The 20 Best Rappers In Africa

Many African musicians have claimed fame through the use of their talents and exploring many music genres. In the rap scene, a good number of artists have broken through many walls to become acclaimed. The best rappers in Africa come from different parts of the continent, use different languages in their musical approach, and remain highly skillful. Even with their diversity, what keeps them alike is making music that would travel the world.

Thinking of the best rappers in Africa, Nasty C, Falz, Sarkodie, Cassper Nyovest, and MI among many others continue to lead. If you’ve ever wondered who the other best rappers are and how they made it to become great in the industry, here’s all you should know. But first, we’ll judge the best rappers in Africa based on the acceptance of their music, how famous they are, their commercial successes, international collaborations, their impact, and awards among other things.

1. Sarkodie

  • Date of Birth: July 10, 1988
  • Age: 34 years old
  • Country: Ghana
  • Popular Tracks: Adonia Ft Castro, Pain Killer Ft. Runtown, Can’t Let You Go Ft. King Promise, Lucky Ft. Rudeboy, and Love Rocks
  • Record label: Sarkcess (Duncwills – former)
  • Active since: 2005

Sarkodie who was born Michael Owusu Addo has been consistent since the beginning of his career. His ability to be versatile has earned him respect among colleagues, appraisals from fans, and accolades in different places even outside of Africa. As such, in 2014, MTV Base ranked him the 6th in the list of the Hottest African MCs. Lynx also listed him as first among Top 10 Ghanian Rappers of All Time, and Vodafone Ghana Music Award named him the Artist of the Decade among others. Adding to this, he became the first winner of BET’s Best International Flow Act at the 2019 BET Hip-Hop Awards. He has also won over 100 awards and is one of the most awarded African musicians.

Sarkodie’s Best Songs

  • Makye (2009)
  • Rapperholic (2012)
  • Sarkology (2014)
  • Mary (2015)
  • Highest (2017)
  • Alpha (2019)
  • Black Love (2019)
  • No Pressure set for release in June 2021.

In all, Sarkodie is an artist who explores different aspects of music through collaborations with artists across the world. He has music associations with Ace Hood, Idris Elba, Banky W, Davido, Shatta Wale, and E-40 to mention a few.

Sarkodie’s Awards

  • 28 Ghana Music Awards
  • 19 4syte Music Video Awards
  • 11 3Music Awards
  • BET Hip Hop Awards (Best International Act Africa, 2012; Best International Flow, 2019).
  • 3 The Headies (African Artist of the Year, 2012, 2014, and 2015)
  • Independent Music Awards (Rap/Hip-Hop Song, 2014)
  • MOGO Awards (Best Album, 2016)
  • 2 African Muzik Magazine Awards (Best Rap Act, 2014 and 2017)
  • MTV Africa Music Awards (Best Hip Hop, 2014)
  • EMY Awards (Best Entertainer, 2016)
  • Daf BAMA Awards (Best African Act, 2017)
  • Ghana Entertainment Awards (Hiplife/Rap Act and Best Male Act, 2018)
  • All Africa Music Awards (Best Male Artist Inspirational Music, 2018)
  • Entertainment Achievements Awards (Event of the Year, 2021)

2. M.I

  • Date of Birth: October 4, 1981
  • Age: 41 years old
  • Country: Nigeria
  • Popular Tracks: Crowd Mentality, The Chairman, You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Lives,
  • Record label: Incredible Music and Chocolate City (former)
  • Active since: 2004

Jude Lemfani ‘M.I’ Agbaga is an internationally-recognized Nigerian rapper. Many times, the rapping style of M.I is compared to the works of Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne. Aside from his own works in the music industry, he has contributed immensely towards the musical growth of artists like Phyno, Vypa, Wizkid, Ruby, Brymo, and Kaligraph Jones among others.

M.I’s Notable Works

  • Safe (2008)
  • Short Black Boy (2008)
  • Hustle (2008)
  • I’m Hot (2009)
  • One Naira (2010)
  • My Belle My Head (2010)
  • Number 1′ (2010)
  • Wild, Wild West (2010)
  • Human Being (2014)
  • The Viper (2020)

M.I’s Awards

  • Best Rap Single (The Headies Award, 2018)
  • Lyricist on the Roll (The Headies Award, 2018)
  • Best Rap Album (The Headies Awards, 2015)
  • Musician of the Year (City People, 2010)
  • Artist of the Year (National Daily, 2010)
  • Musician of the Year (Malaysian African Entertainment Awards, 2010)
  • Best Rap Album (Hip Hop World Awards, 2009)
  • Best New Act of the Year (Nigerian Entertainment Awards, 2009)
  • Hip Hop Revelation (Hip Hop World Awards, 2009) among others.

