With his soulful voice, compelling storytelling, and charismatic stage presence, songwriter, artist, and actor Jeangu Macrooy (born in Paramaribo, 1993) has become one of the most distinctive voices in the world of Dutch music and theater. His work effortlessly blends pop, soul, folk, and indie, while his lyrics resonate both on a personal and social level.
Following the huge success of his single Independent Girls and Nasty Evil Gays, a satirical queer protest song that was named TopSong on NPO Radio 2, Jeangu's fourth studio album, Young, Awkward and Lonely, was released on October 10, 2025. It's a candid and outspoken album that explores what happens after growing up. In twelve layered tracks, he reflects on his youth, lifes challenges, and the urge for connection - told from different perspectives: the relationship with himself, with others, and with the outside world. Together with producer Jasper Zuidervaart (who also works with ChefSpecial), he created a sound that blends fresh pop, folk, and indie influences with his characteristically soulful voice. The release was followed by a theater tour of the same name, with Jeangu accompanied by his regular band and three singers from the ZO! Gospel Choir.
Jeangu’s musical journey began at the age of thirteen in Suriname, where he formed a duo with his twin brother Xillan. In 2014 he moved to the Netherlands, where producer/composer Perquisite signed him to his label Unexpected Records. With his debut EP Brave Enough (2016) and the album High On You (2017), both produced by Perquisite, he reached a large audience, with performances at Lowlands and North Sea Jazz, among others, and obtained two Edison Award nominations. His second album Horizon (2019) confirmed his status as a versatile artist.
Jeangu garnered international attention when he represented the Netherlands at the Eurovision Song Contest: in 2020 with the highly personal Grow and in 2021 with the powerful statement Birth Of A New Age. The music video, partly shot at the Rijksmuseum and directed by Kevin Osepa, received international praise from publications including The New York Times.
In 2022, Jeangu released his third studio album, Summer Moon, produced by Bud Kolk. On this album he partially returned to the soulful sound of his debut, supplemented with electronic and disco influences. Summer Moon was also nominated for an Edison Award.
In addition to his career as an artist, Jeangu has become a celebrated musical theater actor. In 2024, he played the lead role of Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar, directed by Ivo van Hove, which earned him rave reviews and a Musical Award nomination. In the summer of 2025, he starred as Orpheus in Hadestown at the Royal Theatre Carré - another success unanimously embraced by both audiences and the press.
With his unique voice, artistic versatility, and unmistakably distinctive sound, Jeangu Macrooy continues to push boundaries - always seeking connection, honesty, and wonder.
