Who Is MATT B?
Matt B is a GRAMMY® Award–winning singer, songwriter, and producer hailing from Chicago whose global artistry has earned him acclaim across the U.S., Asia, and Africa. He first rose to prominence in Japan after signing with StarBase Records in 2014, where his debut album LOVE & WAR and its lead single “Plain Girl” both hit #1 on the iTunes R&B Charts. His follow-up album DIVE repeated that success, and multiple singles, including “Tokyo Girl” and “My Dreams,” continued his chart momentum. His breakout in Asia expanded further when “Color Blind” went viral in China, surpassing 158 million streams on NetEase.
Matt later partnered with Priority Records in 2017, releasing the EP RISE, produced by GRAMMY® winner Bryan-Michael Cox, and earning international chart placements with singles like “Ain’t Too Proud.” Alongside his recording career, he launched the annual Holiday Cheer Tour, visiting children’s hospitals across the U.S., and completed a nationwide Sofar Sounds tour before making his national TV debut at Chicago’s Magnificent Mile Lights Festival.
In 2021, Matt released his debut U.S. album EDEN, which debuted in the Top 5 on the iTunes R&B/Soul Charts in the U.S. and Canada and entered multiple Billboard charts, including R&B Albums and Heatseekers. The project has amassed over 1M streams and features production by industry icons Bryan-Michael Cox and Tricky Stewart.
Matt achieved a global breakthrough with “Gimme Love,” the lead single from ALKEBULAN. The song landed in the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Top 50, generated over 5M worldwide streams, and earned Matt his first GRAMMY® nomination. The album went on to win more than 20 awards and secure major honors, including Best Album at the Global Music Awards, Best Music Video for 'GUNJALE' at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards, ‘Critically Acclaimed Artist of the Year’ by the Los Angeles Tribune, and earned Matt recognition as one of Ranks Africa’s 100 Most Influential People in Entertainment.
His 2024 release, ALKEBULAN II, solidified his place in global music. The album earned Matt his second GRAMMY® nomination and won the 67th GRAMMY Award® for Best Global Music Album—a historic milestone marking the first GRAMMY® win for East Africa (Uganda) and for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Its lead single 'NO WAHALA' also won Best Song – Short Film at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards.
Today, Matt B continues to expand his worldwide impact with a unique fusion of R&B, Afrobeats, and global influences—pushing culture forward while honoring the heritage that has shaped his sound.
AWARDS + NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
67th GRAMMY AWARD® WINNER
Matt B won his very first GRAMMY® at the 67th GRAMMY Awards® in the Global Music Album category for 'ALKEBULAN II'.
67th GRAMMY Awards® Nominee
Nominated at the 67th GRAMMY Awards® in the Global Music Album category for 'ALKEBULAN II', marking his second GRAMMY® nomination.
65th GRAMMY Awards® Nominee
Nominated at the 65th GRAMMY Awards® in the Global Music Performance category for 'Gimme Love'.
MATT B FEATURED IN GQ SOUTH AFRICA (2025)
Matt B was featured in GQ South Africa, specifically highlighting his historic GRAMMY win, pioneering a movement in Africa, his passion for supporting Black creatives, and his growing global impact.
MATT B NAMED AS A 'BLACK CREATIVE MAKING AN IMPACT AT THE RECORDING ACADEMY AND BEYOND' (2025)
Matt B named as a 'Black Creative Making an Impact at the Recording Academy and Beyond'. The Recording Academy highlighted his work in bridging the gap between the United States and Africa, his historic GRAMMY win, and his advocacy for music creators' rights.
MATT B NAMED AS AN 'ARTIST DEFINING MODERN POP & ROCK' (2025)
Matt B named as an artist who is 'defining modern pop and rock'. "Bold, inventive, and unapologetically real...Matt B continues to define his voice as a cultural ambassador following his historic GRAMMY win for ALKEBULAN II."
Los Angeles Tribune ‘Critically Acclaimed Artist of the Year’ (2023)
“In a stunning recognition of his artistry and cultural contributions, the Los Angeles Tribune has named GRAMMY®-Nominated singer, songwriter, and producer Matt B as the Critically Acclaimed Artist of the Year. This accolade comes in the wake of his latest groundbreaking work, the album "ALKEBULAN," which has deeply resonated with both critics and audiences alike.” - Los Angeles Tribune
Performed for the FLOTUS, Dr. Jill Biden (2023)
Matt B performed for Dr. Jill Biden at a private event for the Biden-Harris Administration in Beverly Hills, CA.
