Africa is a continent known for its amazing musical talent, and when it comes to rap, it’s no different. From the smooth sounds of Amapiano in Southern Africa to the energetic rap in countries like Nigeria, and Ghana, Africa has produced a lot of talented rappers.
A list of the best rappers in Africa include Nasty C, Khaligraph Jones, Cassper Nyovest, Sho Madjozi, Sarkodie, AKA, Falz, Phyno, Octopizzo, Roma Mkatoliki, and Olamide.
Top 50 Best Rappers In Africa
| S/N | BEST RAPPERS IN AFRICA |
| 1. | Nasty C |
| 2. | Khaligraph Jones |
| 3. | Cassper Nyovest |
| 4. | Sho Madjozi |
| 5. | Sarkodie |
| 6. | AKA |
| 7. | Falz |
| 8. | Phyno |
| 9. | Octopizzo |
| 10. | Roma Mkatoliki |
| 11. | Olamide |
| 12. | Ladipoe |
| 13. | Vector |
| 14. | Ice Prince |
| 15. | Kwesi Arthur |
| 16. | Jovi |
| 17. | M.anifest |
| 18. | Nadia Nakai |
| 19. | Medikal |
| 20. | Black M |
| 21. | M.I Abaga |
| 22. | Mode 9 |
| 23. | Bill Nass |
| 24. | Naeto C |
| 25. | Stogie T |
| 26. | Kwesta |
| 27. | Reggie Rockstone |
| 28. | Ruyonga |
| 29. | Positive Black Soul |
| 30. | Macky 2 |
| 31. | Proverb |
| 32. | Pro Kid |
| 33. | Obrafour |
| 34. | Eedris Abdulkareem |
| 35. | Nash MC |
| 36. | Navio |
| 37. | Stanley Enow |
| 38. | Fid Q |
| 39. | Didier Awadi |
| 40. | Tinny |
| 41. | Rugged Man |
| 42. | Navi |
| 43. | Slap Dee |
| 44. | Lord Kenya |
| 45. | Okyeame Kwame |
| 46. | Khuli Chana |
| 47. | Eno Barony |
| 48. | Keko |
| 49. | Stella Mwangi |
| 50. | Bomb$hell Grenade |
1. Nasty C
Nasty C, whose real name is Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo, is a South African rap sensation who was born on February 11, 1997. At just 24 years old, he’s already made a big name for himself in the rap game, not just in South Africa but across the African continent and beyond. He is considered as the best rapper in Africa.
Nasty C is unique for his incredible versatility as a rapper. He can experiment with different sounds and styles, and this is evident in his extensive discography. Nasty C has released three albums and over 20 music videos, each offering a unique glimpse into his evolving artistry.
However, it was his 2020 album, ‘Zulu Man with Some Power,’ that turned heads and solidified his place as one of Africa’s best rappers. The album received critical acclaim for its clever lyricism and bold sound. Tracks like ‘Phases,’ ‘Allow,’ and ‘Legendary’ from previous projects also showcased his lyrical prowess and storytelling ability.
What’s even more impressive is Nasty C’s international recognition. He’s not just a big deal in Africa; he’s a global rap sensation. He’s the first rapper from Africa to be signed under Def Jam and Universal Music Group, two of the biggest names in the global music industry.
One of the moments that truly highlighted Nasty C’s skills as a rapper was his 2018 freestyle session on Tim Westwood TV. It’s widely regarded as one of the best sessions on the channel, and it showcased his ability to deliver intricate and thought-provoking rhymes effortlessly.
2. Khaligraph Jones
Khaligraph Jones, born on June 12, 1990, in Kenya, is another remarkable rapper in Africa’s hip-hop scene. What’s interesting about Khaligraph is that he’s been in the game for over a decade, but it was around 2016 that he truly exploded onto the continental stage.
One of Khaligraph’s standout qualities is his incredible storytelling ability. When he raps, he doesn’t just spit words; he weaves narratives that captivate listeners and take them on a journey. His clever wordplay and unique writing style set him apart as one of Africa’s best rappers.
