BM (singer)

Last updated
BM
Birth nameBolia Matundu
Also known asBM The Artist, BM Congolais, BM Artist
Born (1992-07-12) 12 July 1992 (age 31)
Kinshasa, Zaire
Genres Ndombolo
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • dancer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
  • composer
  • media personality
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitars, percussion
Years active2010—present
Formerly ofDRT
Spouse(s)
  • Arlette Amuli
    ​
    (m. 2022)​

Bolia Matundu (born July 12, 1992), better known mononymously by his stage name BM or simply BM Artist, is a Congolese-born, London-based ndombolo singer, composer, songwriter, dancer, and record producer. With a mellifluous vocal timbre, he is known for his high-energy dance moves and emphatic beats. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

Contents

Matundu rose to prominence with his hit single "Ebebi" from his eponymous debut studio album, which garnered an international following and amassed thousands of views on YouTube. Released in February 2015, it sparked a dance phenomenon that surged through the UK and various African nations, inspiring enthusiastic dancers to craft their interpretations of its rhythmic movements. [1] [6] [7] His subsequent hit single "Rosalina," released in June 2018, catapulted him to stardom in Africa and Europe, giving rise to the viral "Rosalina dance challenge," a sensation that expeditiously gained momentum across social media platforms and was embraced by various personalities. [3] [8]

Early life and career

1992–2014: Early life, education and music debut

Bolia Matundu was born on July 12, 1992, In Kinshasa, Zaire. His family relocated to England when he was seven years old. [1] At the age of 14, while actively participating in his father's choir, he kindled a fervent passion for music, drawing inspiration from Werrason, Koffi Olomidé, and Papa Wemba. [1] [5] [9] While still a teenager, he co-founded the group DRT, which earned national recognition in the UK for their pulsating electro-rap single, "Get Mad Now," released on September 17, 2010, and featured in a Specsavers advert. [5] [1] [8] In 2012, Matundu earned his diploma in Music Technology. [6] He later found his footing as a solo artist in the midsummer of 2012, incorporating bright Afro-pop tones on his early single "Lelo Eko Yinda," featuring the dulcet tones of Nigerian vocalist Sona, which won him the Best Song award at the Congolese Achievement Awards in 2013. [5] [1] [6]

2015–2017: Ebebi

On Feb 24, 2015, Matundu released his debut solo album, Ebebi, which includes tracks such as "Ebebi", "Marry You (Mamacita)", "Makolongulu", "Pull It Up", "My Wife", "Whine It Slow", "Number One", "African Queen", "Baloba", "Pakanu", "Congolais", "Mama You'll Kill Me", "Mundele", "Pusana Kuna", and "Lelo Eko Yinda". The album features notable artists like Dymunds, Will Son, DJ Leo, Champion, Freezah Sterling, and Yemo. [1] [7] [10]

The album's eponymous dance-inspired single "Ebebi" gained traction in the UK and Africa, with people enthusiastically dancing to the song in various social medias. Filmed in London and directed by Sam Kirk, the dance video featured appearances from overseas-based dancers like Sheryl Isako, Ceecee, Gugu, Junior Drogba, renowned Detroit model SupaWoman, Valentine Artiste, Mad Dog, and Freezah. [6] [7]

2018–2019: "Makolongulu" remix and "Rosalina"

On February 7, 2018, Matundu released a remix of his previous song "Makolongulu," featuring Ugandan singer Eddy Kenzo. The music video was shot amidst the thoroughfares of Kampala and showcased Matundu dancing barefoot with the Ugandan Hyper Dancers troupe, bedecked with a Congolese flag pendant. The song became a success in Uganda and Kenya and led to his popularity in East Africa. [11]

On June 24, 2018, he released his single "Rosalina," which signifies 'break your back'. [12] [8] The song gained popularity in Europe, notably in the UK, France, Belgium, as well as the Americas. The hashtag #Rosalinadancechallenge disseminated virally across various social media platforms and was featured in BBC What's New. Notable personalities, including the British-Congolese comedian, Eddie Kadi, participated in the dance challenge alongside Matundu. The dance choreography incorporated exhilarating Lingala motions, meticulously synchronized with the pulsating Congolese rhythms, encapsulating the precise articulation of the entire corporeal form, from limbs to waist. [8] [12] [13] [14] [2]