AKADEMIA MUSIC AWARDS: 2023 HALL OF FAME Inductee
"The Akademia Board has unanimously voted to herby induct into the Hall of Fame MATT B: for a musical repertoire that is truly original and for talent, hard work and perseverance that have been deemed worthy of the highest lifetime recognition." - Akademia Music Awards
RANKS AFRICA ‘100 Most Influential People in Entertainment’ (2022)
“In recognition of your outstanding contribution to Tourism through entertainment, we celebrate you as one of 100 African creatives who raised global awareness of Africa's many potentials and values in tourism and hospitality in 2022.” - RANKS AFRICA
2025 INDIE MUSIC HALL OF FAME Inductee
The Indie Music Hall of Fame recognized Matt B as "a true representation of the outstanding talent that an independent artist can possess."
Hollywood Music In Media Awards (HMMA) 2025
Best Music Video - 'They Know'
MUSE Creative Awards 2025
Best Album - 'ALKEBULAN II' (PLATINUM WINNER)
LIT Music Awards 2025
Best Album - 'ALKEBULAN II'
Best World Album - 'ALKEBULAN II'
Hollywood Music In Media Awards (HMMA) 2024
Best Song: Short Film - 'NO WAHALA'
Global Music Awards 2024
Best World Album - 'ALKEBULAN II' (Gold Medal)
Best of Show - 'ALKEBULAN II' (Gold Medal)
Hollywood Independent Music Awards 2024
Best Afrobeats/Afropop - 'Need Some Wine' (Nominated)
Hollywood Music In Media Awards (HMMA) 2023
Best Music Video - 'GUNJALE'
MUSE Creative Awards 2023
Best Album - 'ALKEBULAN' (PLATINUM WINNER)
Best Music Video - 'GUNJALE' (PLATINUM WINNER)
Best Music Video - 'FREEDOM' (PLATINUM WINNER)
LIT Music Awards 2023
LIT of the Year - 'ALKEBULAN'
Best Album - 'ALKEBULAN'
Best World Album - 'ALKEBULAN'
InterContinental Music Awards 2023
Best African Pop - 'Gimme Love'
Best R&B - 'I'm Here With You'
Best R&B - 'Losing You' (Nominated)
East Africa Entertainment Awards 2023
People's Choice Collaboration/Music Video/Hit Project Of The Year (Global) - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Hollywood Independent Music Awards 2023
Best Male Vocalist - 'I'm Here With You' (Nominated)
Global Music Awards 2023
Best World Album - 'ALKEBULAN' (Silver Medal)
Best World Song - 'GUNJALE' (Silver Medal)
Best World Music Video - 'FREEDOM' (Silver Medal)
Oniros Film Awards 2023
GRAND JURY AWARD (Song) - 'GUNJALE'
Best Music Video - 'GUNJALE'
Akademia Music Awards 2023
Best World Beat Album - 'ALKEBULAN'
Clouzine International Music Awards 2023
Male Artist of the Year
Best World Album - 'ALKEBULAN'
International Songwriting Competition 2023
Best World Music Song - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Best Music Video - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
California Music Video Awards 2023
Best Duet Music Video - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Best Love Song - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Best EDM/Dance - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Best Movement (Choreography) - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Best Fashion & Makeup - 'Gimme Love'
Best World Music - 'Gimme Love'
LA Under the Stars 2023
Best Music Video - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Oniros Film Awards 2022
Best Song - 'Gimme Love'
Best Music Video - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Indie Music Channel Awards 2022
Best Male R&B Artist
Best Music Video - 'Gimme Love'
Best Male World Music Duo - Matt B, Eddy Kenzo (Nominated)
Best World Music Recording - ‘Gimme Love’ (Nominated)
Best World Music Song - 'Gimme Love’ (Nominated)
Best Music Video - 'Losing You' (Nominated)
Akademia Music Awards 2022
Best World Beat Song - 'Gimme Love'
Best World Beat Music Video - 'Gimme Love'
MUSE Creative Awards 2022
Best Music Video - 'Gimme Love' (PLATINUM WINNER)
Best Song - 'Gimme Love' (PLATINUM WINNER)
LIT Talent Awards 2022
Best Male Artist (PLATINUM WINNER)
Best Male Vocalist (PLATINUM WINNER)
Best Rhythm & Blues Artist (PLATINUM WINNER)
Best Music Video - 'Losing You' (GOLD WINNER)
Best African Music Video - 'Gimme Love' (PLATINUM WINNER)
