Baker Boy

Danzal Baker was born in Darwin, Northern Territory, and grew up in the Arnhem Land communities of Milingimbi and Maningrida.[1] His totem is the Olive python, his moiety is Dhuwa and his skin name is Burralung / Gela boy.[2]

He completed Year 12 at Shalom Christian College in Townsville, Queensland, before attending the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts in Brisbane.[3][4] He developed his love of dancing and acting there, and was an original member of the Djuki Mala dance troupe, which toured Australia.[2]

In 2016, Baker appeared on the "Indigenous" episode of the first series of Australian television series You Can't Ask That on ABC TV.[5][6]

In 2016, Baker Boy featured in the video for "Yolgnu Style", a modern contemporary dance music video created by a group of artists to inspire the world to dance, move and absorb the Yolgnu style.[7]

Baker currently resides in Bendigo, Victoria.[8] He lives with his partner Aurie Spencer-Gill and his bulldog.[8][9]

He has said that he wants to be an inspiration to indigenous kids living in remote communities, and to combat "shame."[10]

In 2017, Baker Boy attracted national attention as the winner of the Triple J Unearthed National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMAs) Competition.[11] releasing the singles "Cloud 9" featuring Kian and "Marryuna" featuring Yirrmal in the same year. Both singles were featured in Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2017.[12]

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

In 2018, he performed with acts such as Yothu Yindi and Dizzee Rascal.[13]

He performed as an opening act for American rapper 50 Cent in January 2018, along with A.B. Original.[14][15]

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

On 25 January 2019, Baker released "Cool as Hell"[16] Two days later, "Mr. La Di Da Di" was voted into the 2018 Triple J Hottest 100.

In June 2019, Baker released "In Control".[17] On 7 July, Baker Boy appeared on the children's television show, Play School and performed "Hickory Dickory Dock" as part of NAIDOC Week.[18]

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.[19]

Baker made his acting debut in True History of the Kelly Gang, released in cinemas in early January 2019 and later released on streaming service provider Stan from 26 January.[20]

On 16 September 2020, Baker began teasing a new song on social media, posting images of himself alongside Dallas Woods and Sampa the Great.[21] On 23 September 2020, Baker released "Better Days".[21]

Baker has performed at festivals such as Bigsound, Groovin' the Moo, the Woodford Folk Festival, Laneway Festival, WOMADelaide, and Golden Plains Festival.[56]