Madcon

Formation and Early Years

Madcon, a Norwegian hip hop duo, was formed in 1992 by Tshawe Baqwa and Yosef Wolde-Mariam. The duo took their name from the phrase "mad conspiracy" and began their musical journey with the release of their first single, "God Forgive Me," in 2000 under Virgin Records. However, it was their collaboration with the Paperboys on the hit single "Barcelona" in 2002 that marked their first commercial breakthrough.

Rise to Fame

In 2004, Madcon released their debut album, "It's All a Madcon," through AA-Recordings/Bonnier Amigo, which garnered them a Norwegian Grammy and several other accolades. Their popularity soared further when they became TV personalities on the Nordic music channel "The Voice" in 2005, showcasing their behind-the-scenes life in the successful show "The Voice of Madcon." The duo's second album, "So Dark the Con of Man," released in December 2007, achieved remarkable success, reaching gold status in just three hours and platinum in three days in Norway. The album featured collaborations with soul singer Noora Noor and included the chart-topping interpolation of "Beggin'" by The Four Seasons, which topped charts in multiple countries.

Continued Success and Legacy

Madcon has released a total of eight albums as of 2018, including notable works like "an inCONvenient truth," "Contraband," and "Icon." Their music spans various genres, including hip-hop, pop, reggae, and dance music, showcasing their versatility and broad appeal. The duo's influence in the Norwegian music scene is significant, having won multiple Spellemannprisen awards, including for urban music and hit of the year. Their energetic performances and catchy tunes have solidified their status as one of Norway's beloved musical acts.