Mati is a 23-year-old Ethiopian-born artist raised in Minneapolis. Establishing himself as a vital new voice in music; rapping and singing with dexterity, cutting close to the bone with incisive, confessional writing, he’s shown versatility across styles while maintaining a singular vision. Finding balance in life is an elusive pursuit, yet for Mati, the past few years have been a journey of channeling raw ambition into something profound, shaping disparate emotions into music that's both elemental and irresistible. “I had hundreds of songs,” the Minneapolis-based artist reflects, “but I knew I had to do it the right way.” For Mati, “doing it” means presenting himself to the world, which he masterfully achieves on his forthcoming EP, BERHANE'S SON, named after his mother.
Growing up in South Minneapolis after moving from his native Ethiopia at age 3, Mati’s journey is colored by his family's migration story. His father, who initially fled to Los Angeles before settling in Minneapolis, eventually brought over Mati, his mother, and his three siblings. “Being the youngest comes with its own pressure,” Mati admits. “I know if I make a mistake, everyone—all my older siblings and my parents—feel responsible to correct me.”
Despite this familial pressure, Mati’s path to music wasn’t clear-cut. With a natural talent for writing, he initially expressed himself through poetry, scribbling verses in his school notebooks. It wasn’t until his teenage years, inspired by friends dabbling in music, that he began exploring this new medium. As he delved deeper into music, Mati faced the challenge of finding his voice—literally. Initially uncomfortable with his deep rapping voice, he experimented with singing, learning to navigate his vocal range and draw on the gospel influences from his mother’s church choir. This journey of self-discovery and musical growth shaped the passionate and intentional sound that defines his work today.
