The track "Europapa" propelled Joost Klein to the forefront of European pop music when it was selected as the Dutch entry for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. Born in Leeuwarden in 1997, the versatile artist established his career through a multifaceted approach to digital creation, spanning roles as a rapper, poet, video director, and music producer.
Early Career and Digital Presence
Klein gained initial recognition by publishing sketches and mini-documentaries on his YouTube channel, EenhoornJoost, which he launched in 2010. His transition into professional music began with the 2016 EP Dakloos. After a brief association with the label TopNotch, he founded his own independent label, Albino Sports, to maintain creative autonomy. His early output included the 2017 mixtape Scandinavian Boy and a collaborative studio album with rapper Donnie titled M van Marketing, which they promoted with a performance at the Carré theatre in Amsterdam.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Artistic Development and Literary Work
Beyond his musical releases, Klein published a book of poetry titled Albino in 2018. The project was inspired by his father, who had encouraged him to write. His musical style evolved through several albums, including 1983 and Joost Klein 7, which incorporated diverse electronic influences such as drum and bass and hardstyle. In 2022, he released the album Fryslân, which featured personal reflections on his family, including the track "Florida 2009," which he premiered at the Pinkpop festival.
Eurovision and International Recognition
In 2023, Klein achieved significant success in Germany with the single "Friesenjung," a collaboration with Ski Aggu and Otto Waalkes. This momentum led to his selection by Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS to represent the Netherlands at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest. While he qualified for the final with "Europapa," he was disqualified by the European Broadcasting Union following an altercation with a camera operator. Swedish prosecutors investigated the event but dropped the case in August 2024, finding no evidence of criminal conduct.
Fast facts
- Born: 1997, Leeuwarden, Netherlands
- Notable works: Albino, Friesenjung, Europapa
- Record label: Albino Sports
- Language proficiency: Dutch, English, German
- Education: Stedelijk Gymnasium
- Career roles: Musician, rapper, poet, music video director, YouTuber
Questions readers ask
What happened to the criminal case against Joost Klein in Sweden?
Swedish prosecutors dropped the case in August 2024 after concluding that they could not prove any criminal conduct.
What inspired the title of the album 1983?
The album title refers to the birth year of Klein's older brother.
Achievements
- Notable work: Friesenjung
- Notable work: Albino
- Notable work: Europapa
- Instruments: voice
- Genres: Dutch hip hop, comedy hip-hop and happy hardcore
.jpg)