One thing is for sure. Wellington is not warm enough to do this song justice.
Sitting in my lounge this morning, listening to this song through my humble laptop speakers, I became starchily aware of the 7-degree temperature and the 50kph winds trying to break through the single glazing.
This is a BIG SUMMER tune. It’s a cocktail-in-hand, dancing-with-someone-you-don't-know-on-the-beach tune.
Admittedly, I don't know much about Afrobeat or Afropop but D.Matthews makes it sound like a lot of fun. A self-described blend of traditional African elements with global mainstream pop, Africa is a genuinely uplifting and carefree song. The music is simple, catchy, and it doesn’t seem like it’s trying to be anything it’s not. As a vocalist D.Matthews is relaxed and charismatic, his voice makes me feel at ease. The vocal layering is creative, over a reggaeton beat with more dramatic horns in the breakdown.
Big party.
Surely to be on some festival line-ups over the summer, but I hope some of you are somewhere warm enough to enjoy it now.
Nigerian vocalist & songwriter, D.Matthews has curated his own brand of motivational & energetic calm Afrobeat & Afropop driven by the beats of Africa. He blends traditional African elements with global mainstream pop for a sound that's heartfelt and fascinating. His stage presence itself carries a lot of weight.
D.Matthews cites Afrobeat Music Pioneer, Fela Kuti, Burna Boy and fellow Nigerian singer-songwriter WizKid as musical influences.
In addition, D.Matthews has been added in billboard magazine’s “upcoming musician” in recent years. Following up with other music articles.