From Bjork to Slayer: Inside the Eclectic World of Dokaka, The Japanese Beatboxer

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Here’s an unlikely formula for success: Japanese beatboxer + a cappella vocals = fame and fortune? Dokaka, the Japanese beatboxer and vocal artist, has been captivating audiences worldwide with his unique ability to recreate entire songs using nothing but his voice.

Dokaka, whose real name is Hirofumi Nakamura, first gained international attention in the early 2000s when his covers of popular songs began circulating on the internet. His technique involves multitracking his own voice, with each track mimicking a different instrument or sound effect. The result is a stunning recreation of complex musical arrangements, all produced by a single human voice. Over the years, he has covered songs by everyone from Slayer to Nirvana.

Believe it or not he’s become something of a cult sensation. You actually might already be familiar with his work. Bjork both and the producers of the videogame we love katamari.

“Dokaka’s talent is truly remarkable,” says guitarist and entertainment industry veteran, Frank Radice. “He’s not just imitating sounds; he’s reimagining entire compositions through the lens of the human voice. It’s a level of creativity and technical skill that’s rare in today’s music scene.”

“Dokaka’s talent is truly remarkable.” – Frank Radice

Dokaka’s repertoire spans a wide range of genres, from heavy metal and prog rock to jazz and video game themes. His covers of iconic tracks by bands like King Crimson, Led Zeppelin, and Metallica have garnered millions of views online, showcasing his versatility and appeal across different musical communities.

But it’s not just fans who have taken notice. In 2004, Dokaka’s unique talents caught the attention of Icelandic singer Bjork, who featured him on her album “Medulla.” This collaboration brought Dokaka’s work to an even wider audience and cemented his status as a respected artist in the experimental music scene.

“Working with Bjork was an incredible experience,” Dokaka shared in a rare interview. “It allowed me to explore new dimensions of vocal music and push the boundaries of what’s possible with the human voice.”

Despite his international success, Dokaka has remained true to his roots, continuing to distribute much of his work as free downloads. This commitment to accessibility has endeared him to fans and fellow musicians alike.

“Dokaka’s generosity in sharing his art is inspiring,” notes composer Walt Ribeiro. “He’s not just creating amazing music; he’s fostering a community of artists who are excited to experiment with sound in new ways.”

In recent years, Dokaka has expanded his repertoire to include original compositions, showcasing his growth as an artist. His 2008 album “Human Interface,” released in Japan and later in Australia, demonstrated his ability to create entirely new soundscapes using only his voice.

As Dokaka continues to evolve as an artist, one thing remains clear: his unique approach to music-making will continue to inspire and challenge both listeners and fellow musicians for years to come.

You can check out his free mp3s on dokaka.com or watch his videos on YouTube.

Japanese beatboxer and vocal artist, Dokaka, is turning heads worldwide with his unique ability to recreate entire songs using only his voice. #vocalartist #musicinnovation #dokaka #japanesemusic #beatboxing Share on X