3. Khaligraph Jones

  • Date of Birth: 12 June 1990
  • Age: 32 years old
  • Country: Kenya
  • Popular Tracks: Yego, Mazishi, Gwala, Hao, Yes Bana ft. Bien
  • Record label: Bahd Guys Records
  • Active since: 2013

Brain Ouku ‘Kaligraph Jones’ Ouku Robert who is also known as Papa Jones is a Kenyan rapper. In his music career that has passed the shores of Kenya, Khaligraph is acclaimed for a handful of awards he has taken home.

Khaligraph’s Songs

  • Testimony Ft. Sagini (2018)
  • Juu Ya Ngori (2018)
  • Yes Bana Ft. Bien (2020)
  • Hao Ft. Masauti (2020)
  • Wavy Ft. Sarkodie (2021)

Khaligraph’s Awards

  • BET Awards (Best International Flow, 2020) First Kenyan nominee.
  • Soundcity MVP Awards (Best Hip Hop Act, 2020)
  • Annual African Muzik Magazine Awards 2018 (Afrimma – Best Rap Act of the Year, 2018)
  • Channel O Emcee Africa winner (2009)

4. Cassper Nyovest

  • Date of Birth: 16 December 1990
  • Age: 32 years old
  • Country: South Africa
  • Popular Tracks: Tse Tswembu Tse Blind ft. DJ Drama, Doc Shebeleza, Tsibip, Skelm, Phumakim, 428 to LA ft. Casey Veggies and Malome ft. Mahotella Queens
  • Record label: Impact Soundz (former), Family Tree Records under exclusive Licences of Def Jam Africa Universal Music Group
  • Active since: 2004

Casper Nyovest is the stage name of Rafiloe Maele Phoolo. He has made songs that have earned him recognition among the best rappers in Africa. His ability to rap exceptionally well made him one of the few African rappers to have their debut single and album become a huge success. Tsholofo which was released in 2014 was Nyovest’s first album. The album made it to the number 1 spot on iTunes SA album chart for two straight months. Still, he was ranked number 1 and 2 on MTV’s Hottest MC in Africa and MTV SA’s Hottest MCs respectively.

Also, he became one of the very few rappers to have their albums certified gold on the same day of their release. Two of his albums Refiloe and Thuto were certified gold the day they were released in 2015 and 2017 respectively. His album Short and Sweet was also certified platinum on the day of its release.

Casper Nyovest Top Songs

  • Tsholofelo (2014)
  • Refileo (2015)
  • Thuto (2017)
  • Sweet and Short (2018)
  • Any Minute Now (2020)

Casper Nyovest’s Awards

  • 16 South Africa Hip Hop Awards  (2013, 2017)
  • 3 Channel O Music Video Awards (2014)
  • 5 Metro FM Awards (2015)
  • 2 MTV Africa Music Awards (2015, 2016)
  • 3 South Africa Music Awards (2015, 2017 2019)
  • WatsUp TV Africa Music Video Awards (2016)

5. AKA

  • Date of Birth: 28 January 1988
  • Age: 34 years old
  • Country: South Africa
  • Popular Tracks: Victory Lap
  • Record label: Vth Season, Beam Group (Former), Sony Music Entertainment
  • Active since: 2002

Kiernan Jarryd Forbes is well known by his stage name, AKA. He is a South African entrepreneur, music producer, and rapper. However, it is his career as a rapper that has set him up for fame. In addition, his works have been commercially successful over the years. Many of his works have been certified gold and platinum at different times. Interestingly, he remains one of the few rappers to have 2 of their albums have double platinum in Africa.

