Matt B
with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Alkebulan II
Vitae Records
Grammy-winning South African singer, composer, and producer Matt B releases the Dolby Atmos version of his brilliant album, Alkebulan II, whose title translates to “Mother of Mankind” or “Garden of Eden.”
Alkebulan II is a celebration of African heritage, global unity, and artistic innovation — a superb amalgamation of stories, cultures, and sounds.
Recorded at Abbey Road Studios, the album includes the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Nomfundo Khambule, and Grammy-nominated spoken word artist Sekou Andrews, offering listeners an enhanced listening experience awash with sonic depth and enveloping dimensions.
Alongside the album, a short film transforms the auditory themes of Alkebulan II onto the screen. Directed by Angela V. Benson and co-directed by Matt B, the film was shot in Johannesburg and Cape Town (South Africa) and Swakopmund and Windhoek (Namibia).
Of the 10 tracks on Alkebulan II, suggested entry points include “Wambile,” riding a delicious polyrhythmic beat that supports swaying layers of low-slung R&B flavors infused with tints of Afro-pop flavors. Captivating, the mood and feel of the song are oh-so gently alluring.
More introspective, “Midnight Train” travels on a pushing rhythm topped by reflective colors and creamy, glowing harmonies. Talking about the song, Matt B shares, “I’ve always felt like life is like a moving train. There are stops along the way, and people are constantly coming in and out of your life. Sometimes the tracks of life have to guide you through the darker times, but you keep chugging along. The momentum of life never stops; if you slow down, you will get left behind.”
A personal favorite because of its luxurious, tropical flow highlighted by Matt B’s soft, smooth, almost whispery voice, “Kholwani” coalesces polished, coruscating surfaces into a gorgeous melody. The a cappella chorale of the outro is worth the price of admission all by itself.
If the delightful, rolling rhythm of “Lost Drums” doesn’t get you swiveling your shoulders and hips, there’s something wrong with you. The pulsing motion of this song oozes beauty so extraordinary that it seems to have a vitality of its own.
Full of heart, it’s easy to see why Alkebulan II won Best Global Music Album at the 2025 Grammy Awards (the first-ever Grammy win for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, which collaborated on the album).
