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.

Upcoming Shows


Jan
31
st
First Avenue
Jan
31
st
First Avenue

First Avenue's
Best New Bands of 2024

featuring BizhikiChristy CostelloThe Dalmatian ClubKiernanMatiporch lightroom3

★ Local Show ★

Past Shows


Oct
19
th
2024
Palace Theatre
Oct
19
th
2024
Palace Theatre

Tech N9ne

with X-Raided, Dwynell Roland and Mati
Aug
9
th
2024
7th St Entry
Aug
9
th
2024
7th St Entry

Mati

'BERHANE'S SON' EP Release

★ Local Show ★
with GR3G and Qadiym
Sep
1
st
2023
7th St Entry
Sep
1
st
2023
7th St Entry

Mati

'Thoughts In Cursive' EP Release
with GR3G and Say Sa’Je

More Shows

Apr
24
th
7th St Entry

Cryogeyser

Mar
20
th
First Avenue

Dead Man Winter

with Little Fevers
Apr
23
rd
7th St Entry

Jane Remover

with Dazegxd and d0llywood1
Feb
15
th
The Cedar Cultural Center

Mustafa