AKA’s Notable Songs

  • Alter Ego (2011)
  • Levels (2014)
  • Be Careful What You Wish For (Collaborated with Antii 2017)
  • Touch my Blood (2018)
  • Bhovamania (2020)

AKA’s Top Awards

  • 2 South Africa Music Awards (Best Male Artist, 2012 and 2014; Music Video of the Year, 2020)
  • African Muzik Magazine Awards ( Best Male Southern, 2015)
  • MTV Africa Music Awards (Best Collaboration, 2014)
  • 6 South African Hip Hop Awards (Most Valuable Artist, Song of the Year, Most Digital Sales 2015)
  • Metro FM Music Awards (Best Hit Single, 2016)
  • Kids’ Choice Awards (Favourite South African Star, 2019)
  • Namibia Annual Music Awards (Pan African Artist of the Year, 2019)

6. Falz

  • Date of Birth: 27 October 1990 (31)
  • Age: 32 years old
  • Country: Nigeria
  • Popular Tracks: Soldier Ft. Simi, This is Nigeria, Soft Work, Marry Me, Squander.
  • Record label: Bahd Guys Records
  • Active since: 2009

Falz is his stage name but he was christened Folarin Falana. He is a Nigerian entertainer whose works range from music to acting. His style of music is unique as he infuses comic, Yoruba language, and accent. His lyrics touch different aspects of societal issues from injustice, to love, politics, and many more. Little wonder his popularity with diverse people on the continent grows by the day.

Top Songs from Falz

  • Soldier Ft. Simi (2015)
  • Ello Bae (2015)
  • Foreign Ft. Simi (2016)
  • Wehdone Sir (2017)
  • Marry Me (2018)
  • Bop Daddy (2020)
  • One Trouser (2020)
  • Squander (2021)

Awards won by Falz

  • BET Awards (Viewers Choice Best New International Acts, 2016)
  • City People Entertainment Awards (Album of The Year – Storie That Touch, 2016)
  • 3 The Headies Awards (2016, 2019, and 2020)
  • Not Just Ok (No. 9 of 10 most gifted rappers in Nigeria, 2014)

7. Phyno

  • Date of Birth: October 9, 1986
  • Age: 36 years old
  • Country: Nigeria
  • Popular Tracks: Alobam, Shutdown, Ghost Mode Ft. Olamide, Fada Fada, Man of the Year, Financial Woman Ft. P-Square, Augment and Ride for You Ft. Davido
  • Record label: Sputnet, Penthauze
  • Active since: 2003

Another talented rapper in Africa is Phyno who was born Chibuzor Nelson Azubike. His rap music is mostly done in his native Igbo language but incorporates pidgin and English. In 2017, he became one of the only African musicians to organize the biggest concerts in Africa. The concert, Phyno fest was attended by more than 50,000 people and had performers such as D’Banj, Yemi Alade, Timaya, Runtown, Ycee, Duncan Mighty, Lil Kesh, Flavour, and Mayorkun all performing.

  • N.W.A (2014)
  • Never, Link Up Ft Burna Boy and M.I (2016)
  • Connect (2016)
  • Ojimo (2019)
  • Gods Willing (2019)
  • For the Money Ft. Peruzzi (2020)

Awards won by Phyno

  • 3 Headies Awards: Best Collabo (Ghost Mode ft. Olamide and Best Rap Single Man of the Year both in 2013), Best Rap Single (Parcel 2014)
  • Nigerian Entertainment Awards (Best Collabo, 2013)
  • City People Entertainment Awards (Rap Artist of the Year, 2014)

8. Olamide

  • Date of Birth: 15 March 1989
  • Age: 33 years old
  • Country: Nigeria
  • Popular Tracks: First of All, Durosoke, Bobo, Melo Melo, Turn Up, Eleda Mi, and Wo
  • Record label: YBNL, Empire
  • Active since: 2010

Judging from his ability to create back-to-back hits, releasing 9 studio albums, 3 collaborative albums, and mixtapes, Olamide Gbenga Adedeji popularly known as Olamide is undoubtedly gifted. He is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper.

As much as he uses the Yoruba language in his music, many Africans irrespective of their mother tongues have learned to enjoy his good pitch, beats, rhythm, melody, harmony, style of his music among many other things.

