When Sungura Museve was released in 2021, it finally gave Tanto Wavie the breakout success he so richly deserved. It’s not that he hadn’t experienced breakout moments before but “Sungura Museve” finally solidified TrapSu (Trap Sungura) as a genre. So when I heard that we would getting an Act II, I was caught in two frames of mind.
One said that Sungura Museve was such a great body of work it didn’t need a part 2, but the other argued that you build on your successes so an Act II was the way to go. However the unavoidable thing when it comes to a sequel is comparison with what came first. Try as you may to appreciate the music just as it is. The first project in the franchise just keeps demanding to be used as a reference.
Sungura Museve 2 opens with Mbiradzakondo, a gritty song, not only sonically but in it’s lyricism. Mbiradzakondo in Shona means to tie up someone so thoroughly that they’re rendered useless. Tanto uses this as a metaphor to showcase how his gift as an artist is so above and beyond everyone else that they can’t compete.
It cannot be stated enough how doing his own production at such a high level gives Tanto an edge. Dhikondo is heavily layered with melodies expressed in synth that give of that Trap feel but it carries an easily identifiable Sungura feel. The song speaks of people of an unscrupulous nature, who are referred to as “Dhikondo”. This theme of talking about untrustworthy figures appears again on Vakawanda.
It’s another track with melodies expressed with synth but it carries a heavier sub bass. Although Tanto talks about issues of more depth that shake us internally, Sungura Museve 2 feels like an album that was made for us to enjoy the production. Mughetto is a song that talks about exceeding expectations. Tanto talks about those who doubted him while expressing how the things he has done in his career have been calculated with the vision of achieving success. He has never been one low on self belief and he reveals that to fullest with seemingly calm and laidback verses on Mughetto.
NaMwari is deeply introspective and somewhat spiritual. Tanto here talks about the importance of the discovery of self. He sings about smoking herb and finding God within oneself. On some level it’s a song that talks about escaping from the reality but it also highlights the importance of looking out for yourself.
Muchinjikwa is a song about heartbreak and betrayal, often principal themes in Sungura music. It’s got rhythmic snares and calm tempo that drag you deep into thoughts of your worst heartbreak. The melodies and instrumental closesly mirror the love song Mdiwa, which is certainly one of the standout tracks on this project. Tanto delivers such great storytelling that’s easily relatable and keeps you captivated. Compared to the first Sungura Museve, this album is filled with a lot more melancholy. They’re just so many more layers to the lyricism and instrumentals.
Ziva and Ndichadzima bring out the guitar Tanto Wavie has become famous for. The guitar’s tone blooms and sparkles in perfect melodies, punctuated by Tanto’s vocals. On Ziva Tanto talks about how a former partner will never find find anyone like him again while Ndichadzima is a song touching on mental wellness. Tanto reflects on the pressures of the world and troubling thoughts, he delivers a touching hook that’s followed by the chiming of the guitar.
Sungura Museve 2 is a difficult album to place, while undoubtedly more mature in what it talks about, it feels somewhat restricted. They’re slightly playful songs like No Cap which are offset by more serious ones like Nhai Baba. Tracks like Xavinesta level up the energy with loud chants and quick tempo but it’s generally a subdued project. It doesn’t make the music any less good but it might reduce the replay value.
This is certainly a great project in it’s own right but just like how Avengers: Endgame is a great film, it’ll always be overshadowed because right beside it will always be Avengers: Infinity War. Sungura Museve’s part 2 only gets fleeting recognition as the first act hogs all the plaudits.
