Chitungwiza-based Hip-Hop artist, Tanto Wavie has won the hearts of many Zimbabwean music fans through TrapSu - his own genre, movement, and sound. Just like its name, TrapSu is a marriage of Trap and Sungura - a unique marriage indeed. Tanto Wavie, born Shingirai Makaza who is a songwriter, performing artist, rapper, and producer has successfully blended the Hip Hop and Sungura cocktail to make his own genre and movement, TrapSu (short for Trap Sungura). Four years in, TrapSu has become a familiar and a favorite sound for many. Someone would have to try so hard to ignore such a movement TrapSu is. According to Redbull.com Trap is a subgenre of Hip Hop music that originated in the Southern United States during the 1990s. The genre got its name from the Atlanta slang word "trap". Trap music comprises synthesized drums and consists of complex hit-hat patterns, and tuned kick drums with a long decay (originally from the Roland TR-808 drum machine). It utilizes very few instruments and focuses almost exclusively on snare drums and double or triple-timed hit-hats. Trap has largely risen over the last decade, it has risen becoming a dominating subgenre in Hip Hop and also some elements spilling over into contemporary music. On the other hand, According to a 2012 journal article by Tony Perman, Sungura or Museve music is a genre of popular music in Zimbabwe that emerged just as local nationalists successfully fought for Independence in 1980. Pindula goes on to allude that the genre was popularized in the 1980s by groups like Khiama Boys, Zimbabwe Cha Cha Cha Kings, and Leonard Dembo. The aforementioned publication goes on to argue that the genre originated in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Sungura is said to be a by-product of kanindo-rhumba. Greats such as Bothwell Nyamhondera are credited as the originators and early adopters of Sungura. So, technically Sungura music is considered an indigenous sound in Zimbabwe.
Tanto said the only two artists he would love to work with currently are Zimbabwean Sungura legend Alick Macheso and American trapper Travis Scott. On the issue of a sustainable music industry in Zimbabwe, Tanto commented, "That's a big issue to tackle but I believe artists can control this narrative, it all starts with the musical product. If artists release great and quality products hopefully it will attract a bigger following and more income."
"Expect more albums, singles and visuals. We are working on a documentary to document the journey of the TrapSu movement. All things equal l would love to shoot music videos for all 14 tracks."
The conversation with Tanto Wavie was adjecent to genius and memorable. Every time he releases a project there are always sentiments that he has more to offer. A soft spoken genius, allow yourself to experience the TrapSu effect on your best headsets or speakers.
Stream Tanto Wavie's latest offering on Apple Music and Spotify.
Stream Tanto Wavie's latest offering on Apple Music and Spotify.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Production Credits
Editor: Tafadzwa Gerald Muchandiona
Creative Direction and Photography: Travolta of Virgorous Youth
Chibeat chatanto trapsu yopisa nyangwe mukda kuzviramba
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