Top Songs from Olamide

  •  Goons Mi (2014)
  • Don’t Stop (2015)
  • Motigbana (2018)
  • Kana Ft. Wizkid (2018)
  • Pawon (2019)
  • Infinity Ft. Omah Lay (2020)

Olamide’s most Notable Awards

  • Nigerian Entertainment Awards (Best Indigenous Artiste and Best Collabo, 2013; Album of the Year and Rap Artist of the Year, 2016)
  • Nigeria Music Video Awards (Best Afro Hip Hop Video (2014)
  • 7 The Headies (Best Street Hip-Hop Artiste, Best Rap Album, and Album of the Year, 2013; Best Rap Album and Album of the Year, 2014; Best Street Hip-Hop Artiste, Artist of the Year, 2015).
  • City People Entertainment Awards (Rap Artist of the Year, 2016)
  • 3 TooXclusive Awards (Best Hip-Hop Track, Mixtape of the Year, and Album of the Year, 2015)

9. Nasty C

  • Date of Birth: 11 February 1997
  • Age: 25 years old
  • Country: South Africa
  • Popular Tracks: Hell Naw, Send Me Away (SMA) Ft. Rowlene, Said Ft. Runtown, Eazy and King Ft. A$AP Ferg
  • Record label: Def Jam Records (Present), Tall Racks Records, RedBull Music Group and Universal Music Africa
  • Active since: 2013

There is just so much that makes South African Nasty C one of the best rappers in Africa. Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo ‘Nasty C’ became the youngest to receive an award at the 2015 South African Hip Hop Awards when he claimed the Freshman Award as an 18-year-old.

In 2016, Nasty C’s debut album, Bad Hair became a huge commercial success. It climbed to No.1 on iTunes and made history becoming the most streamed album in South Africa within its 24 hours release. He was further ranked No.3 on MTV Base: SA’s Hottest MCs.

Nasty C is one among the handful of African rappers to collaborate with many artists outside of Africa. He has collaborated with America’s French Montana, T.I, Lil Gotit, Ari Lennox, Li Keed, and Pst Malone. He further created music with other artists from South Africa and many other regions in Africa including Nigeria’s Davido, and Runtown; South Africa’s Boity, Rowlene, and Shane Eagle among others.

Nasty C has released 3 Studio Albums, one Album extension. They include One Kid A Thousand Coffins (Mixtape, 2013), C.L.A.M.P (Mixtape), Price City (Mixatape, 2014 ), Bad Hair (2016), Bad Hair Extention (Album extension, 2016), Strings and Bling (2018) and Zulu Man with Some Power (2020).

Top Songs from Nasty C

  • Phases (2016)
  • Allow (2016)
  • Legendary (2018)
  • SMA (2018)
  • Black and White Ft. Ari Lennox (2020)
  • All In (2020)

Nasty C’s Awards

  • South African Hip Hop Awards (Best Freshman, 2015)
  • Best New Artist, Best Male Album, and  Best Hip Hop Album (Bad Hair Extensions – 16th Metro FM Music Awards, 2017).
  • 16th Metro FM Music Awards (Best New Artist, Best Male Album, Best Hip Hop Album, and Song of the Year, 2017).

10. Vector

  • Date of Birth: 7 August 1984
  • Age: 38 years old
  • Country: Nigeria
  • Popular Tracks: King Kong, Gunshot, No Peace, Comfort ft. Davido, Mad
  • Record label: YSG Entertainment Limited (former) GRAP Entertainment Limited
  • Active since: 2008

Olanrewaju Ogunmefun, popular as Vector is a Nigerian producer, actor, and Rapper. He got a lot more popular when he set a record for the longest African Freestyle on a Live Radio broadcast at Rhythm FM.

He is also one of the few rappers in Africa that won almost all the awards they’ve been nominated for.

Vector has collaborated with artists in many parts of Africa as well as Jamaica’s Mavado. He has released 3 studio albums, 2 mixtapes, 3 extended plays, and a collaborative album with Masterkraft.

Vector’s Top Songs

  • Get Down (2010)
  • King Kong (2015)
  • Adurah (2016)
  • The Purge (2018)
  • Judas The Rat (2019)
  • No Peace (2020)

Awards won by Vector

  • 2x Nigerian Music Video Awards (Best Mainstream Hip-Hop Video, 2011; Best Afro Hip-Hop Video, 2012).
  • 4 The Headies Awards (Lyricist on the Roll and Best Rap Single, 2012 and 2015.
  • Dymnamix nominations (Recognition Award, 2012).
  • Nigeria Entertainment Award (Best Rap Act, 2012).

