Joseph Mbilinyi, famously known as Sugu (and formerly Mr. II or 2-Proud), is a titan of Tanzanian music and politics. He is widely honored as the “Father of Bongo Flava” and was the first rapper in Tanzania to achieve major commercial success, famously declaring himself the first Bongo rap millionaire in 1998.

His career began in the early 1990s, and he is credited with giving a voice to the youth and the marginalized through his lyrics, which often tackle social inequality, corruption, and political accountability. Beyond music, he has had a distinguished political career, serving as the Member of Parliament for Mbeya City for a decade (2010–2020) and remaining a high-ranking official within the CHADEMA party.