Best Music Video - 'Gimme Love' (PLATINUM WINNER)
Best Original Song - 'Gimme Love' (PLATINUM WINNER)
Best Costume - 'Gimme Love' (GOLD WINNER)
International Songwriting Awards 2022
'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
HAPAwards 2022
Best Independent Male Artist
Best Independent Collaboration - 'Gimme Love'
Best Up & Coming Video - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
One Earth Awards 2022
Best Music Video - 'Gimme Love'
Best World Music Song - 'Gimme Love'
New York International Film Awards 2022
Best Music Video - 'Gimme Love'
Best Song - 'Gimme Love'
Festigious Awards 2022
Best Music Video - 'Gimme Love'
Best Picture - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
CLOUZINE International Music Awards 2022
Best World Song - 'Gimme Love'
Global Music Awards 2022
Best Male Vocalist (Bronze Medal Winner)
Best R&B Song - 'I'm Here With You' (Bronze Medal Winner)
Best Emerging Artist (Bronze Medal Winner)
Best World Song - 'Gimme Love' (Bronze Medal Winner)
Best Duo - Matt B, Eddy Kenzo (Bronze Medal Winner)
World Songwriting Awards 2022
Best Music Collaboration - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
UK Songwriting Awards 2022
Best World Music Song - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Best Music Video - ' Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Los Angeles Film Awards 2022
Best Music Video - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
Music Video Awards 2022
Best Music Video: Wardrobe/Makeup - 'Gimme Love' (Nominated)
NOTABLE CHART HISTORY
Matt B has charted globally on several international charts. Below are some of his most notable charting moments.
BILLBOARD
#12 Billboard World Digital Song Sales - 'Gimme Love'
#36 Billboard US Afrobeat Songs - 'Gimme Love'
#39 R&B Albums, Billboard United States - 'EDEN'
#82 Top Current Albums, Billboard United States - 'ALKEBULAN'
#96 R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, Billboard United States - 'EDEN'
#124 Heatseekers, Billboard United States - 'EDEN'
#147 Digital Albums, Billboard United States - 'EDEN'
STREAMING PLATFORMS
#1 World, iTunes Switzerland - 'One & Only'
#1 World, iTunes New Zealand - 'Gimme Love'
#1 R&B/Soul, iTunes Japan - 'Plain Girl'
#1 R&B/Soul, iTunes Japan - 'LOVE & WAR'
#1 R&B/Soul, iTunes Japan - 'DIVE'
#3 R&B/Soul, iTunes Japan - 'Tokyo Girl'
#3 R&B/Soul, iTunes United States - 'EDEN'
#5 R&B/Soul, iTunes Canada - 'EDEN'
#8 World, Apple Music Bhutan - 'One & Only'
#11 R&B/Soul, Apple Music Bhutan - 'Swipe'
#14 All Genres/Top 150 Albums, iTunes Japan - 'DIVE'
#30 Top 200, Spotify Latvia - 'Sometimes'
#30 Top Sale - Daily, Shazam Morocco - 'One & Only'
#35 All Genres Top 200, iTunes United States - 'EDEN'
#39 All Genres/Top 150 Albums, iTunes Japan - 'RISE'
#46 Top 100 Songs, Youtube Music Uganda - 'Gimme Love'
NOTABLE PRESS & MEDIA QUOTES
“[Matt B is] living proof that dreams come true.” — GRAMMY.com
“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…he is well on his way to becoming a superstar.” — Wonderland
“Bold, inventive, and unapologetically real...Matt B continues to define his voice as a cultural ambassador.” - Galore
“Matt is poised to break it big.” — WGN TV
“[Matt B’s] artistic journey feels like a movie script. Perhaps that’s the reason why we’re so drawn to
his music – it’s far from the conventional style of R&B and keeps expanding to unexpected directions.” — Aupium
“...enchanting vocals…” — RESPECT.
“…what is needed to get R&B music back on top is great vocals and storytelling atop a mean groove. [Matt B] offers up all that and more.” — SINGERSROOM
“Matt B is creating his own unique lane…[his] dedication to authenticity and artistry makes him stand out.” — EARMILK
“Matt B is the very embodiment of the musical soul of his city. A celebrated artist deeply rooted in Chicago's musical history...[he is] a local icon.” — EXTRAVAFRENCH
“...wickedly evocative voice…” — CelebMix
“Effortlessly addictive.” - Dancing About Architecture
"...all of Matt’s success so far has been more than warranted.” - Ark of Music