11. Ice Prince

  • Date of Birth: 30 October 1984
  • Age: 38 years old
  • Country: Nigeria
  • Popular Tracks: Oleku, Aboki, I Swear Ft, French Montana, That Could Be Us,  Superstar, More, Whiskey ft. Sunny Nneji
  • Record label: Epic
  • Active since: 2004

Popularly known as Ice Prince, Panshak Henry Zamani has been working in the music industry for more than a decade. What is most interesting is his ability to still drop hit after hit music. He ranks in the 3rd place of most nominated Nigerian rappers with mode 9 and Reminisce.

His music recordings have made him popular and win him a place among the best rappers in Africa. He has also collaborated with artists even outside of Nigeria such as Sarkodie and French Montana.

Top Songs by Ice Prince

  • Juju (2011)
  • Olofofo ft. Wizkid (2011)
  • I Swear ft. French Montana (2013)
  • More (2013)
  • Yawa ft. Peruzzi (2018)
  • Feel Good ft. Phyno & Falz (2020)
  • KOLO (2021)

Awards won by Ice Prince

  • Hennessy Artistry Club Tour (2009)
  • Eko FM/Radio Lagos Awards (2011)
  • 2x City People Awards (Song of the Year, 2011; Best Hip-Hop Artist of the Year, 2013)
  • 3x Nigerian Entertainment Awards (Hottest Single of the Year, 2011; Best Rap Act of the Year, 2013, Best Rap Act of the Year, 2014)
  • Nigeria Music Video Awards (Best Hip Hop Video, 2012)
  • The Headies (Best Rap Single and Song of the Year 2011; Best Rap Album, 2012)
  • Channel O Music Video Awards (Most Gifted Newcomer Video, 2011; Most Gifted Hip-Hop Video of the Year, 2013)
  • Ghana Awards (African Artist of the Year, 2012)
  • Ben TV Awards (Best Male Hip Hop Artist, 2014)
  • BET Awards (Best International Act: Africa, 2013)

12. Kwesi Arthur

  • Date of Birth: 18 December 1994
  • Age: 28 years old
  • Country: Ghana
  • Popular Tracks: Don 4 Kwat, Cash (Mets l’argent a Terre), Et P8 Koi, Mongshung, Mentality, Bad Influence Pitie Ft. Tabu Ley Rochereau
  • Record label: Independent
  • Active since: 2017

Kwesi is one of the youngest and flouring Ghanian recording artists. He is the second Ghanian rapper to be nominated for BET HIP HOP Awards Cypher with the first as Sarkodie. His music has made him in a position to be internationally recognised and has worked with artists from different parts of the world including his home Ghana, the UK, and South Africa. He has worked with Nasty C, Sarkodie, Sneakbo, Shatta Wale, and Stormzy among others.

His works range from singles to collaborations, and 2 EPs. He is one of the very few rappers in Africa that have gained massive fame even without releasing an album.

Notable Songs of Kwesi Arthur

  • Grind Day (2017)
  • Don’t Keep Me Waiting ft. Kidi (2018)
  • Anthem (2018)
  • Zombi (2019)
  • Nobody ft. Mr. Eazi (2019)
  • Baajo (2020)
  • Walk ft. Nasty C (2021)

Awards won by Kwesi Arthur

  • Ghana Music Award (Hip Hop Song of the Year, 2018)
  • 3Music Awards (Best Collaboration, 2019)
  • Live From The 233 became one of the most-streamed Africa songs on Apple Music.

13. Jovi

  • Date of Birth: 24 October 1983
  • Age: 39 years old
  • Country: Cameroon
  • Popular Tracks: Don 4 Kwat, Cash (Mets l’argent a Terre), Et P8 Koi, Mongshung, Mentality, Bad Influence Pitie Ft. Tabu Ley Rochereau
  • Record label: Mumak Record Label (former), New Bell Music
  • Active since: 2011

Even though he is from a French-speaking country, Jovi whose birth name is Ndukong Godlove Nfor has gained a huge fanbase even in English-speaking countries across Africa. He is a Cameroonian who has worked with many international artists including Akon. Many of his works have peaked No.1 in charts in Africa. As a result of his talent and consistency, he was featured on Trace TV as one of the 15 African rappers to know.

