UIC Music Convocation: GRAMMY® Award Winner Matt B Returns to UIC

The UIC School of Theatre and Music Presents: An Exclusive Film Screening, Conversation, and Q&A with GRAMMY® Award-Winning Artist Matt B — Moderated by Dr. Che “Rhymefest” Smith

The UIC School of Theatre and Music welcomes alum and GRAMMY® Award-winning recording artist back to campus for a one-of-a-kind convocation event featuring an exclusive screening of his short film/visual album , followed by an in-depth conversation and audience Q&A.

Moderated by 2x GRAMMY and Academy Award-winning songwriter, recording artist, educator, humanitarian, and Chicago Board of Education member , this event offers a rare opportunity to hear first-hand about Matt B’s journey from UIC architecture student to global music visionary. Attendees will get an inside look at the making of ALKEBULAN II—co-directed by Matt B and GRAMMY® Award-winning producer Angela V. Benson. Filmed across Namibia and South Africa with an all-African production team, the project blends traditional African percussion, orchestral grandeur recorded at Abbey Road Studios with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and spoken word.

ALKEBULAN II is more than an album—it’s a cinematic and musical tribute to the struggles, resilience, and triumphs of our ancestors, mirroring Matt B’s own artistic and personal journey.

Convocations are free and open to the public. RSVP is required.

About Matt B:

GRAMMY® Award Winning singer, songwriter, and producer ‘Matt B’ was born and raised in Chicago, IL. He released his Japanese debut album LOVE & WAR in September 2014, and it went #1 on the iTunes R&B Charts. His sophomore album DIVE released in January 2016 and also hit #1 on the iTunes R&B Charts. After reaching critical acclaim in Japan, Matt’s imprint continued to spread overseas. His single Color Blind went viral in China, accruing over 158 million streams on the NetEase platform. Matt signed with Priority Records in 2017 and had his nationwide television debut performing at the 2019 Magnificent Mile Lights Festival. Matt B's debut US album, EDEN, ranked #3 in the US and #5 in Canada on the iTunes R&B Albums Chart. It also debuted in the Top 40 for R&B Albums on Billboard. Following its release, Matt released his hit single Gimme Love. Gimme Love peaked at #36 on the Billboard US Afrobeats Chart and has accrued more than 5M streams globally. Matt B secured a GRAMMY nomination for his record Gimme Love in 2022. ALKEBULAN was released on August 18, 2023, and debuted on the Billboard Top Current Albums chart in the Top 100. Matt B was also named Critically Acclaimed Artist of the Year by the Los Angeles Tribune and one of the 100 Most Influential People In Entertainment 2023 by Ranks Africa. In 2024, Matt B secured his second GRAMMY® Nomination and very first GRAMMY® win for ALKEBULAN II. This historic win also marked the first GRAMMY® to be won by the world renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the first win for all of East Africa, specifically Uganda.

About UIC Music Convocation:

Convocations are designed to help students launch their careers after they graduate. At weekly meetings, concerts, performances, and presentations, students engage with a wide variety of performance styles and artists.

Convocation puts students in front of music industry professionals, wellness professionals, solo artists, chamber ensembles, large ensembles, instrumentalists, and vocalists who have successful careers in music.

Accessibility

For accessibility, accommodations, and special requests— please contact Neal McCollam at [email protected]

Host or Publisher UIC School of Theatre and Music