|
* Tshawe Baqwa
}}
'''Madcon''' is a [[Norway|Norwegian]] musical duo formed in 1992 by '''Yosef Wolde-Mariam''' and '''Tshawe Baqwa'''. They have released eight albums as of 2022.2018, They areand bestbecame known for thetheir 2007 cover of the 1967 song "[[Beggin'#Madcon version|Beggin']]" by [[The Four Seasons (band)|The Four Seasons]]. They took their name from the phrase "mad conspiracy".<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 August 2008 |title=Madcon: 'Beggin' |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/single-reviews/a122364/madcon-beggin/}}</ref>
==Members==
===Yosef Wolde-Mariam===
Yosef Wolde-Mariam (born 4th August 4, 1978) is an Ethiopian[[Ethiopia]]n-Norwegian TV presenter and rapper. His parents originatedwere from [[Ethiopia]] and [[Eritrea]].
Wolde-Mariam grew up in [[Grefsen]], Norway, and moved with his mother, betweenmoving many times, living in [[Røyken]], [[Grønland, Oslo|Grønland]], [[Grünerløkka]], and [[Bekkelaget]].
In 2012, he was a mentor on the Norwegian version of ''[[The Voice (TV series)|The Voice]]'', known as ''[[The Voice – Norges beste stemme|The Voice: Norges beste stemme]]'', broadcast on the Norwegian television station "[[TV 2 (Norway)|TV 2]]" Norwegian television channel.<ref>[http://www.kjendis.no/2012/03/15/kjendis/god_torsdag/madcon/the_voice/tv_og_medier/20692729/ Kjendis.no Yosef takker kona Ammina] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151202062553/http://www.kjendis.no/2012/03/15/kjendis/god_torsdag/madcon/the_voice/tv_og_medier/20692729/ |date=2015-12-02 }} {{in lang|no}}</ref><ref name="aftenpostenaftenposten2">[http://www.aftenposten.no/kultur/musikk/--Na-handler-det-om-oss-6315883.html ''Aftenposten'': Nå handler det om oss!] {{in lang|no}}</ref>
===Tshawe Baqwa===
Tshawe Baqwa (born 6th January 6, 1980, in [[Saarbrücken]], [[Germany]]) is a [[South AfricanAfrica]]n-German-Norwegian rapper and TV presenter.'''<ref name="aftenposten3">[http://www.aftenposten.no/kultur/musikk/--Na-handler-det-om-oss-6315883.html ''Aftenposten'': Nå handler det om oss!] {{in lang|no}}</ref>
In 1994, Baqwa moved to [[South Africa]] with his parents when he was 14 years old, in the wake of the [[1994 South African general election|country's first democratic general election]], eventually returninggoing back to Norway for a musical career.
In 2007, Baqwa took part and won the third season of the Norwegian dance competitioncontest ''[[Skal vi danse?]]'' (lit. "Shall we dance?")., broadcast on "TV 2" Norwegian TV channel: Althoughalthough the judges ultimately favored finalist [[Mona Grudt]], Baqwa won by public vote. He also performed as a voice -over artist in the 2011 film ''[[Rio (2011 film)|Rio]]'', playing the character of Nico.
==HistoryCareer==
Madcon released their first single, "God Forgive Me", in 2000 (for [[Virgin Records)]], but their first commercial breakthrough came with the hit single "Barcelona" in 2002, which they issued with long-time collaborators [[Paperboys (group)|Paperboys]] on the "Bonnier Amigo" record label). In 2004, Madcon released their first official album ''It's All a Madcon''division (AA-Recordings/Bonnierof Amigo),[[Cosmos forMusic which they won a Norwegian Grammy and several other awards. In 2005Group]], Madconheadquartered werein TV personalities on the Nordic music channel The Voice[[Stockholm]], while working on their music in the studio[[Sweden]].{{citation needed|date=June 2012}} The show "The Voice of Madcon", a behind-the-scenes of the duo, was a great success for both Madcon and the network.
In 2004, the duo released their first official album, ''It's All a Madcon'', through AA-Recordings/Bonnier Amigo label, for which they won a Norwegian Grammy and several other awards.
In autumn 2007, Baqwa was invited to take part in the popular reality television program ''[[Skal vi danse?]]'', the Norwegian version of ''[[Strictly Come Dancing]]'' eventually winning that year's series.{{citation needed|date=June 2012}}
In 2005, Madcon became a TV personality on the Nordic music channel "The Voice" while working on their music in the studio{{citation needed|date=June 2012}}. The show "The Voice of Madcon", a behind-the-scenes look at the duo, was a great success for both Madcon and the network.
