INTRODUCING NIGERIAN SINGER, SONGWRITER AND MUSICIAN “D.MATTHEWS”
Toluwanimi David Matthews (born May 7), known professionally as D.MATTHEWS, is a Nigerian-born, Australian-based singer and songwriter making waves in the Afrobeats and Afropop scene. With a sound that blends contemporary Afro-fusion with progressive pop influences, D.MATTHEWS is committed to championing Afrobeats across Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.
Born in Oyo State, Nigeria, and holding both Nigerian and New Zealand citizenship, D.MATTHEWS embarked on his musical journey in 2019. He honed his craft working with renowned producers such as New Zealand’s Edyonthebeat and Shaan Mehta, as well as Ghana’s Possigee—whose credits include Wizkid, Mr. Eazi, Sarkodie, and Stonebwoy. His music reflects his deep-rooted appreciation for Afrobeats, paying homage to pioneers like the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, while staying versatile in his sound.
D.MATTHEWS has played a pivotal role in elevating Afrobeats in New Zealand, becoming the first Afrobeats artist to perform at New Zealand Fashion Week and one of the first to bring Afrobeats to Splore Festival—one of the country’s biggest music festivals. His work has earned recognition from leading tastemakers such as Triple J Unearthed, NiuFM, The Beat Magazine, and Base FM, further cementing his influence in the region.
Early Life & Career
Music has been a lifelong passion for D.MATTHEWS, though his journey officially began at the age of 22. His musical foundation was laid in his early schooling years, singing in church choirs and participating in college chorale groups. Despite an initial hiatus, his high school years reignited his passion as he joined the men’s choir, regaining confidence in his artistry.
Raised in a family with a strong academic background—his father a banker and his mother a nurse—D.MATTHEWS pursued higher education in Supply Chain Management and Logistics at Manukau Institute of Technology, later expanding his expertise with business management studies.
While in New Zealand, he collaborated closely with Edyonthebeat, initially experimenting with rap before evolving into the Afrobeats/Afropop sound he is now known for. Over time, he refined his vocal style, embracing the genre’s infectious rhythms and melodies.
Major Performances & Achievements
- Splore Festival (2021) – One of New Zealand’s biggest music festivals
- New Zealand Fashion Week – First Afrobeats artist to perform at the event
- Brisbane Afrobeats Festival (2022) – Showcasing Afrobeats in Australia
As he continues to push boundaries, D.MATTHEWS remains dedicated to spreading Afrobeats culture across the global stage while representing NZ/AU Afrobeats with pride.
EXCLUSIVE MERCH
