MATTHEW ‘Cola Boyy’ Urango was well-known for his musical talent and disability activism.
The musician tragically died at the age of 34 in March 2024.
Who was Matthew ‘Cola Boyy’ Urango?
Matthew ‘Cola Boyy’ Urango was a musician from Oxnard, California who described himself as a “disabled disco innovator,” per Stereogum.
He was also a disability activist who was born with spina bifida, kyphosis, and scoliosis.
“I want to encourage other disabled people not to be so hard on themselves, not to be depressed and angry,” the singer said in a June 2021 interview with NME.
“I was so angry, growing up, at others around me, and that didn’t solve my problems. That didn’t make happy. It made me just sour. I want to encourage disabled people that they can do anything and that nothing can defeat them,” he continued.
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“If you’re disabled or if you’re poor, nothing is ever earned through asking nicely. They’re never going to give us anything when we ask nicely. Reforms and things are won, you have to fight for them and threaten them with, ‘We’re going to keep coming at you. If you take this away, we’re going to come at you harder.’
“This is why so many artist[s] are from middle class or wealthy backgrounds because the economic system makes it so that the poor and the working class don’t have the time in the day to live, to enjoy things and to do things outside of working.”
On Monday, March 18, 2024, his record label, Record Makers, announced his tragic death on social media.
“The one and only Cola Boyy a.k.a Matthew Urango has passed peacefully last Sunday,” the label wrote on X.
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“He was quite a soul, a man with no age, a childlike spirit with the musicality of an old legend. His lyrics, his melodies, the sound of his voice: every side of his music was unique and timeless…” the post continued.
“We loved him at Record Makers. We are sending all possible love to Matthew’s family and to his numerous friends. His music and power will remain,” a second post said.
Cola Boyy’s cause of death is not yet known at this time.
What type of music did Cola Boyy sing?
In 2018, Cola Boyy released his debut EP titled Black Boogie Neon, which included the singles Penny Girl and Buggy Tip, per Stereogum.
The EP is classified as French indie and pop.
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According to the outlet, the singer “soon attracted the attention of some high-profile fans,” including MGMT and Air’s Nicolas Godin.
MGMT, took Cola Boyy out on tour, while Godin worked with him on a song from his 2019 solo album.
Cola Boyy was a featured guest on the Avalanches’ 2020 album, We Will Always Love You.
The musician released his first album, Prosthetic Boombox, in 2021, which “included guest spots from the Avalanches, MGMT’s Andrew VanWyngarden, Godin, John Carroll Kirby, and more.”
The album is classified as alternative/indie and pop.
What did his fans say after his death?
Fans responded to Record Makers’ announcement following Cola Boyy’s tragic death.
“So sad to hear this – I loved his music and his vibe so much,” one fan wrote.
“Very sad to hear this, what a g,” another commented.
“He will be missed in Oxnard. There was nobody else like him,” a third said.