View source for DJ Bally

{{short description|Nigerian Disc jockey and reality television personality}}
{{Multiple issues|
{{advert|date=January 2018}}
{{weasel words|date=January 2018}}
{{Unreliable sources|date=February 2023}}
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{{EngvarB|date=February 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2018}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name         = Bally B
| alias        = Bally B
| image        = DJ Bally Ballat.jpg
| image_size   =
| birth_name   = Bobai Balat
| born         = <!-- must cite a published reliable source to verify -->
| birth_place  = <!-- must cite a published reliable source to verify -->
| genre        = {{Hlist | [[House music|House]] | [[Electronic dance music|EDM]] | [[hip house]] | [[R'n'B]] | [[Afrobeats]] | [[Naija]]}}
| occupation   = {{Hlist | Disc jockey | record producer | voiceover artist | reality television personality}}
| years_active = 2006–present
| label        = [[Aristokrat Records]]
| website      =
}}
'''Bobai Balat''',<!-- must cite a published reliable source to verify birth date --> also known by his stage name '''Bally B'''., is a Nigerian [[disc jockey]], [[record producer]], [[voiceover artist]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://olorisupergal.com/2017/04/04/bally-former-big-brother-naija-housemate-gets-immediate-request-dj-host-wedding/|title=BALLY FORMER BIG BROTHER NAIJA HOUSEMATE GETS IMMEDIATE REQUEST TO BE A DJ AND HOST A WEDDING|date=4 April 2017 |publisher=Olorisupergal|accessdate=4 April 2017}}</ref> and [[reality television]] personality.<ref>{{cite web |date=7 April 2017 |title=Housemate Bally's Interview that Got TBoss' Fans Upset |url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2017/04/watch-former-bbnaija-housemate-ballys-interview-that-got-tboss-fans-upset/ |accessdate=7 April 2017 |publisher=Bella Naija}}</ref> He gained popularity as one of the housemates of the [[Big Brother Naija 2017]] reality game show, a localized Nigerian franchise of the Dutch game show [[Big Brother (franchise)|Big Brother]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://akpraise.com/bbnaija-former-housemate-bally-declares-support-for-efe-with-a-customized-t-shirt-photos/|title=Housemate Bally Declares Support For Efe with a Customized T-shirt|publisher=Akpraise|accessdate=5 April 2017|archive-date=5 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170405223028/http://akpraise.com/bbnaija-former-housemate-bally-declares-support-for-efe-with-a-customized-t-shirt-photos/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://dailypost.ng/2017/04/11/big-brother-naija-want-go-vacation-bally-bisola-video-2/|title=I want to go on vacation with Bally – Bisola|date=11 April 2017 |publisher=Olorisupergal|accessdate=11 April 2017}}</ref> Among other jobs, he has worked<ref>{{cite web|title=I was victimized by Bisola in the BBN house' – Bally speaks to Linda Ikeji TV |date=7 April 2017 |url=http://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2017/04/i-was-victimized-by-bisola-in-bbn-house.html|publisher=linda Ikeji|accessdate=7 April 2017}}</ref> as a school teacher in [[Lagos State|Lagos]] as well as a statistician for the Federal Government. He is a [[baritone]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Don Jazzy, Others React To Bisola And Bally's Passionate Love Session|url=http://gistreel.com/2017/03/12/bbnaija-don-jazzy-others-react-to-bisola-and-ballys-passionate-love-session/|publisher=gistreel|accessdate=12 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313023402/http://gistreel.com/2017/03/12/bbnaija-don-jazzy-others-react-to-bisola-and-ballys-passionate-love-session/|archive-date=13 March 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> known as '''Baritone Bally''' in Big Brother Naija. In 2015, Balat created an Afro-infused electronic bootleg remix to [[Rihanna]]'s hit song [[FourFiveSeconds]], which brought industry recognition and led to a [[Mashup (music)|mash-up]] segment on [[Lagos State|Lagos]] City's radio station, [[The Beat 99.9 FM]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.musbizusblog.com/2017/04/bbnaija-nigerians-react-ballys-eviction-moving-highest-vote-lowest-vote/|title=Nigerians React to Bally's Eviction after moving from having Highest vote to the lowest vote|publisher=musbizusnlog|accessdate=2 April 2017|archive-date=3 