Their second album, ''So Dark The Con Of Man'', was released on 3 December 2007. In the United Kingdom, the album reached number 137 on the album charts. In Norway, the album was certified gold in 3 hours and platinum in 3 days. The album featured the soul singer [[Noora Noor]] and [[Paperboys (group)|Paperboys]] on two of the songs.{{citation needed|date=June 2012}} ▼
▲In the autumn of 2007, Baqwa was invited to take part in the popular TV talent show ''[[Skal vi danse?]]'', the Norwegian version of ''[[Strictly Come Dancing]]'', eventually winning that year's series, the third season of the TV program{{citation needed|date=June 2012}}. Their second album, ''So Dark , The Con Ofof Man'', was released on 3 December 3, 2007 .: Inin the United Kingdom, the albumit reached number 137 on the album charts ., Inand in Norway , the album was certified gold in 3 hours and platinum in 3 days. The albumLP featured the soul singer [[Noora Noor]] and [[Paperboystheir (group)|friends "Paperboys ]]" on two of the songs .{{citation needed|date=June 2012}} .
In 2008, Madcon released a cover version of a 1967 [[The Four Seasons (band)|The Four Seasons]]' song "[[Beggin']]", earning the group several #1 chart positions in France, Portugal, Norway and Russia, and a global position # 2 on the European [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] chart. In addition, they achieved 9 x platinum in Norway, and were No. 1 on the official Norwegian sales charts for 12 weeks, making "Beggin" one of the biggest hits of all time in Norway. Madcon’s cover of "Beggin" was created by 3Elementz (now [[Element (production team)|ELEMENT]]), who also produced the other singles “So Dark The Con Of Man", and all tracks of the ''Inconvenient Truth'' album. They led the World Music Awards on 10 November 2008 and won the World's Best Selling Norwegian Artist Award. "Beggin'" reached Gold sales in the United States. ▼
▲In 20082007, Madconthe duo released a cover version of athe 1967 song "[[Beggin']]" by [[The Four Seasons (band)|The Four Seasons]] ' song "[[Beggin']]", earning the group several #1 chart positions in France, Portugal, Norway , and Russia , and a global position #of #2 on the European [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] chart . This version of the song reached also gold sales in the United States. In addition, they achieved 9 x9× platinum in Norway , and were No. 1 on the official Norwegian sales charts for 12 weeks, making "Beggin '" one of the biggest hits of all time in Norway. Madcon’sThis cover of "Beggin"the song was created by ''3Elementz '' (now [[Element (production team)|ELEMENT]]), who also produced the othereponymous singles “So Dark The Con Of Man", and all trackssingle of the ''Inconvenient Truth'' album ., They"So ledDark, theThe WorldCon Musicof Awards on 10 November 2008 and won the World's Best Selling Norwegian Artist AwardMan". "Beggin'" reached Gold sales in the United States.
After several negotiations, Madcon's label (Bonnier Amigo) signed a licensing agreement with Sony BMG for Central Europe, Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand, Universal Republic in the U.S., Warner Music in Spain, and [[Just Music]] in South Africa. Madcon have also hosted the Norwegian version of ''[[Don't Forget the Lyrics!]]'', ''Kan du Teksten?'' on [[TV 2 (Norway)]]. ▼
▲Madcon led the World Music Awards on November 10, 2008, and won the World's Best Selling Norwegian Artist Award. After several negotiations, Madcon'stheir label (Bonnier Amigo ) signed a licensing agreement with [[Sony BMG ]] for Central Europe, Great Britain, Australia , and New Zealand, with [[Universal Republic ]] in the U.S., with [[Warner Music ]] in Spain, and with [[Just Music]] in South Africa. Madcon havehas also hosted the Norwegian version of ''[[Don't Forget the Lyrics!]]'', ''Kan du Teksten?'' , on the Norwegian television channel "[[TV 2 (Norway) |TV 2]] ".
Their third album, ''Inconvenient Truth'' was released all over Europe in early to mid-2009, and the group saw other major releases, including in the USA, Japan and Australia. ▼
▲TheirThe duo's third album, ''Inconvenient Truth'' , was released all over Europe in early -to mid- mid 2009 , and was also produced by "ELEMENT"; the group also saw other major releases, including in the USAU.S., Japan , and Australia.
Madcon performed their song "[[Glow (Madcon song)|Glow]]", as the background of the "Eurovision 2010 Flashmob dance" that was broadcast in the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2010]] interval act. The song became another one of the biggest hits of all times in Norway, reaching more than 10 times platinum status in Norway and platinum in Germany. The song was produced by Element.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.elementmusicworld.com|title=ELEMENT|access-date=April 26, 2015}}</ref> ▼
▲Madcon performed their song " [[Glow (Madcon song)|Glow]]" , as the background of the "Eurovision 2010 Flashmob danceDance" that was, broadcast in the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2010]] interval act. The songsingle became another one of the biggest hits of all timestime in Norway, reaching more than 10 times10× platinum status in Norway and platinumthe same certification in Germany .; Thealso songthis recording was produced by ElementELEMENT.<ref>{{cite web |title=ELEMENT |url=http://www.elementmusicworld.com |title=ELEMENT |access-date=April 26, 2015}}</ref> They reached platinum status also with their 2010 hit single "[[Freaky Like Me]]", featuring [[Ameerah (singer)|Ameerah]] and produced by Dutch musician '''DreamRoc'a''', also known as '''Sha Arjang Shishegar''' or [[Tjeerd Oosterhuis|TJ Oosterhuis]]; "Freaky Like Me" is the group's third biggest international hit.
