CRUIZERADAR: MATT TRAVERS

Nyanzi Matthew David, popularly known as Matt Travers, is a groundbreaking Ugandan artist and producer who pushes boundaries through his experimental approach to music. From a young age, Matt's passion for music was ignited by the influences of iconic artists such as A-Reece, Nasty C, A$AP Rocky, and Kanye West, influences that can be seen intertwined within his work, allowing him to create a sound that resonates with a diverse audience. With nothing more than a phone and a fervent desire for self-expression, he launched his journey into the world of music.

Rooted in the traditions of hip-hop, Matt Travers crafts his sound with thought-provoking punchlines and poetic cadences, cleverly intertwined in a vibrant mix of melodic rap and alté music. His talent quickly garnered recognition, leading to consecutive nominations for 'Rookie of the Year' and 'Producer of the Year' at the Uganda Hip Hop Awards. The latter nomination was a result of his work on notable tracks with rising talents such as Tssentamu, GrG, Sente, and Tungi, emphasizing his rich collaborative spirit.

Matt’s debut EP, ‘MOZO,’ elegantly showcases his creative vision and marks a significant milestone in his career. The EP opens with the track "slow dance," a cross-border collaboration featuring Kampala's Kevin Mawejje and thedicekid from Rwanda, setting the tone for the immersive listening experience that follows. The EP consists of five expertly crafted tracks, blending a laid-back delivery over Afro elements with hard-hitting bass to create an exciting and cohesive body of work.

Derived from his first nickname in high school, ‘MOZO’ symbolizes a thrilling new chapter in Matt’s evolving story. As he forges his path through the music industry, Travers stands as a bold innovator, eager to explore new soundscapes and elevate fellow artists along the way. With his eyes set on the future, Matt Travers is an artist to watch, ready to reshape the narrative of East African music and we here at the Cruize are tagging along for the ride.