Dare Balogun, (Dah-reh Bah-loh-goon), is a British-Nigerian artist reshaping contemporary music narratives by seamlessly weaving traditional African genres - Highlife, Soukous, Makossa into modern dance music. His research-driven, emotionally resonant approach to curation and performance challenges Western-centric norms, spotlighting Africa’s rich sonic heritage as the foundation of today’s global dance music.

A monthly resident on Balamii Radio, Dare’s sets are a vibrant tapestry of traditional African music. Equally at home on NTS, The Lot Radio, or Rinse FM he uses each platform to highlight African rhythms’ influence on electronic music. His live performances have taken him from intimate London spaces like Brilliant Corners and Space Talk to international stages such as Public Records (New York, U.S), The Pérez Art Museum (Miami, U.S), HOMECOMING Festival (Lagos, Nigeria) and even the hallowed halls of The Barbican in London.

At the heart of Dare’s practice is Roots to Rhythm, a platform tracing the migration of African rhythms and their impact on contemporary genres. Through its immersive listening sessions and parties, Dare creates inclusive environments that reject reductive labels, giving African music the space it deserves. As the music supervisor for the documentary record found here, he underscored historical narratives of the 1946 Egba Women’s Revolt by curating soundscapes that connect past and present. His ongoing partnerships with Nigerian collectives Sample Chief and Egwu Records further his commitment to celebrating the continent’s diverse cultural expressions.

As founder of Vandelay Radio, Dare continues to champion authenticity and representation. His own productions, My Boys Can Swim (VNDLY001, 2019) and Empty in Eaton (Thirty Year Records, 2019) further illustrate a penchant for blurring the lines between lazy house and soft ambient textures, always rooted in the percussive soul of African rhythms.

Through every set, broadcast, and collaboration, Dare Balogun underscores Africa’s critical imprint on global dance music. His mission is clear: to preserve and amplify the continent’s musical heritage, ensuring these vibrant traditions remain at the heart of contemporary sound for generations to come.