In 2011, during the gala awards ESKA Music Awards 2011 in [[Poland]], Madcon was awarded the International Band of the Year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ema.eska.pl/ |title=Alexis Jordan received the first prize |date=May 29, 2011 |access-date=May 29, 2011}}</ref> ▼
▲In 2011, duringthe duo was awarded the galaInternational awardsBand of the Year during the "ESKA Music Awards 2011 " in [[Poland]] , Madcon was awarded the International Band of the Year.<ref>{{cite web | urldate= http://www.ema.eska.pl/May 29, 2011 |title=Alexis Jordan received the first prize | dateurl= May 29, 2011http://www.ema.eska.pl/ |access-date=May 29, 2011}}</ref>
Madcon reached platinum status with the hit single "[[Freaky Like Me]]", featuring [[Ameerah (singer)|Ameerah]] and produced by the Norwegian hit producer DreamRoc'a, also known as Sha Arjang Shishegar and TJ Oosterhuis. "Freaky Like Me' is the group's third biggest international hit.
In 2012, Madcon was referred to as "moccha men" during the ceremony of [[Spellemannsprisen]], a Norwegian award for musicians; the comment was apparently made as an inoffensive joke, but was perceived as racist at some level. They wrote on "SoMe" the next day that the case had now been settled and closed.<ref>https://www.nettavisen.no/livsstil/spellemann-skandalene-overraskende-klining-rasismeanklager-og-nakensjokk/s/5-95-457377. [[Nettavisen]].no</ref> In 2012, Wolde-Mariam was a mentor on the Norwegian version of ''[[The Voice (TV series)|The Voice]]'', known as ''[[The Voice – Norges beste stemme|The Voice: Norges beste stemme]]'', a TV program also broadcast on TV 2.
==Television==
In 2021, Madcon appeared on the Norwegian [[television series]] ''[[Exit (Norwegian TV series)|Exit]]'' during the 6th episode of the first season, portraying a musical duo invited to play in an open-air party. They are heard performing, among other songs, their cover of "[[Beggin']]." ▼
In 2015, Madcon released the song ''[[Don't Worry (Madcon song)|Don't Worry]]'' featuring [[Ray Dalton]].
==Musical style and performance==
[[File:Madcon Eska Music Awards 2011 by Piotr Drabik.jpg|thumbnail|Madcon at Eska Music Awards 2011]] ▼Madcon describe their musical style as a retro-urban mix with influences from [[funk]], [[Soul music|soul]] and [[hip hop]], with additional elements from [[reggae]], [[Latin music (genre)|Latin]] and [[African music|African]] musical influences.<ref>[http://www.myspace.com/madcon "Madcon Official Myspace page"] Retrieved on 31 October 2010</ref> ▼
===Films and television series featuring Madcon's cover of "Beggin'"===
Madcon's cover of the song "Beggin'" was also used in the movies ''Step Up 3'', ''Street Dance 3D'', ''Just Go With It,'', and the theatrical trailer for ''Bad Teacher''. It was sung by Philip Phillips on ''American Idol'' in 2012, and by Bill Downs and Max Milner in the battle rounds of ''[[The Voice UK]]'' series 1.<ref>{{cite web |urldate=http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00rb9rbApril 21, 2012 |title=Bill Downs Vs Max Milner: Battle Performance |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00rb9rb |access-date=April 2126, 20122015}}</ref><ref>{{cite andweb by| Maneskin inurl=https://thevogue.com/artists/madcon/ 2021|access-date title=AprilMadcon 26,– the Vogue 2015}}</ref>
▲In 2021, Madcon appeared on the Norwegian [[television series]] ''[[Exit (Norwegian TV series)|Exit]]'' during the 6th7th episode of the firstsecond season, portraying a musical duo invited to play inat an open-air party. They are heard performing, among other songs, their cover of " [[Beggin' ]]." .
==Musical styles==
▲[[File:Madcon Eska Music Awards 2011 by Piotr Drabik.jpg|thumbnail|Madcon at Eska Music Awards 2011]]
▲Madcon describedescribes their musical style as a retro-urban mix with influences from [[ funkSoul music|soul]], [[ Soul music|soulfunk]] , and [[hip hop]], with additional elements from [[ reggaeAfrican music|African]], [[Latin music (genre)|Latin]] , and [[ African music|Africanreggae]] musical influencesmusic.<ref>[ httphttps://www.myspace.com/madcon "Madcon Official Myspace page"] Retrieved on 31 October 2010</ref>
==Discography==
{{commons category|Madcon}}
* [http://www.madconlive.com/ Official site]
* [httphttps://www.discogs.com/artist/Madcon Discogs page]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111022014906/http://www.dailymusicguide.com/Reviews/review-21072008-2026.aspx Daily Music Guide "Beggin'" review]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20111023133901/http://www.dailymusicguide.com/Reviews/madcon-liar-single-review-sony-bmg-bonnier-21012009-0122.aspx Liar (single) review]
|