Jovi’s Songs

  • Pitie (2013)
  • Bush Faller (2013)
  • MBOKO (2014)
  • Devil No Di Sleep (2017)
  • Pissam (2019)
  • Mentality (2020)

Jovi’s Awards

  • MTV Africa Music Award (Best Francophone Artist, 2015).
  • CAMEEA (Male Artist of the Year and Producer of the Year, 2015)
  • Urban Jamz Awards (Best Album, 2016)

14. M.Anifest

  • Date of Birth: 20 November 1983
  • Age: 39 years old
  • Country: Ghana
  • Popular Tracks: Tomorrow Ft. Burna Boy, god MC, Big Mad Ft. Simi, Someway bi, and Makaa Maka
  • Record label: Singitdamnit Music
  • Active since: 2005

M.Anifest has been named one of the foremost African rappers by The Guardian in 2015, Songwriter of the Year by City Pages in 2008, and Best artist in African Hip Hop award by AFRIMA in 2018 among other titles. He is a Ghanian rapper whose career continues to bloom for many years. He has garnered fans from many angles of Africa and has created songs and albums.:

Best Songs of M.Anifest

  • Makaa Maka (2016)
  • Sugar ft. Brymo (2016)
  • Be My Woman (2017)
  • Rapper 101 (2019)
  • Another Story (2019)
  • Confusion (2021)

M.Anifest Awards

  • City Pages (Songwriter of the Year, 2008)
  • American Composers Forum (Minnesota Emerging Composer Award, (2010)
  • Ghana Music Awards (Hip Hop Song of the Year and Best Rapper of the Year, 2013 and 2017)
  • 4syte Music Video Awards (Best Special Effects, 2016)
  • Glitz Style Awards (Best Individual Style, 2016 )
  • International Midem ‘Coup de Coeur’ Awards, France (Midem Best Artist, 2017)
  • All Africa Music Awards ‘AFRIMA’ (Best Artist in Hip Hop, 2018)

15. Sho Madjozi

  • Date of Birth: 9 May 1992
  • Age: 30 years old
  • Country: South Africa
  • Popular Tracks: John Cena, Idhom, Huku, Wakanda Forever, Kona, Ngiyashisa Bhe ft. Okmalumkoolkat
  • Record label: Epic
  • Active since: Unspecified

Madjozi is also popular MayaThePoet. She was born Maya Christinah Xichavo and is famous as an actress, poet, and rapper. For her contributions to music as a rapper, she has been listed in Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 in the music and entertainment sector. More to this, she fuses her native Tsonga language and culture into her music.

In 2018, she released her debut album titled Limpopo Champions League. The success of the album paved her way to becoming one of the most influential female rappers in Africa. In addition to this, she has shared the stage with American artists such as The Weekend, Cardi B, Janelle Monae, and Chris Martin among others.

Her creativity and talent have given her a place in a male-dominated rapping scene. She has also won a RiSA Platinum and RiSA Gold certification. However, one of her major achievements is featuring on the Black Panther movie’s soundtrack. Also, she was one of the performers at the 2018 Global Citizen Festival in New York among other appearances.

Sho Madjozi Songs

  • Kona (2018)
  • Idhom (2018)
  • Wakanda Forever (2018)
  • Di Hawks (2020)
  • I Like It ft. Darassa (2020)

Awards won by Sho Madjozi

  • 2x South African Music Awards (Female Artist of the Year and Best Newcomer, 2019)
  • BET Awards (Best New International Act, 2019)
  • African Muzik Magazine Awards ‘AFRIMMA’ (Best Female for Southern Africa, 2019)
  • Nickelodeon (Favourite African Star, 2020)

16. Nadia Nakai

  • Date of Birth: 18 May 1990
  • Age: 32 years old
  • Country: South Africa
  • Popular Tracks: Imma Boss, Naaa Mean ft. Casper Nyovest, Saka Wena ft. Ice Prince, More Drugs ft. Tshego
  • Record label: Sid Records (former), Family Tree
  • Active since: 2011

Nadia is one of the few female rappers in Africa to be consistent for a very long time. She is the first female to win the Mixtape 101 competition. Also, she has international recognition and has worked with several artists even outside of Africa including British rapper, Stefflon Don. She has also worked with Cassper Nyovest, Cleo Ice Queen, Ice Prince, and Kwesta.

