Matt B’s African Roots and Grammy Heights: Unveiling the ALKEBULAN album, the African Musical Heritage.

Unveiling Matt B: An Intimate Portrait of Heritage, Passion, and Grammy Dreams

Matthew David Benson known by his stage name Matt B is a Grammy-nominated artist from Chicago who has captivated audiences with his unique music style that seamlessly blends elements of African and African American musical traditions. His soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics are infused with the spiritual essence of gospel music, a reflection of his upbringing singing in the church choir.

With a deep connection to his African heritage, Matt B’s music pays homage to his ancestral roots, incorporating rich
African rhythms and melodies that resonate with audiences worldwide. His artistry serves as a bridge between cultures, celebrating diversity and unity through the universal language of music.

In this interview, Matt B talks about his journey in Africa, his Grammy nomination, his future in the music industry, his heritage, and his career as a whole.
In a world where music transcends borders and artists strive to create meaningful connections, Matt B has emerged as a shining star. A Grammy-nominated artist, his passion for African culture and art has become a driving force in his musical journey. With a deep connection to his ancestral roots, Matt B has embarked on a mission to bridge the gap between continents and unite people through the universal language of music.

From humble beginnings as part of the group TriEnd to launching a successful solo career, Matt B’s rise to prominence has been fueled by his undeniable talent and unwavering dedication. His musical prowess caught the attention of the Recording Academy, leading to a Grammy nomination that served as a testament to his exceptional artistry and the impact of his music.
However, Matt B’s journey extends far beyond awards and accolades. At the core of his artistry lies a profound appreciation for African culture and its rich artistic heritage. His exploration of his own heritage and the musical traditions that shaped him has become a transformative experience, igniting a passion to share the beauty and diversity of African art with the world.

What sets Matt B apart is his genuine connection to his African roots. His upbringing in a deeply musical household, where church choir singing was a way of life, instilled in him a deep sense of spirituality and soulfulness that resonates through his music. The melodies and rhythms that flow through his songs are a testament to the influences of both African and African American musical traditions, intertwining harmoniously to create a sound that is uniquely his own.

Global Unity Through Harmonious Notes: Matt B’s Vision of Cultural Bridging

Beyond his musical endeavors, Matt B’s personal journey holds fascinating aspects that add depth to his artistry. One captivating facet is the legacy of his grandmother, a trailblazer in her own right during the 1940s. Born in a time when racial discrimination was rampant, she fearlessly traveled across the United States and Canada with her brothers, defying the limitations imposed on people of color. Her courageous spirit and contributions to shaping gospel music have left an indelible mark on Matt B’s artistic vision and serve as a constant source of inspiration.
In his quest to honor his heritage and create a global impact, Matt B has embarked on collaborations with talented Ugandan artists, infusing his music with the richness of African rhythms and voices. Through these partnerships, he aims to showcase the immense talent within Uganda’s music scene and foster cross-cultural dialogue.

A significant aspect of Matt B’s journey is his connection to Africa. His passion for the continent runs deep, and he wholeheartedly embraces the cultural richness it offers. The warmth and hospitality of the people, coupled with the vibrant tapestry of traditions and artistry, have deeply resonated with him. Working in Africa has become a transformative experience, fueling his creativity and driving him to explore and express his heritage through his music.

Matt B’s journey serves as an invitation to others, beckoning them to embrace their own ancestral roots and discover the beauty that lies within.
Beyond his musical pursuits, Matt B is joined by his wife, Angela V. Benson who serves as his manager. Their partnership combines their personal and professional lives seamlessly, with their shared passion for music and mutual understanding paving the way for a harmonious collaboration.

As Matt B continues to evolve as an artist, his vision expands far beyond individual success. He strives to create a world where cultural exchange is celebrated, and unity is forged through the power of music. His goals and aspirations extend to bringing Uganda to the forefront of the international music scene, fostering collaborations, and providing opportunities for the less fortunate.
Join us as we delve into the chapters that chronicle the life, artistry, and ambitions of Matt B, a true force of nature in the music industry. His story is one of resilience, inspiration, and a profound desire to bring people together through the universal language of music.

We invite you to immerse yourself in Matt B’s captivating narrative—a journey that traverses continents, breaks down barriers, and uplifts the spirit. It’s one that exemplifies the transformative power of music and the profound impact of cultural connection. Discover the passion and determination that have propelled him to Grammy recognition and learn how his love for African culture and art has shaped his artistic style and sound. Uncover the stories that have molded him into the trailblazing artist he is today, and witness his unwavering commitment to using his platform to promote unity and understanding.

Matt B’s commitment to his craft, his ancestral roots, and his vision of a more interconnected world through music shines brightly.
Matt B is not just an artist; he is a visionary who seeks to leave his mark on the music industry and bring joy and inspiration to millions. His dedication to his craft, his exploration of his ancestral heritage, and his unwavering passion for Africa and its people are the cornerstones of his artistic vision.
Matt B’s story is a testament to the transformative power of music and the ability of one individual to bridge divides and celebrate the beauty of diversity. As you delve into this cover story, prepare to be captivated by the talent, passion, and unwavering spirit of Matt B, a Grammy-nominated trailblazer whose music transcends borders and unites cultures in a harmonious symphony of sound and soul.

Can you tell us about your Journey from being part TriEnd to launching your solo career?
When I was a teenager, I was part of a group called TriEnd, which consisted of me and two of
my older brothers. We did that for about three or four years, and we traveled all across the United
States, recorded a few songs, and even had some record deals on the table. I eventually branched
off to my solo career in 2009 and started focusing on honing my craft. Those years spent with my
brothers really just gave me a lot of experience and inspiration to move forward with my own
career.

