Madcon: Norway's Dynamic Hip-Hop and Pop Duo

Madcon is a Norwegian hip-hop and pop duo from Oslo, formed by rappers and vocalists Yosef Wolde-Mariam and Tshawe Baqwa. The pair have become one of Norway's most successful musical exports, achieving international fame with their energetic blend of rap, soul, and danceable pop hooks.

Early career

Yosef and Tshawe, both born in 1977, formed Madcon in 1992 while still in their teens, bonding over a shared love for hip-hop culture. Their early work led to a deal with Bonnier Amigo Music Group, and they released their debut album, It's All a MadCon, in 2004.

This first album introduced their vibrant style and spawned the Norwegian hit Dooh Dooh, which peaked at number three on the national singles chart and was certified gold.

Breakthrough

Madcon's international breakthrough arrived in 2007 with their second album, So Dark the Con of Man. The album's lead single, a vibrant cover of Frankie Valli's Beggin', became a global phenomenon.

Produced by 3Elementz, the track topped the charts in multiple European countries, including Norway, and reached the top ten in several others. It was certified platinum in Norway and several other territories, selling over 600,000 copies in digital downloads across Europe.

Key tracks

Beggin' — This 2007 global smash redefined the duo, taking their updated soul-hip-hop sound to charts worldwide and earning multi-platinum certifications.

Glow — Featuring American singer-songwriter Kelly Rowland, this 2010 single became another major European hit, showcasing their pop crossover appeal and high-profile collaboration skills.

Freaky Like Me — A standout from their 2012 album Contakt, this track exemplified their knack for crafting catchy, radio-friendly hip-hop anthems.

Don't Worry with Ray Dalton — Released in 2014, this uplifting track became a staple in their live set and a fan favorite, highlighting their positive lyrical themes.

Following their massive success, Madcon won two Spellemannprisen awards (the Norwegian Grammys) in 2008 for "Hit of the Year" and "Music Video of the Year" for Beggin'. Their subsequent albums, including An InCONvenient Truth (2010) and Icon (2013), solidified their status in Scandinavia, producing further hits like Liar and One Life.

The duo has consistently collaborated with notable artists, including A-Lee, Paperboys, and Erik og Kriss. Their dynamic stage presence has made them a fixture at major festivals and events, including the Eurovision Song Contest interval act in 2010.

Fans of Madcon's hip-hop-infused pop might also enjoy the work of similar Norwegian acts. Karpe delivers sophisticated, socially conscious Norwegian-language rap with major commercial success. Kygo shares the same Norwegian pop crossover appeal, though through his pioneering tropical house productions. Alan Walker represents another dimension of Norway's electronic pop export scene with his anthemic, vocal-driven tracks. Staysman og Lazz offer a more party-oriented, folk-tinged Norwegian pop-rap style that resonates with a broad domestic audience.

Madcon's catalog, from Beggin' to their later hits, maintains strong rotation on a variety of radio formats. Their music is featured on mainstream pop stations, European hit radio channels, and dedicated Nordic music streams that celebrate the region's top artists.

Listeners can discover the energetic hip-hop and pop of Madcon through the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to stations available on onairium.com to hear their iconic tracks and latest releases as part of regular programming.