In conversation with Badi.

Please could you introduce yourself?

Hello Badibanga Ndeka, I am a Belgian-Congolese rapper better known as Badi. I have been involved in music for about two decades, and I'm also in other occupations. I own a clothing brand called BANXV. 

Additionally, I manage artists' careers and, in general, I have a deep passion for all forms of art, including fashion, music, and cinema. I have been working in these areas for many years.

How would you describe the music that you typically create?

I create music that reflects who I am, drawing from a diverse range of influences that have shaped me. First of all, my Congolese culture, embracing traditional and contemporary Congolese music, as well as broader African musical genres like Afrobeat, Amapiano, Afro-Caribbean music, Reggae, Ragga and Dancehall. 

Then, being a child of the '90s also has a lot of influence on the music I create.

Moreover, concerning my writing skills, it comes a lot from reading. My father encouraged me to read newspapers, articles and books, starting at an early age. He introduced me to people like Nelson Mandela, Lumumba, Malcolm X, and other heroes. I developed a passion for reading and it continues to be a significant inspiration in my life.

Your latest album is titled ‘‘Moyi’’. What can we learn from it? What is the meaning behind it?

My latest album is titled “Moyi,” which means “sun” in Lingala. I chose this title as a reference to the sun because, during the creation of the album, we were in a particularly dark period. I wanted to bring light and sunshine to the forefront. The sun became a compelling symbol for me during that time, hence the title of the album. I realized that we often seek the sun externally, but, in reality, the sun resides within us. This is the message I aim to convey through the album.

In essence, I structured the album to look like a day in an African country, starting in the morning and ending in the night. Each track encapsulates a moment in life, not always mine. I tell stories like the one of Gabriel or Brenda, featuring other characters, including my uncles calling me from Kinshasa. I reflect on my years in music and touch upon various topics, such as the issue of severed hands in Congo. I wanted to weave together reflections and discussions one might have with friends throughout a day and the solitary contemplations during that same day. That is the essence of “Moyi.” Ultimately, the underlying message is that the sun is dormant in each of us.

Who are your biggest artistic influences?

In terms of my significant artistic influences, I would mention Bob Marley. I greatly admire him because he came from Jamaica, a distant place, yet managed to convey a message of love in his music, along with one of rebellion and revolution. His unique style, characterized by reggae, became a global phenomenon. So, he is one of my major artistic influences.

I would also highlight Franco and Le Tout Puissant OK Jazz. Musically, their work is powerful, always accompanied by impactful lyrics that describe the lives of Congolese people of their time. Those lyrics remain relevant even today. The music is beautiful, allowing you to dance, reflect, or even shed a tear to Franco's tunes.

Additionally, Tupac holds a significant place in my influences, especially during my youth. He was incredibly committed, powerful, and despite being so young, his impact is still felt every day. Tupac's story goes beyond fiction; it's bigger than life. 

His contributions to rap and hip-hop resonated deeply with me during my adolescence.

Which one of your songs from your carreer best represents you, or your attitude to life and why?

It's challenging to choose only one song that represents me, but if I had to pick one, it would be "Na Lingi Yo." This track opened many doors for me and introduced me to a bigger audience.

However, it was a challenging piece to write and compose, even to release, as I opened up about my life, my love life, and the experience of being the father of biracial children. It reveals a bit about the man behind the artist, and this is always a somewhat difficult exercise for me. So, "Na Lingi Yo" is a song that holds great significance for me, one that doesn't age and I appreciate it a lot. I believe it represents me well. It speaks about love, the title means "I love you" in Lingala by the way.

What kind of advice could you give to the younger generation in music who are just starting out?

Believe in yourself before believing in anyone else, and maintain faith wherever you are and whoever you are. This stems from one of my tracks called "Pour l'Histoire" and I like to recall its lyrics. 

Then, if they aim to make a living from music or their art, there are only two figures that matter: the number of years you'll invest in it and the money it puts in your bank account at the end of the month. The rest is dynamic and transient.

Lastly, what’s next for you?

So, moving forward, I've started a series of singles since October, releasing one each month. The first one, released in October, is called "Sweetie ," featuring the artist KRITICOS. In November, I released "Cherie Coco," featuring Boule Mpanya. 

Now, in December, there's an upcoming track titled "Addiction," featuring April Maey, which will be available on December 8th on various platforms.

All of this will lead us into early 2024 with the reissue of the album "Moyi," incorporating these released singles and some additional surprises. The reissue is planned for February, the 2nd. There are also upcoming concerts, and I'm working on a book. 

So, 2024 promises to be another artistic year and even more. We're continuing on the same path. I just want to express my gratitude for considering me for your interview. Thank you once again.

Listen here to Badi’s newest single.