Coely Mbueno was born on January 5th, 1994, in Antwerp, Belgium and became a prominent figure in the Belgian music scene by the age of 16. Raised in the multicultural district of Borgerhout in Antwerp, Coely was exposed to various cultures at a young age. She was especially drawn to music and developed a passion for different genres, particularly hip-hop and rap, inspired by artists like Lauryn Hill, Missy Elliot and Nicky Minaj.
Coely's journey into the music industry began when she started performing at local talent shows and open mic nights. Her electrifying stage presence, coupled with her powerful voice and lyrical prowess, quickly gained her recognition within the Belgian hip-hop community. In 2012, she signed with independent record label Beatville and released her debut single "Ain't Chasing Pavements," which showcased her unique blend of soulful vocals and fierce rap delivery.
It was her breakthrough single "Don't Care" in 2016 that catapulted her to national prominence. The track received widespread acclaim, earning her airplay on major Belgian radio stations and solidifying her status as one of the most promising young talents in Belgian rap. Her highly anticipated debut album "Different Waters" was released the following year. It received unanimous critical acclaim and further cemented her position as a trailblazer in Belgian music. The album spawned hit singles such as "Celebrate" and “regulator”, showcasing her versatility as an artist.
Coely's music is characterized by its infectious energy, heartfelt lyrics, and genre-bending sound, which seamlessly fuses elements of hip-hop, soul, and pop. She is known for her dynamic flow, tackling themes of empowerment, identity, and resilience in her lyrics. Drawing inspiration from her multicultural upbringing and personal experiences, Coely's music resonates with audiences of diverse backgrounds.
Throughout her career, Coely has achieved numerous milestones and accolades, garnering recognition for her exceptional talent and contributions to the music industry. She has been honored with multiple awards, including wins at the Music Industry Awards (MIA’S) for Best Hip Hop (x3) and Best Solo Female. Additionally she has won Best Artwork for her album “Different Waters” at the Red Bull Elektropedia Awards and the prestigious Ultima Award.
Coely has earned a formidable reputation as a captivating live performer with her electrifying stage presence and dynamic performances. Her young and raw energy generated attention from international touring artists and gave her the opportunity to open for acclaimed acts such as Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, J.Cole, and Nas. It led to tours and performances at prestigious music festivals across Europe, including Glastonbury (UK), Splash! (DE), Tomorrowland (BE), Frauenfeld (CH), Pinkpop (NL), and Rock Werchter (BE), among many others.
Beyond her musical contributions, Coely has become a symbol of empowerment and representation within the Belgian music scene. As a woman of color in a male-dominated genre, she has broken barriers and inspired a new generation of artists to embrace their authentic selves. Her unwavering commitment to her craft and her ability to connect with audiences on a profound level have solidified her legacy as one of Belgium's most influential rap artists.
Today, Coely continues to captivate audiences with her electrifying performances and thought-provoking music. She remains an influential figure in the Belgian music landscape, collaborating with both local and international artists while staying true to her roots. With each new release, she reaffirms her status as a visionary artist and cultural icon, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. Her latest album “Alive” (2023), containing singles as “Alive”, “Fruit of Bantu”, and “Nightcall”, blurs the boundaries between hip-hop, soul and pop.
In addition to her thriving music career, Coely expanded her influence as a coach on "The Voice Kids" in Belgium. Her role as a coach showcased her passion for nurturing young talent and providing guidance to the next generation of artists.
Desjardins Stage, Saturday May 11 @ 8PM - FREE - ALL AGES
