Matt B is flying the flag with pride and eminence. Causing a tidal waves across the Afro and Western musical hemispheres, he is well on his way to becoming a superstar.
The singer has been soaring high in the musical stratosphere for years now, stunning listeners with his diverse, vibrant sound and his engulfing character on the mic. Presenting an array of projects and singles over the past few years, Matt has flaunted his potential by illustrating his artistic progression, startling work rate and deft lyrical ability. Honouring his culture and the musical ancestry throughout his work, Matt embodies the ideals of a modern renaissance artist, delving through genres and styles to accumulate an individualistic interpretation of Afro-infused R&B and soul music.
Recently nominated for a GRAMMY for his hit single “Gimme Love”, which features Ugandan icon Eddy Kenzo, his attendance at the awards show alongside his wife, manager and producer Angela Benson was well documented, as they stole the show wearing custom fits from Jesse J Collections.
The singer has announced that he will be releasing his much anticipated album, ALKEBULAN, this spring, which will feature previously heard singles “Get Down Mami” and the GRAMMY nominated track “Gimme Love”. The album will also feature his newest release, “Slow Down”; softly intoxicating, the cut is slick, smooth and brimming with gusto, with Matt’s swooningly delectable vocals and delicate lyricism sure to sweep listeners off of their feet.
As he gears up to release his latest project, we had the exciting opportunity to chat to Matt about all things ALKEBULAN, heritage, and the joys of collaboration.
Listen to Matt’s new single “Slow Down”
Read the full interview below!
Hi Matt! Where are we speaking to you from?
I’m currently soaking up the sun in Los Angeles, California.
What’s the first thing you thought about this morning?
The only thing that stays on my mind is the next record I’m writing. So I woke up thinking about that.
Who are some artists on your current rotation?
I’ve been heavy into Afrobeats lately. I love Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido.
Did you always know you wanted to make music? Or was there a lightbulb moment?
Music was always such a big part of my life, it really just existed around me ever since I was young. I think my “lightbulb moment” happened in my freshman year of high school. The first show I did with my two older brothers during an end-of-the-semester student assembly ignited a flame in me. It made me realise that I wanted to pursue a career in music full time.
How important of a role does your heritage play when it comes to your sound?
My journey toward self discovery has always been important to me, especially as I’ve been on this journey of discovering more about my ancestral roots. Finding where I descend from and who I am has led me on this journey throughout the continent of Africa. I’ve been learning more about the sounds of the Motherland and finding the best ways to translate that into my own music.
Your single “Gimme Love” was a hit. Could you talk us through the creative process behind it?
“Gimme Love” was something that came from a space of trying to create from the energy in a room and make something impactful. Tapping into what I like to call ‘the source’ and allowing it to flow and speak through you is key. That’s what I did with “Gimme Love.” I allowed that source to speak through me. In terms of creating the song and its structure, I was heavily focused on the melody. It was important to craft something that would instantly catch someone’s ear and evoke a feeling. From there, the words came to me through freestyling. I allowed the emotions I felt to be spoken into words. It’s quite a spiritual experience when birthing a song.
And, it garnered a GRAMMY nomination, that must’ve felt very validating as an artist! What was that experience like?
The GRAMMY nomination is for sure validating, but above all it is freeing. It gives that boost of allowing people to let their guards down and to really trust your process as a creative. Hearing that I was nominated is always so hard to put into words. I was in Uganda when I found out. My team and I cried like babies, jumping up and down and eventually falling to our knees with joy. We were just so grateful and thankful to the Most High for the opportunity. Even as I think about it I get a little misty eyed.
Today you’ve released your new single “Slow Down.” How did this track come about?
“Slow Down” is a fun, mid tempo record that makes you want to move. I pulled this energy directly from the vibrant party scene I experienced on my trip to Uganda. There was an essence of joy and freedom in the club scene that was unfamiliar to me, but unique and vibrant. “Slow Down” really captures the essence of that.
You’re gearing up to release a new project in the coming months, what do you want people to take away from this project?
What I hope my fans take away from this project is my willingness to continue being vulnerable and authentically me. This journey of self discovery is an extremely personal one that most people would keep private. There are so many twists and turns along the way, unpredictable moments, and a candidly emotional rollercoaster as I dive into my heritage. I literally don’t know what to expect or how I will react as the layers continue to be pulled back. Through it all I know my fans have my back and deserve to share in this journey with me. Through tears of joy, pain, and sorrow they will be there. I hope that my journey of reconnection and self discovery will inspire others to start one of their own.
You’ve collaborated with the likes of J. Ivy, Eddy Kenzo, and Oxlade. How does your approach differ when you’re collaborating as opposed to on your own?
The best approach I have and continue to have is to stay true to myself and what I feel, regardless of who I’m in the room with. If I don’t do that, then I know that I’m not only cheating myself, but the art itself. Every approach deserves 100% of what I have to give that day, and for me to connect to ‘the source’ to allow those ideas that aren’t mine to flow through me and onto the record.
Do you have any dream collaborators?
My dream collaborations are always evolving as I grow as an artist. Kanye West, Nomcebo Zikode, or Ed Sheeran are three that come top of mind. But in the same breath, it’s not so much about the artist as much as it is about the record I fell in love with from that artist. Or the sound they created in that moment in time that drew me in. That’s one reason why my willingness to collaborate with someone has more to do with what they are currently doing sonically, versus who they are or what they’ve accomplished.
What’s in store for you in the year to come?
Another GRAMMY nomination would be nice, maybe even manifesting that into a win. I’d also like to tour nationally and internationally. And of course, I’m preparing to release my new album ALKEBULAN, which is coming very soon.