From Buenos Aires to Sydney and even the Coachella festival in the US, Joost Klein is embarking on a major tour of 33 cities. The Frisian musician, artist, and former Eurovision participant enjoys immense popularity outside of the Netherlands. But what accounts for his international appeal?
“He’s cultivated an international persona, primarily through his own channels like TikTok,” says Atze de Vrieze, a music journalist for 3voor12. This includes frequent collaborations with international artists, expanding his fanbase.
De Vrieze cites Mr. Polska, a Dutch-Polish rapper focused on the Polish market, with whom Klein released Break The Law this year, as an example. Klein also collaborated with Finnish former Eurovision entrant Käärijä on the track TRAFIK!.
Internet Meme & Global Networks
These collaborations, according to De Vrieze, explain why Klein’s tour includes stops in Helsinki and Warsaw. “He’s part of a network of artists who tap into internet culture, but also absurdity, art, and rap. That resonates with people worldwide.”
Klein’s performances often feature young fans dressed as him, notably in his signature blue padded suit. “They connect with his character as a cartoon figure. He’s achieved cult status,” De Vrieze explains.
German-Language Breakthrough
Klein also has a strong following in Germany and Austria, thanks to Friesenjung, a German-language summer hit he released in 2023 with Berlin rapper Ski Aggu and German comedian Otto Waalkes.
Navigating Fame and Mental Wellbeing
Klein’s world tour contrasts with his limited performances in the Netherlands, where he appeared at Pinkpop and Paaspop last year and gave one concert in the Ziggo Dome this year. He is currently a coach on The Voice of Vlaanderen.
Klein rarely grants interviews to the Dutch press. At the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, he was disqualified from the final after an incident with a camera operator.
Half a year later, he reflected on his Eurovision experience in the talk show Eva, describing the fatigue, mental pressure, death threats, and negative reactions it caused. The investigation into the incident was later dropped due to a lack of evidence.
International Recognition
A month ago, Jeugdjournaal spoke with Joost Klein:
Klein occasionally appears in international media. The Guardian interviewed him after Eurovision, calling him a “wild child ‘gabberpop’ rapper.” He also spoke with The New York Times.
“That’s the place to be interviewed before touring the US,” says De Vrieze. He’s surprised by Klein’s success in the American market. Shows in New York and Los Angeles were booked before Eurovision 2024 and sold out immediately.
Klein now plays to 3,000 people in New York, up from a few hundred. San Francisco will also draw a crowd of 2,000. He has three shows scheduled in South America: Bogotá, Mexico City, and Buenos Aires, where he kicks off the tour tonight.
Authenticity and Emotional Connection
Klein is known for his energetic hardcore performances, but also for addressing serious themes. “His story transcends the language barrier,” says De Vrieze. “He also offers support to fans struggling with mental health issues.”
Many of his songs reference the loss of his parents and his personal struggles with mental health, such as Wachtmuziek and Europapa. De Vrieze believes fans worldwide connect with these themes, regardless of language.
“In his latest albums, he mixes languages,” says De Vrieze, comparing it to the popularity of K-pop, which often incorporates English phrases. “And true fans are willing to make an effort to understand Dutch.”
Sharing the Stage
On April 17th, Klein will perform at Coachella, a leading music festival in California. The lineup includes Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, and The Strokes.
According to De Vrieze, Klein won’t be on the main stage, but the performance is a culmination of his work so far. Alongside Armin van Buuren, he is one of only two Dutch artists on the Coachella program. “It’s great that Klein can add his name to that list.”