Some of Khaligraph’s popular tracks include ‘Testimony,’ ‘Juu Ya Ngori,’ ‘Yes Bana’ featuring Bien, and ‘Wavy’ featuring Sarkodie. These songs not only showcase his lyrical prowess but also his knack for creating music that resonates with diverse audiences.
Khaligraph’s intelligence as a storyteller is evident in how he tackles various subjects in his music. Whether he’s reflecting on his personal experiences or shedding light on societal issues, he does it with finesse and depth.
3. Cassper Nyovest
Cassper Nyovest, born on December 16, 1990, in South Africa, is a rapper with a unique style. What makes him stand out is that he doesn’t rap in English, which is the language of choice for many African artists. Instead, he uses his native language and keeps his continental fans glued to his songs.
Cassper Nyovest’s most significant contribution to African rap is his song ‘Doc Shebeleza,’ which is often considered a blueprint for African rap. This 2014 hit laid the foundation for his rise to stardom, and since then, he has consistently released music that resonates with millions of fans.
What truly set Cassper apart, though, was his historic achievement as the first rapper in Africa to fill a stadium. This wasn’t just a big deal for him; it was a momentous occasion for the entire African hip-hop community. It signalled that African rap had the power to draw massive crowds and that artists like Cassper were breaking boundaries.
Cassper Nyovest is undoubtedly one of the best rappers in Africa, and his impact on the genre continues to be felt not just in South Africa but across the continent.
4. Sho Madjozi
Sho Madjozi, born on May 9, 1992, is a rising star in South Africa’s rap scene. What’s fascinating about her journey is how quickly she rose to fame, thanks in large part to the power of the internet and one massive hit song.
Sho Madjozi’s breakout hit, ‘John Cena,’ catapulted her to international recognition. This catchy track not only took South Africa by storm but also introduced her to a global audience. It’s the kind of song that gets stuck in your head, and its success opened doors for the young artist to tour the world and establish her career in the commercial music space.
Sho Madjozi’s standout quality is her incredible work ethic. She’s been in the commercial music space for less than five years, and yet, her impact is immense. She’s a testament to how talent and hard work can propel you to stardom in a relatively short amount of time.
Apart from her skills as a rapper, Sho Madjozi is also known for her unique fusion of Swahili and English in her lyrics. This blend of languages adds an extra layer of flavour to her music and makes her songs both comical and memorable.
5. Sarkodie
Michael Owusu Addo, known by his stage name Sarkodie, was born on July 10, 1988, in Ghana. In a region where Afrobeat dominates the music scene, Sarkodie has managed not only to hold his own but to become a key figure in the West African hip-hop scene.
While Sarkodie has several significant hits to his name, some of his most memorable tracks are collaborations with other artists. For example, ‘Adonai,’ featuring Castro, is arguably his biggest song yet. These collaborations not only showcase his rap skills but also his ability to work seamlessly with other musicians.
Apart from being a skilled rapper, Sarkodie is also known for his wealth. He’s one of the wealthiest rappers in Africa, and he’s not shy about sharing glimpses of his lavish lifestyle on his official Instagram page. This combination of talent and success has made him one of the most respected figures in African hip-hop.
6. AKA
Kiernan Jarryd, better known as AKA, is a prominent figure in South Africa’s hip-hop scene. Born on January 28, 1988, he’s 33 years old and has been active in the music industry since 2002. AKA is not just a rapper; he’s a singer, songwriter, record producer, and entrepreneur.
AKA’s 2014 album, ‘Alter Ego,’ stands as one of the best rap albums by an African artist. The singles from this album have not only shaped the culture of South African rap but have also had a significant impact on the broader African rap industry.
In addition to his influence in Africa, AKA has garnered attention on the global stage. He was nominated for the Best International Act category at the 2019 BET Awards, a testament to his growing international presence.
7. Falz
Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, was born on October 27, 1990, in Nigeria. At 33 years old, he’s one of Nigeria’s most versatile and socially conscious rappers. What makes Falz unique is his willingness to incorporate indigenous sounds and themes into his music, a departure from the typical rap style in Africa.
