Matthew Orango, the Oxnard, California-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who released music under the name Cola Boy, has died at the age of 34. “The one and only Kula Boy also known as Matthew Orango passed away peacefully last Sunday,” the artist’s record label said. The makers wrote in a statement. “He was quite a soul, a man without age, a childlike soul with the music of an ancient legend. His words, his melodies, the sound of his voice: every aspect of his music was unique and timeless.
Born with spina bifida, scoliosis and kyphosis, Orango played bass for the Sea Lions before he began releasing his own music in 2018. That year, he released his first EP, Black Boogie Neon, which included the songs “Penny Girl” and “Buggy Tip”. In 2020, he made a guest appearance alongside The Clash's Mick Jones on The Avalanches' “We Go On” from We will always love you. Cola Boyy's debut LP Artificial arm box Released in 2021, it boasts collaborations with Avalanches, MGMT's Andrew VanWyngarden, Godin, John Carroll Kirby, and more. As a disability rights activist and advocate for people of color, he has worked with groups including Todo Poder Al Pueblo and APOC (Anarchists of Color).
“Anyone who knew Matthew knows he had a larger-than-life personality,” Jack Sills, Cola Boy’s manager, said on Instagram. “He was always the life of the party and could have it down with anyone. He was also one of the most talented and humble people I have ever met. His sense of humor and natural charisma endeared him to everyone he met. Matthew cared deeply about his family And his friends and community which he often expressed through his music. He just finished his next album and was excited to start releasing new music this summer. I will continue to work with his family and @recordmakers to make sure that happens. Love you buddy. Cola Boy forever!
