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.
He rose to prominence with his hit single "Ebebi," 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. 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.
Early life and career
Bolia Matundu was born on July 12, 1992, In Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). His family relocated to England when he was seven years old. At the age of 14, while actively participating in his father's choir, he kindled a fervent passion for music, drawing inspiration from prolific Congolese musicians such as Werrason, Koffi Olomidé, and Papa Wemba. 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. In 2012, Matundu earned his diploma in Music Technology. 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. Subsequently, a remix of his single "Makolongulu," featuring Ugandan singer Eddy Kenzo, further solidified his presence as an emerging figure in the East African music scene.
2015: 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. The eponymous dance-inspired single 'Ebebi' gained traction in the UK and Africa, with people enthusiastically dancing to his music. 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, Michigan model SupaWoman, Valentine Artiste, Mad Dog, and Freezah.
2018: Rosalina
On June 24, 2018, he released his single "Rosalina," which signifies 'break your back'. The magnum opus 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.
The song saw numerous remixes, including one with Nigerian singer Runtown on November 25, 2018, infusing Afrobeats into the mix. On December 25, 2018, Matundu released the "Rosalina Remix," featuring Awilo Longomba, seamlessly blending French, Lingala, and English. With its captivating and effective chorus, 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.
Over the years, Matundu's audience grew significantly with songs like the "Kanda," featuring Celeo Scram and "Ye Le". 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.