Park Lane- Kumama Sima

After months of knowing neither the artist nor the actual track name (it was part of a blank mix CD given to a friend), my team of experts finally concluded this was Park Lane, a popular bongo group named after a street in Dar-Es-Salaam. The lyrics aren’t Kiswahili (it’s something else, maybe of Ugandan origin), but that’s not exactly a problem. Bongo’s arabesque influences come out strong in the instrumentation and melodies, but the framework is a particularly holy matrimony of dancehall structure and African production style, and once again, I prefer it to almost every Jamaican dancehall track I’ve heard.

Mr. II (AKA Sugu) feat. Justin Kalikawe- Haki

One of the first bongo tracks I downloaded was from the “Run-DMC” of Tanzania, Mr. II. Armed with a bevy of aliases, a booming voice, and at eight albums to his name, Sugu has set his sights for the big time, releasing his latest album internationally. This track from 2001 has him paired with late Tanzanian singer Justin Kalikawe for what may be the definitive bongoflava anthem (although Sugu’s “Dar-Es-Salaam” is the more obvious choice). The song’s secret weapon is having two contiguous hooks, each in a different key. “Haki” means something along the lines of “freedom” and “justice” in Kiswahili, and ranks chief among the desires of Tanzanians according to Sugu.

Phat Family- Tucheze

When production values are low, technique has to make up for lagging technology. Bongoflava artists can’t rely on expensive bass sounds or the latest bhangra samples. The standout tracks are the ones with well-written components, and “Tucheze” boasts perhaps the best bassline in bongoflava, a sneaky, playful rope-a-dope punctuated with hand claps, kicks, and string hits. Put this on your summer jam mixtape before it’s too late.