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170403103955/http://www.musbizusblog.com/2017/04/bbnaija-nigerians-react-ballys-eviction-moving-highest-vote-lowest-vote/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bisola Confesses Her Affection For Bally During The Live Shows |url=http://www.informationng.com/2017/03/bbnaija-bisola-confesses-affection-bally-live-shows.html/|publisher=information ng}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://livebip.com/Entertainment/Celebrities/Fading-from-the-spotlight-BBNaija-s-Bally-has-been-too-quiet-lately-108387.html/|title=Fading From The Spotlight: BBNaija's Bally Has Been Too Quiet Lately|publisher=livebip}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thenet.ng/2017/04/big-brother-naija-feel-ballys-eviction-house/|title=How do you feel about Bally's eviction from the house?|publisher=The Net newspaper|accessdate=2 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170406023028/http://thenet.ng/2017/04/big-brother-naija-feel-ballys-eviction-house/|archive-date=6 April 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
== Early life and career ==
<!-- must cite a published reliable source to verify birth date and place -->Growing up in a household with 3 music-loving elder siblings played a huge role in crafting his music passion and style. He spent most of his adolescence years in [[Kaduna]] before moving to Nigeria's capital, [[Abuja]] at the age of 10, where he had his secondary education at [[Loyola Jesuit College]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=DJ Bally - Bobai Balat biography, net worth, age, family, contact & picture |url=https://www.manpower.com.ng/people/16374/bobai-balat |access-date=2024-02-13 |website=www.manpower.com.ng}}</ref> He started his university education in 2006 at ''Purdue University'', studying there for two years before transferring to the [[American University of Nigeria]] for personal reasons. However, it was while still at Purdue University that Balat's love for music production and disc jockeying began after he befriended a fellow Nigerian [[rapper]] at his school. His rapper friend introduced him to the popular<ref>{{cite web|title=Exclusive Photos From Big Brother Naija Finale Black Carpet #BBNaijaFinale |url=http://www.theinfong.com/2017/04/exclusive-photos-big-brother-naija-finale-black-carpet-bbnaijafinale/|publisher=theinfong|accessdate=6 April 2017}}</ref> production software [[FL Studio]], and Balat started trying his hand at music production. He then also decided to volunteer to disc jockey at different recreational spots around the [[Chicago]] area, where he became more acquainted with being a disc jockey, as well as increase his confidence behind the turntables. After moving to the [[American University of Nigeria]], Balat decided to take his passion for music even further,<ref>{{cite web|title=7 Things You Probably Didn't Know About BB Naija Housemate, Bally |url=http://stargist.com/entertainment/nigerian_celebrity/about-bally-balat-bally-balat-profile-bally-balat-wikipedia-bally-balat-biography/|publisher=stargist}}</ref> becoming the popular go-to DJ not only within the University but also around town. He was also the only one with a music studio in his dorm in school, therefore monopolising<ref>{{cite web|title=Bally Balat Evicted From Big Brother Naija House, Leaving Efe As "Last Man" Standing |url=https://buzznigeria.com/bally-balat-evicted-bbnaija/|publisher=buzznigeria|accessdate=2 April 2017}}</ref> all music production and engineering done by students on campus while at the same time raising capital to enable him to buy more equipment.<ref>{{cite web|title=Top 5 Shocking Facts You Probably Didn ' t Know About The Newly Evicted Housemate, Bally |date=3 April 2017 |url=http://www.naijaloaded.com.ng/entertainment/bbnaija-top-5-shocking-facts-probably-didnt-know-newly-evicted-housemate-bally/|publisher=naijaloaded}}</ref>
