BM | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Bolia Matundu |
| Also known as | BM The Artist, BM Congolais, BM Artist |
| Born | (1992-07-12) 12 July 1992 (age 31) Kinshasa, Zaire |
| Genres | Ndombolo |
| Occupation(s) |
|
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitars, percussion |
| Years active | 2010—present |
| Formerly of | DRT |
| Spouse(s) |
|
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]