We found out that you were singing in the church choir before, how did your upbringing
and singing in the church choir influence your musical style?
My upbringing was a bit different because I was homeschooled. I was taught at home by my mother, but music was always at the heart of everything we did as a family. We did a lot of performances in the church, and I think that’s where a lot of people find their voice at a young age.

Can you share your memorable experiences from your grandmother’s singing career in the
1940s?
My grandmother was born in 1919, which was a time in the United States where it wasn’t safe for black and brown people to travel across the country. Nevertheless, she didn’t let that stop her from pursuing her dreams. She was in a group with her brothers and they traveled across the United States and Canada. What was remarkable about this was they did all of this during the time of the green book in the United States, which was literally a green book that told you where you could or couldn’t go as a black or brown person in the US. My grandmother was a pioneer in that way, it took a lot of bravery for her to be able to do that. She eventually settled in Chicago and met my grandfather.

Another incredible thing about her is that she worked closely with Thomas A. Dorsey, who is a legend and widely recognized as the founder of Gospel music. She was present with him during those stages of shaping what Gospel music sounds like today, and those influences can be heard now throughout the world. I’m honored to descend from her
bloodline.

Great so that’s one of your inspirations yeah! What are your goals and aspirations for the
future of your music career?
A lifelong dream has always been to win a Grammy Award and tour internationally. Aside from that, I have dedicated a lot of my career these days toward bridging the gap between Africa and the United States. As an African American, we were stripped of our music and our culture, and ultimately have largely forgotten where we come from. I strive to grow my platform and continue to do my part in bringing awareness to our ancestral roots and culture, and hope that my music will be a gateway for others to reconnect with the Motherland. My team and I are going to keep pushing and giving opportunities to those less fortunate, because ultimately, life is all about the impact you leave in this world.

African Music is quite unique and special right, on the market. So what impact has this
had on your artistic style and sound?
I feel like African Music as a whole is so deeply infused into African American music. I didn’t realize how much until I really started doing my research and began listening more with an open mind. Everything we do is rooted in African culture, from the melodies that we sing to the rhythms that we play. I think that for me being an African American and being so in touch with my ancestral roots now, I can really feel my ancestors singing through me. It inspires me to keep growing, keep creating, keep writing, and keep pushing the needle forward. I hope that my journey will serve to inspire my brothers and sisters from all over the world to return home to Africa and visit at least one country. Every time I return to the continent, I feel a peace that is not present in the US. It feels like home, and all of our people deserve to know what that feels like.

You talk about your ancestry in Gunjale and about how you miss home, How did you get in
touch with the Uga Boys?
I met the Ugaboys randomly in 2022. They reached out to me on Instagram shortly after ‘Gimme Love’   was released and asked to do a song together. At that time, I was deep into the creation of ‘ALKEBULAN’, so my focus was elsewhere. But I really liked their vibe and connected with their music, so we did a song together. My team and I fell in love with their style and writing, we thought it was very unique and interesting. As a result, I invited them to be a part of my album.
They ended up featuring on ‘Gunjale’, but they also helped to write several other songs on ‘ALKEBULAN’. And now, they are signed to Angela and I’s record label: Vitae Records. I see a bright future ahead for them.

So there are more songs like Gunjale on that album! What do you think sets you apart
from other artists in the industry?
My focus and my drive are my secret weapons. There is always someone more talented than you. A better singer, better dancer, better writer, or even a better rapper. But at the end of the day, persistence, drive, and hard work win the race. I have always maintained my focus and stayed in my own lane from the start of my career. People often underestimated me in the beginning years and told me to quit. But instead of allowing those words to hinder me, I used them as fuel to my fire.

I’ve been an artist for over 15 years, and by the grace of God, I have been blessed to make it this far. I am also blessed to have an incredible team and a supportive wife who also works alongside me everyday. Without my team, it would be near impossible for me to have gotten this far. To all artists trying to make it, I encourage them to block out the noise and stay focused. Invest in yourself and build out a great team for your brand. If you stay prayed up and work day and night for your dream, if it is in God’s will for you, it will happen.

Are there any Ugandan artists you admire or would like to work with?
I actually won’t name any names, but I have a lot of love and respect for the artists from Uganda.
In fact, I am working on a new EP that features several Ugandan artists that will be released very soon. I was inspired to make this project because of how Uganda has embraced me and my music over the past year. It’s my way of giving back and saying ‘thank you’. I can’t say much else, but it’s going to be dope!

How does it feel working with Angela, your wife as your manager ?
It’s interesting working with my wife in the music business. We have great chemistry together, but we also share really good energy. We kinda know what the other person is thinking and it helps us get a really good rhythm going when we work. People often wonder how are we able to balance our relationship and work lives, but we both are very passionate about each other and the work we do. Since we love our jobs, it never feels like work to us. It just feels like we just having fun with one another and are on this journey together. We’ve been married for 11 years, and I couldn’t see it any other way. It’s not necessarily always easy, but we keep God first and do our best to keep our communication lines open for one another.

We’ve enjoyed the experience working with you, but what has it been on your side?
It’s been both inspiring and eye opening being here in Africa. We have been out here for nearly a week filming visuals for my album, but in the midst of it all I have been immersed in culture and traditions unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. I am grateful for the experience and the opportunity to learn and absorb all of the information and inspiration that I can. Despite several technical difficulties with the crew during the filming of ‘Gunjale’, I’ve been blessed with the incredible chance to travel, meet new people, hear their stories, and learn from their life experiences. These types of things always serve as inspiration for me, I’m excited to creating new music based on everything I’ve seen and heard in my trips to Africa.

The Matt B fans would love to know what your Zodiac sign is?
I’m a proud VIRGO.