Music Review: Third World Baby EP - Matt Travers

Matt Travers is a Ugandan artist-producer that has established a distinct presence within East Africa's alternative music landscape, something he likes to emphasise. It actually impacts his music and this East African perspective. His government name is Matthew Nyanzi David, and he has made his mark on the music scene, earning consecutive nominations at the Uganda Hip Hop Awards for ​Rookie of the Year and Producer of the Year.

That Producer of the Year nomination was certainly well earned – his EP showcases an eclectic approach to his craft that can be dizzyingly impressive.

Milele is the first track on the EP, a driven Afrobeat track that leans towards the street anthem direction that this genre has a tendency for. If he was going for organised urban chaos, he certainly got there – while I am not enamoured with tracks like Milele, I can see why this sort of groove that insists upon itself might appeal to an audience. His focus on lyrism is notable too.

The EP begins its charm offensive with Helena, the next track, which is a homage of sorts to LL Cool J’s I Need Love and early 90s hip hop. It's an excellently executed take on a genre approach that was considered timeless when it dropped, and Matt Travers’ take on this is inspired. The classical guitar riffing in the background is gorgeous, and the lyrism is sleek.

Proud of You is a collaboration with Kevin Mawejje, lending this EP an underground feel that I think is deliberate. Simmer Down underlines his hip hop credentials, a deliciously sick beat against synth sound that has you bopping. It features a cameo from John Blaq, so the song takes a multilingual turn.

East Side goes all in on the hip hop ride, with plain synth strings in tandem with a horn section, against a grinding bassline and a hook that comes off as more of a chant than anything.

Matt Travers is obviously packing talent – these distinctly varied tracks on his EP are wonderfully inventive, espousing a talent that is willing to dare. His biggest talent is packaging himself for mainstream crossover, something I feel certain he is capable of.