The song saw numerous remixes, including one with Nigerian singer Runtown on November 25, 2018, infusing Afrobeats into the mix. [15] [16] [17] [18] On December 25, 2018, Matundu released the "Rosalina Remix," featuring Awilo Longomba, seamlessly blending French, Lingala, and English. The remix garnered the attention of dancers, both professionals and amateurs, from around the world, showcasing their best moves on social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook and leading Matundu on a transcontinental tour of metropolises of America, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Holland, and France. [12] [14] [3] [5]

2020–2023: Standalone releases

Matundu's audience grew significantly over the years with songs like the "Kanda," featuring Celeo Scram (2020) and "Ye Le" (2021). [5] The latter, in particular, achieved viral acclaim a few months after its release with the trending #Yelechallenge featuring performances from all parts of the world. [19]

Discography

Album

Singles

  • 2016: MISTEK ft. BM — Na Na Na
  • 2017: Koka-Kola
  • 2017: Whine It Slow remix ft. Sona
  • 2017: Shake That Body ft. Rarity Music
  • 2017: No Congo No Phone
  • 2018: Pa Salieu ft. BM — Never Had
  • 2018: Makolongulu remix ft. Eddy Kenzo
  • 2018: Assi ft. BM — Gwara Nao Para
  • 2018: Rosalina (Break Your Back)
  • 2018: Rosalina remix ft. Runtown
  • 2018: Rosalina remix ft. Awilo Longomba
  • 2019: Bako Mona ft. Mistos Capitano
  • 2019: Koloko ft. NESTREYA
  • 2019: Bi Landa Landa ft. Robinio Mundibu
  • 2020: Lazola Coach ft. BM — No Lazola No Gain
  • 2020: How Low (Anita)
  • 2020: Kanda ft. Celeo Scram
  • 2021: Akay ft. BM — Flexing
  • 2021: Ye Le
  • 2021: Mabe
  • 2021: Bina Bina ft. Campmasters
  • 2022: Jaloux ft. Alfred Solo
  • 2023: Nyla

See also

Related Research Articles

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Mandina, Hervé (2019-01-03). "Afro-club le hit des platines, avec Ng Bling et Buravan". RFI Musique (in French). Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  2. 1 2 "BM". Music In Africa. 2018-10-10. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  3. 1 2 3 "BM s'offre les services de Awilo Longomba pour finir le Rosalina Challenge". djolo.net (in French). 2018-12-29. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  4. ↑ Billie Jean, Nikki (2017-01-14). "Dance: Learn How to Dance Ndombolo by CeeCee CoCo & Aurelie (Congolese Makolongulu Dance Tutorial)". Allthingsankara.com. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Monger, Timothy. "B.M. Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "BM releases 'Ebebi' video - Entertainment - Jamaica Star - April 16, 2015". old.jamaica-star.com. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  7. 1 2 3 "UK Based Afrobeat Star BM Blazing the Airwaves with "Ebebi" Single and Dance Craze". Dancehall Reggae World. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  8. 1 2 3 4 "BM Feat Awilo Longamba- Rosalina (Remix) | GetMziki". 2018-09-04. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  9. ↑ "BM". LPR. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  10. ↑ Ebebi the Album by B.M., 2016-10-20, retrieved 2023-09-15
  11. ↑ Felix, The Ninja (February 10, 2018). "Makolongulu (remix) - BM ft. Eddy Kenzo". Notjustok.com. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  12. 1 2 3 Tabalia, Jedidah (2019-11-12). "South African dance moves that have made it internationally". Briefly. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  13. ↑ BM shows us how to do Rosalina Challenge - BBC What's New? , retrieved 2023-09-15
  14. 1 2 Gachanja, Nelly (2019-01-13). "Top 10 African Dance Styles of 2018 - Africa.com". www.africa.com. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  15. ↑ Harrison, Amadi (2021-09-22). "BM — Rosalina (Afrobeat Remix) ft. Runtown (Mp3 Download)". Six9ja. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
  16. ↑ Rosalina (Afrobeat Remix) [feat. Runtown] by B.M., 2018-11-20, retrieved 2023-09-15
  17. ↑ BM feat. Runtown - Rosalina (Afrobeat Remix) , retrieved 2023-09-15
  18. ↑ BM FT RUNTOWN - ROSALINA (AFROBEAT REMIX) , retrieved 2023-09-15
  19. ↑ "18 Hit Songs From 2021 You Should Know". Lecongolaismag.com. 2022-01-06. Retrieved 2023-09-15.
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