Single Review: Suffer

Nigerian vocalist and songwriter D.Matthews (Aka David Matthews) is making his way in New Zealand music with his captivating character of sound and entertainment style. D.Matthews is known for his motivational content, enlivening spirit, and upbeat performances. He blends traditional music of Africa with modernised pop elements which are genuine and thought-provoking. 

He began his journey with music aged 20, and released his first song in the year 2018. Since then, he has been playing live amongst well-known NZ artists; opening for NZ Hip-Hop Heavy Weight Savage in 2018, featuring in Billboard Magazine, and recently making it as an act in Splore Festival in 2021. He brings with him distinctive energy and individuality, making a contemporary career out of his love for music, and people. His entertainment style is by far unique.

Suffer starts off with a heavy bounce of Afrobeat, and an uplifting Afropop melody. D.Matthews track brings smooth production, met with gripping themes and impressive composition. He speaks Pidgin English in segments throughout the track; combining beat and language with influential lyrics, and his own coined rap style. 

Suffer speaks for Africa, the song’s message wakes up the listener to the current and past events of Africa’s suffering. The song structure sounds chant-like, with a reviving beat that parallels the work of African people to be free. The ways of the recent world have led to many awakenings on African migration, targeted police brutality, turmoil, systemic racism, stereotyping, and a long-winded misrepresentation of the richness and purity of Africa. The song asks the listener to step into the shoes of a migrant searching for peace, prosperity, and hope for a bright future that has been, in many ways, taken from them. Family values are met with a message; a deepness the people of Africa cannot detach from. It is the time for Africa to shine, it is the time for the world to listen to this journey, and what has been collectively experienced. Suffer asks the listener to rejoice. It proclaims the happiness that is theirs, and proclaims and acknowledges the suffering that was, and still is. 

D.Matthews does this in a way where the listener feels happy. There is no better way to shine light on a journey than with dance, melodic guitar, drums, horns and vibrancy! The song itself, though political, is very uplifting. Through the sway and jump, the message of change is felt rhythmically and validated. It’s difficult not to enjoy it, and it inherently speaks to our bodies, minds and souls.