2017–present
Labels	Universal Music Australia Island Records Australia
Associated acts	Dallas Woods Yirrmal Yothu Yindi

Danzal James Baker, known as Baker Boy, is a talented rapper, dancer, and artist from the Yolngu people of Australia. He was born on October 10, 1996. Baker Boy is famous for his unique hip-hop music, which mixes both English and his traditional Yolŋu Matha language. He is one of the most well-known Aboriginal Australian rappers.

Baker Boy has received many awards for his work. In 2019, he was named Young Australian of the Year. His song "Cool as Hell" was nominated for several ARIA Awards that same year. In 2018, he won two National Indigenous Music Awards and was named Male Artist of the Year at the National Dreamtime Awards. His first album, Gela, came out on October 15, 2021, and included popular songs like "Cool as Hell" and "Meditjin". At the 2022 ARIA Music Awards, he won an amazing five awards! He also received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his contributions to the performing arts.

Growing Up and Discovering His Talents

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

Danzal James Baker was born in Darwin, Australia, on October 10, 1996. He spent his childhood in the Arnhem Land communities of Milingimbi and Maningrida. He has one brother.

Baker Boy finished high school in Townsville. After that, he went to the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts in Brisbane. There, he really found his passion for dancing and acting. He was even one of the first members of the famous Djuki Mala dance group, which performed all over Australia.

In 2016, Baker Boy appeared in a dance music video called "Yolngu Style." This video was made by artists to encourage everyone to enjoy and learn about the Yolngu way of dancing. He also appeared on the TV show You Can't Ask That that year.

Baker Boy's Music Journey

Starting His Career (2017-2019)

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

Baker Boy first gained national attention in 2017. He won the Triple J Unearthed competition at the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs). That year, he released his popular songs "Cloud 9" (with Kian) and "Marryuna" (with Yirrmal). Both songs were very popular on Triple J radio.

In 2018, Baker Boy performed with famous artists like Yothu Yindi. He even opened for American rapper 50 Cent! He released more singles, including "Mr. La Di Da Di" and "Black Magic" (with Dallas Woods). That year, he also performed internationally for the first time at the Riddu Riđđu Festival in Norway.

In 2019, Baker Boy released the hit song "Cool as Hell". He also appeared on the children's TV show Play School during NAIDOC Week, where he sang "Hickory Dickory Dock". He also started acting, appearing in the movie True History of the Kelly Gang.

Gela Album and More Success (2020-2023)

Baker Boy spent time creating his first album, Gela. This album was released on October 15, 2021. It featured special guest vocals and traditional yidaki playing.

He also performed at big events, including the pre-match entertainment at the 2021 AFL Grand Final. Baker Boy even appeared in TV commercials for companies like Menulog and Google. In 2022, he performed at the closing ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, representing Australia for the next games.

New Music with Djandjay (2024-2026)

In August 2024, Baker Boy released a new song called "King." He announced his second album, Djandjay, in July 2025. The album was released on October 10, 2025.

In September 2025, he released the song "Thick Skin," which featured a group of talented singers. He also performed at the 2025 AFL Grand Final and played the didgeridoo alongside Snoop Dogg. In 2026, he released the singles "Let's Go" and "Curse."

Inspiring Others

Baker Boy lives in Bendigo, Victoria, with his partner and his bulldog. He often talks about wanting to inspire Indigenous children in remote communities. He hopes to help them feel proud and overcome any feelings of "shame."

In 2024, a painting of Baker Boy called Rhythms of heritage won an award at the famous Archibald Prize art competition.

Baker Boy's Albums and Songs

Baker Boy has released two studio albums:

• Gela (released October 15, 2021)
• Djandjay (released October 10, 2025)

Some of his popular songs include:

• "Cloud 9" (2017)
• "Marryuna" (2017)
• "Mr. La Di Da Di" (2018)
• "Black Magic" (2018)
• "Cool as Hell" (2019)
• "Meditjin" (2019)
• "Better Days" (2020)
• "Wish You Well" (2022)
• "King" (2024)
• "Thick Skin" (2025)
• "Let's Go" (2026)
• "Curse" (2026)

Movies and TV Shows

Baker Boy has also appeared in some movies and TV shows:

Awards and Achievements

Baker Boy has won many important awards throughout his career:

• Young Australian of the Year (2019): This is a huge honor given to young Australians who have made a big difference. Baker Boy gave his acceptance speech in both English and Yolngu Matha.
• Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) (2021): He received this award for his excellent work in music and performing arts.
• ARIA Music Awards: These are Australia's biggest music awards. In 2022, Baker Boy won five ARIA Awards, including Album of the Year for Gela and Best Solo Artist! He also won for Best Hip Hop / Rap Release, Best Cover Art, and Mix Engineer.
• National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs): He has won several NIMAs, including Artist of the Year multiple times (2019, 2020, 2022) and Album of the Year for Gela (2022).
• Music Victoria Awards: Baker Boy has won many Music Victoria Awards, including Best Male Musician and Best Live Act in 2018, and Best Victorian Album for Gela in 2022.
• National Live Music Awards: He has been recognized for his amazing live performances, winning Live Act of the Year and Live Hip Hop Act of the Year in 2018.

He has also been nominated for many other awards, showing how much his music and performances are loved and respected.