Best Songs of Nadai Nakai

  • MoneyBack (2016)
  • Naaa Meaan ft. Cassper Nyovest (2017)
  • The Man ft. Cassper Nyovest (2017)
  • Imma Boss (2019)
  • Amai (2019)
  • Kreature (2019)
  • 40 Bars (2020)

Nadia Nakai’s Awards

  • Zimbabwe Music Awards (Artist of the Year, 2018)
  • 2x South African Hip Hop Awards (Best Female, 2019; Best Video, 2020)
  • All African Music Awards (Best Female Artiste in Southern Africa and Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Hip Hop, 2019)
  • SA Style Awards (Most Stylish Performing Artist, 2020)

17. Octopizzo

  • Date of Birth: October 30, 1984
  • Age: 38 years old
  • Country: Kenya
  • Popular Tracks: Noma Ni, Oliel, Ringa, Lela, Wakiritho ft. Sailors, Che Che ft. Barak Jacuzzi
  • Record label: Papichulo Music, Interscope Record, Octopizzo Music
  • Active since: Unknown

‘Octipizzo’ Henry Ohanga hails from a disadvantaged community in Kenya. Still, he made out of himself one of the most influential rappers in his country, Africa, and beyond. He is most notable for singing about various issues in society.

In 2008, he made history of having the best-selling mixtape (S.O.N) in Kenyan hip hop history. He has also shared the stage with local and international artists from the U.S, U.K, Germany, Nigeria, Philippines, and Lebanon to mention a few.

Octopizzo’s Songs

  • On Top (2014)
  • Something for You (2015)
  • Tergat Gang (2017)
  • Noma Ni (2018)
  • Nu Afrika (2018)
  • Kanya (2019)
  • Babylon (2019)
  • Plus One (2020)
  • Nikupate (2020)
  • Ringa (2021)

Octipizzo’s  Awards

  • Coastal Nzumari Awards (Best Male Artist of the Year, 2012)
  • Kisima Awards (nominations for Artist of the Year and Best Hip Hop Video of the Year, 2012)
  • Grammy Awards consideration (Best Rap Performance and Best Melodic Category, 2021)

18. Medikal

  • Date of Birth: 4 April 1993
  • Age: 29 years old
  • Country: Ghana
  • Popular Tracks: Ayekoo ft. King Promise and Fella Makafui, Father ft. Davido, Odo ft. King, Nonsense, Omo Ada ft. Shatta Wale, No Cap
  • Record label: AMG Business, AMG Beyond Control
  • Active since: 2014

Medikal’s real name is Samuel Adu Frimpong. Alongside Sarkodie, Medikal had the highest nominations at the 2017 Ghana Music Awards. He is an internationally recognized rapper who has collaborated with the likes of Falz, Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, and El among others.

Medikal Top Songs

  • Confirm ft. Sarkodie (2017)
  • How Much ft. Kwesi Arthur & Ahtitude (2018)
  • Odo ft. King Promise (2020)
  • Street Code (2020)
  • The Targe (2021)
  • Nyame (2021)

Awards won by Medikal

  • MYN 4Syte Music Video Awards (Best Discovery Video, 2016)
  • Exclusive Men of the Year Awards (Discovery of the Year, 2017)
  • African Muzik Magazine Awards ‘AFRIMMA’ (Best Newcomer Category, 2017)
  • 3x Vodafone Ghana Music Awards (Hip Hop Artist of the Year and Best Rapper of the Year, 2019; Hip-life Song of the Year, 2020)
  • 3Music Awards (Hiplife/Hip-hop Act of the Year, 2021)

19. Shane Eagle

  • Date of Birth: 7 June 1996
  • Age: 26 years old
  • Country: South Africa
  • Popular Tracks: Let It Flow, Need Me ft. KLY, Way Up, Need Me, Paris ft. Nasty C
  • Record label: Feel Good (former), Eagle Entertainment
  • Active since: 2009

Not many artists get a gold certification in their first released album. For Shane Patrick Hughes who goes by the stage name Shane Eagle, his song Let It Flow which was featured in his debut album, Yellow was certified gold in 2019. Also, his first EP, Never Grow Up was certified gold in 2019.