Having grown up on his elder sibling's diverse record collection, from soulful 80s [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]] and [[R&B]] to the higher-tempo rhythmic progressions of [[Makossa]], combined with Balat's affinity for the more electronic synth sounds coming out of Europe at the time, Balat ended up with a mixed spectrum of musical influence.<ref>{{cite web |title=CHECK OUT BIG BROTHER NAIJA HOUSEMATE, BALLY BALLAT'S FAMILY, HIS LATE FATHER WAS A SENATOR OF THE FED REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA. |url=http://www.fabmimi.com/2017/02/check-out-big-brother-naija-housemate.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170311092204/http://www.fabmimi.com/2017/02/check-out-big-brother-naija-housemate.html |archive-date=11 March 2017 |accessdate=20 February 2017 |publisher=fabmini}}</ref> Today, this variety of genre influences translates into sets where Balat picks apart, infuses, and transitions between several genres, from contemporary [[Afrobeats]] to [[electronic dance music]], [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]], and [[Trap music|trap]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Bally Balat Biography (Big Brother Naija) Age & Net Worth|url=http://nigerianinfobox.com.ng/bally-balat-biography-big-brother-naija-age-net-worth/|publisher=daily post newspaper|accessdate=27 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228063441/http://nigerianinfobox.com.ng/bally-balat-biography-big-brother-naija-age-net-worth/|archive-date=28 February 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref>
=== Music career ===
During his rise to prominence,<ref>{{cite web|title=2 lessons you need to learn from Bally's eviction |url=http://www.galaxytvonline.com/entertainment/x-lessons-you-need-to-learn-from-ballys-e/|publisher=Galaxy TV|accessdate=2 April 2017}}</ref> Balat became affiliated with a major record label in the [[Nigerian]] music industry, [[Aristokrat Records]], the label responsible for bringing singer-songwriter [[Burna Boy]] to the limelight.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.keaadamsblog.com/2017/04/teamballybbnaija-hits-kaduna-with.html|title=#TEAMBALLYBBNAIJA HITS KADUNA WITH MASSIVE SUPPORT FOR BALLY|publisher=keaadamsblog}}</ref> Together, Balat and the label produced several successful Afro-infused remixes and mash-ups to popular international hits. He has officially released one single called "Ali" (2015), featuring then-label mate MoJeed and popular Abuja-based [[rapper]] Sute.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.naija.fm/naija-gist/bally-of-big-brother-naija-says-he-has-no-feelings-for-bisola/|title=I have no feelings for Bisola, she victimized me – Bally reveals|date=8 April 2017 |publisher=Naija fm}}</ref> Bally is an example of a new breed of DJs coming out of Africa, which delve heavily into the production and engineering of mash-ups, remixes, and original [[Audio signal|tracks]] mostly in the [[Electronic dance music|EDM]] genre,<ref>{{cite web|title=Bisola Is Not A Graduate, Bally's Girlfriend Was Upset He Kissed Housemates, more |date=9 April 2017 |url=http://www.takemetonaija.com/2017/04/bbnaija-revelations-bisola-is-not.html|publisher=takemetonaija|accessdate=9 April 2017}}</ref> while also infusing elements of [[Afrobeats]].
=== DJ and Production career ===
Bally began his musical journey while still in high school,<ref>{{cite web|title=Did you know that BB Naija housemate Bally is the son of a former senator?|url=http://www.daminaj.com/2017/03/did-you-know-that-bb-naija-housemate.html|publisher=daminaj|accessdate=22 March 2017|archive-date=12 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012045036/http://www.daminaj.com/2017/03/did-you-know-that-bb-naija-housemate.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> creating [[playlists]] and arranging music for major social events and parties. He, however, bought his first set of turntables and began working as an active disc jockey while at Purdue University. Along with his housemates, he became well known for organizing parties all around campus as a disc jockey for an eclectic mix of students with varying musical tastes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://newsinvestigatorsng.com/breaking-kaduna-airport-grounded-as-rainstorm-destroys-communication-facility/|title=Kaduna Airport Grounded As Rainstorm Destroys Communication Facility|publisher=newsinvestigators|accessdate=27 April 2017}}</ref> Since then, Balat has held several club residencies around the world, he is founding DJ of the Grotto Fashion Club in [[Abuja]], [[Nigeria]], and progressed to a resident stint at the [[Gatecrasher Club]] in [[Nottingham]], while still touring the [[United Kingdom]] and playing various gigs. He has also been called upon to play alongside some of the biggest names in [[Afro beats|Afrobeats]] music today.<ref>{{cite web|title=Isaiah Balat: The hero of Southern Kaduna goes home! |url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2014/03/isaiah-balat-hero-southern-kaduna-goes-home/|publisher=vanguards newspaper|accessdate=1 March 2017}}</ref>
