An invigorating marriage of hip-hop and Afrobeat, D.Matthews’ inspiring ‘Be Somebody’ is a soaring and spirited anthem brimming with confidence, inner strength and passion.
Championing his own brand of motivational and energetic calm Afrobeat and Afropop driven by the beats of Africa, Australian-based Nigerian-born singer-songwriter D.Matthews has been thoroughly embossing his name in the industry over the past few years.
With a string of releases to his name and countless nightclub performances and festivals, there’s no doubt that this artist has the drive, not to mention the talent, to capture people’s attention. With a penchant for creating contemporary and progressive afropop throughout each and every one of his songs, D.Matthews’ music is a true reflection of the foundational flavours of the late great Fela Anikulapo Kuti, showcasing his considered character and undeniable songwriting.
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Inspiring, upbeat and unapologetically body-moving, D.Matthews’ newest single ‘Be Somebody’ finds the up-and-coming Afrofusion artist and producer spellbinding in a song full of heart, soul, cool courage, and unrelenting drive.
Released independently on November 4 and featuring loads of feel-good energy, Afrobeats/Afropop, stylistic jazzy rhythms, and body-moving melodies, ‘Be Somebody’ is a brightly-lit and poetically piercing track, serving as an awakening to live your best life and to keep pushing onwards to get to where you want to go or to be who you want to be: it’s an energizing reminder that the fight is most worth it in the times that are the most difficult.
“It’s a motivational track,” D.Matthews explains. “For whoever wants to be somebody in life, you have to press forward, apply pressure and rough things out a bit before you get to the success/winning stage.
“Not most want to go through this at most times, but obviously, if it was easy, everyone would do it. Everyone runs a thousand miles, it comes down to how well you can utilise those miles to get/attain what you want for your future.”
Spanning just over three entirely infectious minutes, ‘Be Somebody’ is full of heart and rhythmic passion, taking cues from the likes of Afrobeat singer Burna Boy and Nigerian vocalist/producer Davido, who blends traditional African elements with global mainstream pop. Filled with vibrant positivity and limitless energy, the single offers a more direct emotional impact than some of his earlier work.
Grounded and goal-oriented, a strong, dazzling beat forms the backdrop, bolstered with vibrant horns, African percussion and stimulating lyrics, offering a seductive rhythm that captures you right from the start.
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Intimate and universally accessible, the charged anthem reveals yet another side to D.Matthews’s burgeoning, multifaceted artistry, teaming up with UK-born, Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) based Nigerian artist, producer, content creator and educator Mazbou Q to further bring the track to life with his intoxicating flow and particular brand of hiphop, stemming from his background in classical, heavy metal and West African Highlife.
Having solidified himself as both a musical powerhouse and effective communicator, Mazbou Q continues to challenge and inspire his audiences through the various channels of his creativity, making a collaboration high on D.Matthews’ bucket list.
Of the tracks creation D.Matthews explains, “It’s been in my books to work with Mazbou Q in a min. So had to make the legendary call via message out to one of the legendary artists in New Zealand mid 2021 for him to get prepared for a collaborative work early 2022. It had been a long time coming. I’m glad it happened.”
Further drawing influences from fellow Nigerian singer-songwriter WizKid, and alternative neo-soul songstresses Kehlani and Tinashe, D.Matthews’ work comes bolstered with talent, enlisting Aericsn on production and New Zealand’s Edyonthebeat to mix and master the track, adding another layer to the detail and quality that he has maintained for most of his releases.
While his unique brand of energic calm Afrobeat/Afropop already making for a listen full of thrills and delights, what really D.Matthews’ art apart is his personal songwriting. He tells intimate, meaningful stories of discovery in his songs – and he injects deep passion into every line.
We first saw this in his 2020 single and video clip ‘Sunrise’, which seeked to embrace the New Zealand’s (Aotearoa) serenity, peacefulness and stunning landscape, exploring the beauty of the country and its culture.
Staying true to his musical identity and artistry, D.Matthews captivates people’s mind and soul again with the video clip which will soon arrive alongside ‘Be Somebody’.
Captured in Ghana, the accompanying video is a powerful and inspiring depiction of the track’s core theme, featuring bustling scenes of street hawking and art galleries, alongside scenes of D.Matthews and Mazbou Q in the studio writing lyrics and recording, and celebrating achievements in a limo.
“Basically, [the clip shows] the whole process of what it truly takes to be great in life.”
Arriving on the back of his captivating new afrobeat summer single ‘No Frontin’’ back in July and ahead his highly anticipated sophomore EP that will be arriving early next year, ‘Be Somebody’ sees D.Matthews emerge as a voice of passion and purpose. His performance is free and full of passion as he continues to spread the gospel of afrobeat music down under, always promising to energize and enchant, no matter who you are or where you are.
If his recent releases is anything to go by, 2023 is shaping up to be a promising year for D.Matthews, especially with a debut tour firmly in his sights.
Listen to ‘Be Somebody’ here and keep up with the latest news D.Matthews on Instagram.
