Bonnet Sumo

Rapper

“DON’T WATCH THE NEXT MAN. TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR CAREER, WORK AND PUT OUT AS MUCH AS YOU CAN. YOU’RE THE ONLY ONE WHO KNOWS BEST’

Hi, how have you been?

What's up y'all! I'm doing good, kinda quiet (on the music side) but we're always working on something.

What’s something good that happened to you in the last week?

Nothing in particular but I thank God for every day. I'm alive and well.

Who were the first hip-hop artists that made you say “this is my lane”?

The first rap artist that made me feel a way was Foxy Brown. There is something about her presence that moves me. She doesn't scream but is still very clear and loud. Her charisma and elegance. Her pen is also very on point. She was the first to get my attention but also rappers like Mase and B.I.G. made me feel like "I love this thing". Later on it was Jay-Z and his protegé Amil.

You have very good taste! Is there a song you’ve written that surprised you in how honest it felt?

Definitely! I have two unreleased songs that really came from the most honest place. One is called "I Don't Wanna Loose You" and the other one is called "Two More Days". Both songs come from a reflective and grieving place. And also since it has been a few years I don't write my rhymes down on paper I feel like it gave me so much more space to be free and creative with flows and words but also just free thoughts. This way worked better for me and I can feel that in the evolution of my music. It got more mature, I really grew up.

What’s been the biggest challenge in your music journey so far?

My biggest challenge to this day is definitely my tour from last year Nov 2025. And I only had 4 dates lol. I've been on this independent journey for a while now and I really don't think people (or artists) realise how much it takes to make a tour happen. Mind you, it was local, no outta country travels. 85% of the time I was on my own when it comes down to all the admin work. By the time the 3rd show came along I was out!!! 

That’s very impressive tho! Do you feel the Belgian hip-hop scene has changed since you started? In what way?

Nothing changed. Same people are moved around into different positions. Same decision makers, same "not knowing my culture" as people that still don't know shit musically or business wise when it comes to Hip-hop. They don't copy what they see, they don't feel things. They do things based on numbers. The business has always been wack. I have talked to people, seen things for myself. Fake managers. Like I love to say, impact over numbers and numbers don't mean impact. Basically, they want our culture but not us. Same for Africa btw lol. I never liked the system or the industry, I try to help people out on my own with the tools I have which is knowledge of the turf. Due to my experience I know what could work, but most of the time it takes years and people in this country are not ready for that. And also, I know what I'm capable of and they don't like that.

What part of being an artist do you love most?

Creating of course. From concept to life. I always enjoyed the process more than all the rest. I'm inspired by so much stuff, but that's another conversation for another time. We should meet and talk!!!

You did a club tour last year, how was that experience?

Great, I'm happy I didn't have to cancel any show. I actually did it, it took a lot of sweat. Touring is what makes the bread. If you don't do shows and sell merch, what are you doing? Also, the live exchange with the supporters is priceless. Can't describe the feeling.

What was your favourite song to perform live?

Oh my God, that's a difficult one. I love all my songs. I'm not gonna lie. Well, I'm lying, I don't like my 3rd EP, it didn't age well. But all the rest? I'm so proud of it!!! Can't choose, sorry.

Haha no worries! If you could organise your own festival, who would be the three headliners?

Me, Miss Angel,... the last one I have to think about. But watch out for KALEKI. Young boy from my neighborhood. Super nice!!!

All right we will add him to the playlist! What can we expect from you this year?

Quality music, real rap, all types of real content, real shows, nice merch. Tssss, that's a lot already

Tell us something to inspire the culture!

Know what you want or what kind of career/artist you want to have/be in the first place. Focus on making good music. Focus on eating, not on looking like you're eating. Don't watch the next man. Take control of your career, work and put out as much as you can. Try to not take it personal. Don't let music rot in your harddrive. You're the only one who knows best. Real hip-hop still exists!