Seasoned hip hop artist Takudzwa 'Tremma' Mutapi released an EP titled Too Big A Dream in May 2020, and it is has been a blessing to the ears. Too Big A Dream shows an artist who puts all his effort into creating a timeless piece of art - one that will stand the test of time.
There is a lot of conscience-bearing lyrics in his attempts to reconcile the existential contradictions rampant in Zimbabwean society. He created expansive space to accommodate what he wanted to convey - a conflation of street lyrics and gospel lyrics too. Which is a compromise that worked. The whole EP contains an impressive motif - that our efforts in life, at everything we do, are "too big a dream." Too big that even some people may doubt your moves. But his exhortation is to keep it moving, despite the unbearable circumstances our existences are barraged with.
By the time you finish the EP, you get an overwhelming sense of motivation, and upliftment. And to that effect he did an excellent job. His brand of hip hop does not exude the a hard-hitting attitude but still gives you the impetus to be serious with whatever you are doing in life. Every sort of hustles.
"10 Tracks of Pure Zimbo talent!" This is what he wrote on his Facebook account when he dropped the EP. The depth of his lyrical content, as well as his choice of features vindicates him. Some of the features on the EP include Dobba Don and Zimbiyana Jones (who is otherwise known as MC Chita).
Solidarity for the industry is expressed by Tremma in the song Salute, in which he gives big shout outs to his "music niggas" and his people from the block. And that means solidarity for the hood. Which is everything that matters as far as the hip hop culture is concerned.
Tracks such as Memories evoke melancholic feelings as Tremma faces the trauma of death. Heartbreaking as it is, death is inevitable and for those who remain behind, the duty is to keep on remembering the departed. Maka Naka borders on being gospel hip hop, as he gives praises to the Creator for everything that he has been through in life. Which is befitting, considering the inclination towards spirituality that cuts across all demographics in the country. For Tremma, the dream cannot be "Too Big" if the Creator is not involved in the mix.
The track Area is a slight shift from the gospel inclination as it is heavily inundated gritty street lyrics, and a sound that speaks of ghetto chronicles/struggles. With "Area" referring to the place he comes from - "Ndozviri kuitika kwedu kuarea, I'm talking Zimbo kwete Australia." One would not be wrong to conclude that Area is a track that speaks of class struggle. With a bit laid-back instrumental, Area is an impressive track as far as telling street stories is concerned. As well as the exhortation to keep on working hard kuArea. And again, the instrumental on this one cannot be ignored. (this goes for the whole EP).
The EP is a conflation of English, Shona and Ndebele raps - giving it a raw Zimbabwean feel. Tremma makes it clear that with the music he is delivering to the streets, and with the other hustles he partakes in, he is a game changer. The attitude he relays is that whatever we are doing in Zimbabwe to get a living is akin to going for war - Chimurenga. That historical nuance is necessary for contemporary hip hop narratives.
Tremma's message of triumph (relayed by his choice of beats) despite the difficulties is a commendable one. It vindicates hip hop in Zimbabwe. It makes the EP a worthwhile experience. His admonitions regarding city life are golden bits of wisdom. His energy is impressive, in all honesty.
"Motivational pieces on a Hiphop tip, pictures perfectly
painted with deep concepts," reads the description on his Audiomack channel.
You can listen to Too Big A Dream EP by Tremma on this Audiomack link. And tell us what you think.
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