Sonwabile’s release of the five-track 7 EP, is more a decisive creative pivot, and full capitalization of the multidisciplinary persona he built across digital platforms. Transitioning seamlessly from a compelling YouTuber, known for engaging content and sharp humor, to a captivating streamer, Sonwabile now completes his creative trifecta as a recording artist.
His recent nine-minute project serves as a focused, high-energy declaration that his ability to capture attention transcends medium, proving his creative diversity is his greatest asset. With 7, he delivers a brief but potent shot of the distinctive hip-hop sound he first teased on his collaborative track, “Abekho,” with Blxckie.
Sonwabile | SUPPLIED
7 is forged in its production, and it embraces the “bumpy beats” sound, a style characterized by heavy, often distorted low-end, clattering percussion, and off-kilter rhythms that feel both raw and intricately constructed. The opener “HUSH” and the moody “Bad Day” dive straight into this sonic template. The production feels intentionally rugged, rejecting the polished veneer of commercial trap in favor of a sound that is immediate, grimy, and deeply regional. This unique beat selection, where the rhythm section drives the atmosphere with a palpable, kinetic energy, is what differentiates Sonwabile in a crowded South African hip-hop landscape.
What truly solidifies Sonwabile’s unique artistic presence, however, is his masterful command over this challenging production. His vocal delivery is agile and responsive, weaving intricate flows around the unpredictable drum patterns instead of simply rapping over them. Unlike artists who smooth out the edges of their sound, Sonwabile’s cadence is designed to amplify the bumps and imperfections in the beats. His voice acts as a percussive element itself, giving the short runtime a dynamic intensity that ensures no moment is wasted. This symbiotic relationship between an unorthodox soundscape and a commanding vocal performance is the signature stamp of the EP.
Sonwabile | SUPPLIED
The collaborative tracks on 7 further illustrate his confidence in this unique sonic lane. The collaborations seamlessly integrate the chaotic energy, particularly on tracks like “Sies” and “Bodies,” which both feature Sbuu. Instead of pulling Sonwabile towards a more conventional sound, Sbuu and Vson (on “Luh Twin”) adapt to the EP’s specific rhythmic demands, resulting in collaborative moments that feel less like guest spots and more like a united front pushing a new regional sound. These tracks manage to balance the raw, aggressive energy of the beats with sticky, memorable melodic phrases, showcasing an ability to curate and maintain a singular, uncompromised artistic vision.
In just nine minutes, 7 accomplishes what many full-length projects fail to do, by establishing a distinct, memorable sound that feels authentic to the artist’s roots while remaining globally competitive. Sonwabile’s transition from streamer to musician is not merely a hobby, but it is a serious commitment demonstrated by his dedication to crafting this unique, aggressive style. This EP is a successful, high-impact demonstration of a distinct sound, one that feels like the necessary, exciting soundtrack to the next phase of his creatively diverse career.
Preview 7:
Words by Zimiso Nyamande