Falz has been an active musician since 2009, and he had a breakthrough moment when he recreated Childish Gambino’s ‘This Is America’ with his version, ‘This Is Nigeria.’ This song was not only entertaining but also a powerful piece of activism, addressing social issues in Nigeria.
Since then, Falz has collaborated with prominent artists both in Nigeria and beyond. His biggest single to date is ‘Soldier,’ featuring SIMI, which resonated deeply with fans.
8. Phyno
Phyno, whose real name is Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, is a Nigerian rap artist born on October 9, 1986. He’s 35 years old and has been active in the music scene since 2003. Phyno is known for consistently incorporating African languages, particularly Igbo, into his raps, making him a unique artist in the African rap landscape.
Phyno gained massive popularity in Nigeria before becoming a continental star in 2014. His hit song ‘Fada Fada,’ featuring Olamide, is an example of his mastery of the Igbo language in his music. This track struck a chord with listeners and solidified his place as a remarkable rapper.
His commitment to using African languages sets Phyno apart and makes him an artist who celebrates his cultural roots through his craft.
9. Octopizzo
Born Henry Ohanga on October 30, 1984, Octopizzo is one of East Africa’s most versatile rappers. He initially made a name for himself in Nairobi’s vibrant rap battles but has since evolved into one of East Africa’s rap icons.
Octopizzo’s willingness to experiment with different sounds, including Trap, has helped him refine his skills. Each of his albums explores distinct sounds and themes. His 2020 album, ‘Jungle Fever,’ even incorporates Benga music into his rap, showcasing his genre-blending abilities.
10. Roma Mkatoliki
Ibrahim Mussa, known as Roma Mkatoliki, hails from Tanzania and is part of the duo rap group ROSTAM. While he collaborates with ROSTAM, Roma has also embarked on several solo projects in recent years.
One of his most prominent tracks, ‘Zimbabwe,’ gained significant traction on continental music channels such as MTV and Channel O. Roma’s lyrical prowess and captivating storytelling have made him a notable figure in Tanzanian and African rap.
Roma has continued to release solo projects and collaborate with other artists like Khaligraph and Lady Jay Dee, solidifying his status as a lyrical maestro in Tanzania’s rap scene.
11. Olamide
Olamide Adedeji, born on March 15, 1989, is a Nigerian rap luminary. At 32 years old, he’s one of the best rappers in Africa and Nigeria, known for delivering his verses in a mix of Yoruba and English.
Olamide made history in Nigeria by becoming the first artist to sign an endorsement deal with Ciroc, a testament to his influence and success in the industry. He released his debut album, ‘Rapsodi,’ in 2011 and followed it up with several successful records under the label YBNL Nation.
With tracks like ‘Goons Mi,’ ‘Motigbana,’ ‘Kana’ featuring Wizkid, and ‘Pawon,’ Olamide has consistently delivered hits that resonate with fans across Nigeria and beyond.
Aside from his music career, Olamide is married to Adebekunmi Aisha Suleiman and is a proud father of two boys.
Other rappers are:
- Ladipoe
- Vector
- Ice Prince
- Kwesi Arthur
- Jovi
- M.anifest
- Nadia Nakai
- Medikal
- Black M
- M.I Abaga
- Mode 9
- Bill Nass
- Naeto C
- Stogie T
- Kwesta
- Reggie Rockstone
- Ruyonga
- Positive Black Soul
- Macky 2
- Proverb
- Pro Kid
- Obrafour
- Eedris Abdulkareem
- Nash MC
- Navio
- Stanley Enow
- Fid Q
- Didier Awadi
- Tinny
- Rugged Man
- Navi
- Slap Dee
- Lord Kenya
- Okyeame Kwame
- Khuli Chana
- Eno Barony
- Keko
- Stella Mwangi
- Bomb$hell Grenade
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Conclusion
The artists on this list of the best rappers in Africa have made a big impact on the global hip-hop scene. They tell stories, bring attention to important issues, and celebrate the rich cultures and identities of Africa.
Whether you’re a big fan of rap or just enjoy listening casually, we encourage you to explore the music of these amazing artists, learn more about their songs, and support their musical journeys. African rap is always evolving, so let’s celebrate and support the voices that have made it such an important part of the continent’s music.