Matoma Biography
Tom Stræte Lagergren, professionally known as Matoma, is a Norwegian DJ and record producer who has made a lasting impact on the electronic dance music world. Born in Åsnes Municipality, Norway, he rose to prominence in the mid 2010s by blending tropical house rhythms with catchy pop elements that resonated with listeners across the globe. His breakthrough came through online remixes that quickly gained millions of plays and led to major label deals and international tours.
Matoma stands out for his upbeat sound and positive energy that define his tracks. From humble beginnings in rural Norway to sold out shows and collaborations with global stars, his career reflects hard work and a genuine love for music. He has released multiple albums, earned billions of streams, and inspired fans with his authentic approach to creativity and life.
Matoma Early Life and Background
Tom Stræte Lagergren was born on 29 May 1991 in Åsnes Municipality, Norway, in the small town of Flisa located in the rural forests of Finnskogen near the Swedish border. He grew up in a traditional Norwegian household that valued nature, community, and family. Music played a central role from an early age. At seven years old he began playing classical piano and even won a contest that allowed him to perform alongside renowned Norwegian pianists Håvard Gimse and Leif Ove Andsnes.
Life in Flisa brought challenges. Lagergren faced health issues including weak lungs and dyslexia. School proved difficult due to severe bullying that left emotional scars. Despite these hurdles his older brother Dan introduced him to new sounds and encouraged his passion. Their parents supported his early interest in music by providing instruments including a guitar when he was very young. Classical piano eventually felt limiting so around age 14 he started experimenting with mixing tracks on a computer. This shift marked the beginning of his journey into production. After completing mandatory military service he pursued higher education and earned a bachelor’s degree in music technology from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim. Those formative years built the foundation for his professional path and instilled a strong sense of resilience and family values that still guide him today.
Matoma Career
Matoma launched his professional career in the early 2010s after moving beyond classical roots into electronic production. He began creating remixes as a hobby and shared them on SoundCloud where he eventually uploaded more than 136 tracks. His big break arrived in 2014 with a tropical house remix of The Notorious B.I.G.’s Old Thing Back featuring Ja Rule and Ralph Tresvant. The track exploded online topping Hype Machine charts and reaching high positions in Norway Sweden Finland Denmark and New Zealand. It peaked at number two on Norway’s VG lista and earned praise from Ja Rule himself on social media. Major labels took notice and Big Beat Records signed him soon after.
That same year he remixed tracks for artists including Marlon Roudette Enrique Iglesias Hedegaard Eminem and Marit Larsen. These early successes helped popularize tropical house a genre that combined laid back melodies with upbeat dance rhythms and brought a fresh sunny vibe to clubs and festivals worldwide. In November 2015 he released his debut studio album Hakuna Matoma through Warner Music. The record debuted at number one on the Norwegian albums chart and featured hits such as Old Thing Back Stick Around with Akon Running Out with Astrid S and False Alarm with Becky Hill. False Alarm earned nominations at the Spellemannprisen awards for newcomer of the year and song of the year. The album showcased Matoma’s signature style and quickly amassed hundreds of millions of streams.
Building on that momentum he collaborated with high profile acts including The Vamps on All Night in 2016 which gathered over 375 million Spotify plays and Staying Up in 2017. Other notable partnerships came with Sean Paul Jason Derulo Akon Popcaan Wale Noah Cyrus and Ally Brooke. In August 2018 he dropped his second studio album One in a Million. This 15 track project leaned more toward dance pop with emotional vocals and global influences. Standout songs included Slow with Noah Cyrus Lonely with MAX I Don’t Dance (Without You) with Enrique Iglesias featuring Konshens and Sunday Morning with Josie Dunne. The album reached number 12 on the Norwegian charts and contributed to his catalog surpassing one billion combined streams.
Matoma continued evolving his sound in the following years. In 2020 he released the Rytme EP and singles such as WOW with Emma Steinbakken and a Christmas track with Michael Bolton. From 2021 to 2022 he served as a coach on the Norwegian version of The Voice mentoring the winner of season six. In September 2021 he co founded the AI music tech startup Masterchannel which developed automated mastering tools and won recognition as Norway’s best creative tech startup in 2022. His third studio album Love for the Beat arrived in 2023 on his own label and shifted toward high energy club anthems and progressive house. It included collaborations with artists like Becky Hill MAX Noah Cyrus Armin van Buuren Teddy Swims and JP Cooper. Lead single Break My Own Heart with HARLEE achieved strong streaming numbers and the project highlighted themes of resilience and joy.
Throughout his career Matoma has performed at major festivals delivered energetic live sets and maintained a focus on feel good music that connects people. His remixes and originals have helped shape modern dance music while his work as a producer and mentor has extended his influence beyond the stage. By 2026 he had accumulated more than two billion streams across platforms and continued releasing singles that kept fans engaged.
Matoma Personal Life
Matoma remains deeply rooted in his Norwegian heritage and values family above all else. He often speaks about the support from his parents and older brother Dan who played a key role in his musical development. Their close bond and shared childhood memories in the forests of Finnskogen continue to inspire him. He describes himself as a family oriented person who prioritizes time at home between tours.
In his personal relationships Matoma has found lasting happiness with Maren Sofie Gjertsen whom he calls his soulmate. The couple has shared public moments including surprise visits during tours and anniversary celebrations. They married in the summer of 2025 in a ceremony that reflected their low key and genuine connection. Matoma frequently expresses gratitude for her support especially during demanding periods in his career. He maintains a private life away from excessive media attention but occasionally shares glimpses of their life together on social media emphasizing love positivity and balance.
Beyond music he participates in philanthropic efforts including performances for causes like the Homeless World Cup. These activities align with his down to earth personality and desire to give back to communities.
Conclusion
Matoma’s story illustrates how talent determination and a positive outlook can transform a small town dream into global success. From classical piano lessons in rural Norway to headlining international stages he has consistently evolved while staying true to his roots. His music brings people together with infectious rhythms and uplifting messages that transcend borders. As he continues creating and exploring new ventures in technology and mentorship Matoma’s influence on dance music endures. Fans can expect more heartfelt tracks and high energy performances that capture the spirit of joy and connection he has championed throughout his career. His journey reminds us that authenticity and passion remain the strongest drivers of lasting achievement in the music industry.
FAQs
What is Matoma’s real name and where was he born?
Matoma’s real name is Tom Stræte Lagergren. He was born on 29 May 1991 in Åsnes Municipality Norway specifically in the town of Flisa.
How did Matoma start his music career?
Matoma began with classical piano at age seven before shifting to computer based production around age 14. His 2014 viral remix of Old Thing Back marked his professional breakthrough and led to record deals and international recognition.
What are some of Matoma’s most popular albums and songs?
His key albums include Hakuna Matoma from 2015 One in a Million from 2018 and Love for the Beat from 2023. Standout songs feature Old Thing Back All Night with The Vamps False Alarm with Becky Hill and I Don’t Dance (Without You) with Enrique Iglesias.
Has Matoma appeared in any films or television shows?
He is the subject of the 2018 documentary One in a Million which follows his rise from student to superstar. He also served as a coach on the Norwegian version of The Voice from 2021 to 2022.
Is Matoma married or in a relationship?
Matoma is married to Maren Sofie Gjertsen. The couple wed in the summer of 2025 after several years together and he often refers to her as his soulmate.
What other projects has Matoma pursued outside of music?
In addition to music he co founded the AI music startup Masterchannel in 2021. He has also engaged in philanthropy and continues to host his podcast The Weekly Beat where he shares songwriting insights with guests.