Fixkes

A Belgian band that blended acoustic pop and hip-hop to — relatively — instant success, Fixkes were formed in Antwerp, Belgium, in 2005 by guitarist and vocalist Sam Valkenborgh and his brother, drummer Jan Valkenborgh. Quickly rounding out the membership with fellow players Peter Deckers (guitar and harmonica), Johan Pauwels (bass), and Bart Palmers (piano), Fixkes (the name came from a nickname given to Sam Valkenborgh at a young age) signed a deal with Dutch Excelsior Recordings in early 2007. Within a month, Fixkes had their debut single on the street. The single, "Kvraagetaan," was a number one hit, and remained there for the next 16 weeks, setting a national record. Their debut album, a self-titled affair, soon followed, and managed a respectable Top Three placing.