Wally Badarou

The collaborative genius behind Level 42 and beyond.

Paris-born Wally Badarou traces his ancestry to Benin, West Africa—but he is thoroughly and unmistakably French. When it comes to music, however, his inspiration reflects a rich blend of international influences.  A pioneering keyboardist, producer, and session musician, Wally has long embraced technology as an integral part of his creative process—one of the key motivations that led him to collaborate with the band Level 42. If you’ve heard their music, you’ve heard Wally’s touch: his musical structures, melodies, and productions are woven into many of their biggest hits. Although he was never an official member of the band, he co-wrote many of their more prominent songs, shaping the band’s signature sound.  Beyond that, his remarkable career includes collaborations with legends such as Herbie Hancock, M, Talking Heads, Grace Jones, Robert Palmer, and many others. It’s the story of a truly global musician—one who views music through an international lens.  Inside MusiCast proudly welcomes Wally Badarou.