Tanzanian production duo Put2sleep are on a mission to bring East African producers out of the shadows and into everyday cultural conversation. Their debut EP Bonge La Speech V1, which translates to “The Big Speech”, is the first step on this journey.  It is a high-octane glimpse into East Africa’s underground hip-hop scene. In the course of 11 songs, producers Throneboy and Kwikwiri host a cast of mostly Swahili rappers from across Tanzania and Kenya, offering a glimpse into the life of an aspirant 20-something- year old hustler maneuvering within unjust and often illogical national cultures. 

With the exception of the EP’s RnB cut, Take A Picture, featuring songbirds Naomisia and Vallerie Muthoni, the tape sees the duo remain in their typical trap-infused bag, with tracks that range from bouncy to moody to anthemic. Songs like Habash and Mbongo boast crisp bass heavy instrumentals and guest verses meant to awaken anyone’s inner go-getter. Textbook hip-hop ambition and bravado. Alone, which features a rare verse from Throneboy himself, is a more introspective rap song. Alongside guest vocalist Fredrick Mulla, Throneboy relishes the that relishes the far too few moments of quiet and solitude that are afforded to a rising African artist navigating  in a crowded urban landscape. “Nakupenda ku chill alone,” guest vocalist Fredrick Mulla declares repeatedly during the chorus. For the remainder of the tape, the likes of Brian Simba, Jovie Jovv, Ekumbo, and Kanno continually deliver compelling verses, exploring hustler’s ambition, poverty, and local posing. 

Listening to Bonge La Speech V1, would have you feeling like trap music was raised in a Swahili speaking home. Though not groundbreaking stylistically, Put2sleep’s first body of work is successful in elevating the production value and sonic quality of Swahili hip-hop. 

Stream La Speech V1 here.