Over the last couple of years, he has been putting more emphasis into being a [[record producer]], putting out a long array of music projects along the way. His goal has been to spearhead the [[Electronic dance music|EDM]] movement in Africa while spreading the genre of [[Afrobeats]] music to the rest of the world.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bellanaija.com/2017/04/bbnaijas-dj-bally-dj-ruud-more-turn-up-at-the-grill-at-the-pent-lagos-culture-themed-party-see-photos/|title=DJ Bally, DJ Ruud & More Turn Up at The Grill at the Pent Lagos' Culture Themed Party|date=25 April 2017 |publisher=bella naija|accessdate=25 April 2017}}</ref> Therefore, his mash-ups and remixes infuse both contemporary African rhythms and vocals with the piercing synth sounds of [[electronic dance music]], producing a type of music that is not commonly heard outside of Africa. His productions, though geared towards certain genres, remain highly experimental, reminiscent of early [[Diplo]].<ref>{{cite web |title=My girlfriend was mad at me for kissing housemates – Bally |url=https://breaking.com.ng/nigeria/big-brother-naija-my-girlfriend-was-mad-at-me-for-kissing-housemates-bally-video/ |accessdate=7 April 2017 |publisher=breaking}}</ref> His mash-up series "Mash-Up Mondays," where he releases a brand new mash-up every Monday, is currently hosted on [[The Beat 99.9 FM]] radio station during the Morning Rush show.<ref>{{cite web|title=My girlfriend was mad at me for kissing housemates – Bally |url=https://breaking.com.ng/nigeria/big-brother-naija-my-girlfriend-was-mad-at-me-for-kissing-housemates-bally-video/|publisher=newsinvestigators|accessdate=7 April 2017}}</ref>
=== Acting ===
Balat delved into music and film almost at the same time while in secondary school and took part in various plays and dramas around campus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tooxclusive.com/download-mp3/dj-bally-ali-ft-mojeed-sute/|title=DJ Bally – Ali ft. Mojeed & Sute|date=29 January 2023 |publisher=Tooxclusive}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.post-nigeria.com/attention-jamrock-is-back-with-a-bang-bbnaija-housemate-dj-bally-others-set-to-shut-down-abuja-do-not-miss-out/|title=JamRock Is Back with a Bang!! BBNaija Housemate, DJ Bally, Others, Set To Shut Down Abuja. Do Not Miss Out!!|publisher=Post nigeria|accessdate=21 April 2017|archive-date=22 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170422141423/http://www.post-nigeria.com/attention-jamrock-is-back-with-a-bang-bbnaija-housemate-dj-bally-others-set-to-shut-down-abuja-do-not-miss-out/|url-status=dead}}</ref> After completing his tertiary education, he came back to [[Nigeria]] and enrolled at the Royal Arts Academy,<ref>{{cite web|title=DJ Bally – 'Trap Queen' (AfroTronic remix) ft. Bobby Combz |date=13 July 2015 |url=http://pulse.ng/new_music/new-music-dj-bally-trap-queen-afrotronic-remix-ft-bobby-combz-id3968423.html/|publisher=pulse ng}}</ref> [[Surulere]], to attain formal training in acting for both stage and film.  With a series of short films under his belt, including ''The Art of Deceit'' by Cynthia Toyo (2008), ''Baby Mama'' by Kudus and a few TV appearances guest-hosting ''The Late Show'' on COOL TV.
=== Big Brother Naija ===
In 2017, he went in as one of an eventual 14 housemates on the second season of the popular reality game show [[Big Brother Naija 2017]] (formerly known as Big Brother Nigeria), finishing as the 5th runner-up.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bigbrothernaija.ng/3067/bally-roots-efe-talks-relationship-bisola-big-brother-naija/|title=Bally Roots For Efe And Talks About 'his Relationship With Bisola' In The Big Brother Naija|publisher=newsghana|accessdate=2 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pulse.ng/buzz/big-brother-naija-all-the-housemates-you-might-soon-find-in-the-music-industry-id6507831.html/|title=All the housemates you might soon find in the music industry|date=10 April 2017 |publisher=pulse ng|accessdate=10 April 2017}}</ref> The show's high ratings and overwhelming popularity sprung Balat, along with his other contesting [[housemates]] into household names in Nigeria, becoming popular in both [[social media]] and traditional media.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bigbrothernaija.ng/2917/breaking-bally-exits-big-brother-naija-show-top-5-revealed/|title=Bally Exits Big Brother Naija Show As The Top 5 Are Revealed|publisher=big brother naija|accessdate=2 April 2017}}</ref> The show also enabled Balat to discover a fresh talent previous unbeknownst to him, his baritone voice. His voice, along with his eyes and appearance, made him popular among female fans. After surviving 9 weeks without ever being up for nomination, he was eventually evicted in week 10, one week shy of the grand finale.<ref>{{cite web|title=Erigga And Big Brother Naija's DJ Bally This Thursday |url=http://www.exclusivepp.com.ng/erigga-big-brother-naijas-dj-bally-thursday/|publisher=exclusivepp}}</ref>
