For Belgian multi-instrumentalist and producer Bart PJ, music has always been a lifelong journey of exploration. Under the project name Hakuna Patata, he continues to fuse sounds from across the globe, and his latest single, “Usaenda,” embodies that mission with irresistible energy.
Blending Afro-inspired rhythms with modern production, Usaenda is a track that instantly calls listeners to the dance floor. The song was built around a purchased vocal sample from a Zimbabwean singer, which Bart meticulously adapted to create a seamless, organic collaboration. The result is a feel-good anthem that bridges continents, showcasing Bart’s deep respect for African music and its universal ability to move both body and spirit. “I find African dance music so catchy, you can’t sit still,” he explains. That joy and energy radiate throughout Usaenda, making it impossible not to sway along.
Bart’s story stretches back more than 40 years. Based in Brussels, he grew up immersed in a wide range of genres, from reggae, dub, and funk to Latin, samba, surf rock, and bossa nova. A former DJ and record-store worker, he first picked up bass and guitar at the age of 14, quickly finding his way into rock bands during the 80s and 90s. Over the decades, he honed his craft as a self-taught multi-instrumentalist and home-studio producer, with a passion for shaping songs from the ground up. When the moment calls, he collaborates with musicians around the world to enrich his sound.
With twelve unique projects to his name, Hakuna Patata represents Bart’s vision for world music without borders. Usaenda is more than just a single; it’s a celebration of resilience, culture, and global creativity. For Bart, every track is an invitation: press play, lose yourself in the rhythm, and let the music connect us all.