=== Bally Rally Movement ===
The Bally Rally Movement began in 2017 while Balat was still in the Big Brother House. It was the name coined by his fans to signify their support and movement behind him.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mp3hug.com/download-5079fs/Bally-Sagoo-FINAL-Dj-EM.html/|title=Bally Sagoo FINAL Dj EM|publisher=mp3hug}}{{Dead link|date=August 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> However, after he was eventually evicted from the house, he came out to join the [[Civil society campaign|campaign]] and revamping it into a social cause to promote peace and youth empowerment through music.<ref>{{cite web |title=DJ Bally to release his Afrotronic remix to Four Five Seconds |url=https://www.newsghana.com.gh/dj-bally-to-release-his-afrotronic-remix-to-four-five-seconds/amp/ |accessdate=11 March 2017 |publisher=newsghana}}</ref> The Bally Rally movement has since been partitioned into two initiatives: "Bally Rally Outreach" and "Bally Rally Party". These two initiatives play out in various cities around Nigeria over the course of two days. The Bally Rally Outreach consists of charity-themed excursions to areas<ref>{{cite web|title=Bally is rooting for Efe, talks 'relationship with Bisola,' life after reality show.|url=http://www.jadonmusic.com.ng/2017/04/big-brother-naija-bally-is-rooting-for.html|publisher=jadonmusic|accessdate=5 April 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517231632/http://www.jadonmusic.com.ng/2017/04/big-brother-naija-bally-is-rooting-for.html|archive-date=17 May 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> and institutions of lower social privilege, such as [[Orphanage|orphanages]] and [[Internally displaced person|IDP]] camps, to provide aid and support as a way of giving back to society. The Bally Rally Party, on the other hand, occurs on the next day and encompasses a mini carnival and music concert featuring numerous games, food, drinks, merchandise sales, and musical performances from artists and DJs alike.<ref>{{cite web|title=I will concentrate on DJ services- Bally |url=http://espinews.com.ng/big-brother-naija-will-concentrate-dj-services-bally/|publisher=mp3hug|accessdate=3 April 2017}}</ref>
== Discography ==
=== Mixes ===
* Dinner & Dessert <small>(2015)</small>
* Bally's Classic Hit-List, Vol. 1 <small>(2015)</small>
* Ballystic Radio <small>(The Prequel 1 & 2) (2014–2011)</small>
* Ultimate Party Mix <small>(2011)</small>
* TGIF Naija Edition  <small>(2011)</small>
* Sex Music Vols. 1 & 2 <small>(2011–2012)</small>
=== Official Remixes ===
* Bigger Better Best (Bally Twerk Remix) Pucado <small>(2014)</small>
* For Me (Bally Dance Remix), Tolumide <small>(2012)</small>
=== Bootleg (Unofficial) Remixes ===
* Earned It (Afrotronic Remix) The Weekend (2015)
* FourFiveSeconds (Afrotronic Remix) Rihanna (2015)
* Call Me Maybe (Afrobeat Remix) Carly Rae Jepsen (2012)
=== MashUps ===
MashUp Mondays on the Beat 99.9fm (2014–present)
* My Moment (Bally Trippy MashUp)
* Pray To God (Bally Hideaway MashUp)
* Hell of a Night (Bally Spin MashUp)
* Shake Body (Bally U & Me MashUp)
* Skibo (Bally Shake MashUp)
* Johnny (Bally Sexy Waist MashUp)
* The Kick (Bally Epic MashUp)
* Personally (Bally Payback MashUp)
* Youngi Olowo (Bally Bounce MashUp)
* Why You Love Me (Bally Blow MashUp)
=== Original Tracks ===
* Ali ft. MoJeed & Sute <small>(2015)</small>
== See also ==
*[[List of Nigerian DJs]]
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bally, DJ}}
[[Category:British DJs]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Nigerian DJs]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:Place of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:Nigerian record producers]]
[[Category:Nigerian television personalities]]
[[Category:People from Kaduna State]]
[[Category:Nigerian Afrobeats musicians]]
[[Category:Atyap people]]
[[Category:People from Southern Kaduna]]