His music works include An album Yellow, a Mixtape titled Dark Moon Flower and an EP Never Grow Old.

Shane Eagle’s Best Songs

  • Empty Highways (2017)
  • Top Floor with Big Star Johnson (2017)
  • The Moon (2018)
  • Black (2019)
  • Ammo ft. YoungstaCPT (2021)

Shane Eagle’s Awards

  • Best Music Video (24th South African Music Awards, 2018 nomination).
  • Best Hip Hop Album of the Year (24th South African Music Awards, 2018).
  • Newcomer of the Year (South African Music Awards, nomination).

20. Fik Fameica

  • Date of Birth: 10 January 1990
  • Age: 33 years old
  • Country: Uganda
  • Popular Tracks: Omu Bwati ft. Patoranking, Kutama, Batuwulira, Byenyenya, Mafia, Property, Sconto
  • Record label: Unspecified
  • Active since: 2015

Walukagga Shafik is a Ugandan rapper best known by his stage name, Fik Fameica. He is recognized internationally and has been nominated at the 2018 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. In addition to his recognitions, BBC listed Fameica as one of Africa’s rappers to look out for in 2021.

Top Songs of Fik Fameica

  • Property (2018)
  • Born to Win (2018)
  • Skonto (2018)
  • Am Different (209)
  • Buligita (2020)
  • Tuvenya (2020)
  • LovLov (2021)

Fik Fameika’s Awards

  • The most booked Ugandan artist of 2017
  • Most popular artist in Uganda (2017)
  • 2x Zinna Awards (Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Artist of the Year, 2018).
  • 2x Buzz Teeniez Awards (Teeniez Male Artist of the Year,  Top Hood Rapper, 2018)
  • 3x HiPipo Music Awards (Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Best Hip Hop/Rap Song, Best AfroBeat Song, 2018).

Summary List of the Best Rappers in Africa

  • Sarkodie
  • M.I
  • Khaligraph Jones
  • Cassper Nyovest
  • AKA
  • Falz
  • Phyno
  • Olamide
  • Nasty C
  • Vector
  • Ice Prince
  • Kwesi Arthur
  • Jovi
  • M.Anifest
  • Sho Madjozi
  • Nadia Nakai
  • Octopizzo
  • Medikal
  • Shane Eagle
  • Fik Fameica

5 Talented Upcoming Rappers in Africa to Watch Out For

  1. Wakadinali (Trio group, Kenya)
  2. Kofi Jamar (Ghana)
  3. Flash Ikumkani (South Africa)
  4. Psycho YP (Nigeria
  5. Lucasraps (South Africa
You May Also Like

Todd McFarlane’s Net Worth, Biography, Career, Awards, Fact and Life Story

Todd McFarlane net worth: Todd McFarlane is a Canadian comic book creator, artist, entrepreneur and writer who has a net worth of $300 million. He is probably most well-known for his work on the Marvel Comics series “The Amazing Spider-Man.” Becoming a superstar in the comics world in the late 1980s and early 90s, he helped form the company Image Comics, and created the occult anti-hero known as Spawn. In the late 90s and 2000s, McFarlane began focusing more on entrepreneurial efforts, creating companies including McFarlane Toys and Todd McFarlane Entertainment. At his peak in the 1990s, Todd was earning over $1 million per year in salary. The “Spawn” debut issue still holds the record for the highest selling independent comic book of all time. He launched an independent own film and animation studio which also develops video games, among other projects. His independently financed and released 1997 film version of “Spawn” earned $90 million on a budget of $45 million. Sports Collecting: Todd attended Eastern Washington University on a baseball scholarship, while also studying graphics and art. An injury forced him to put his baseball aspirations aside, so he began focusing fully on graphics. He never gave up his passion for baseball. After becoming extremely wealthy, he began putting together what has become one of the most admired baseball memorabilia collections in the world. In 1998 he paid $2.6 million, roughly $4 million in today’s dollars, for Mark McGuire’s then-record-breaking 70th home run ball. That same year he paid $175,000 for Sammy Sosa’s 66th home run ball. In 2003 he paid $517,500 for Barry Bonds’ record breaking 73rd home run ball (hit in 2001). Early Life and Career Beginnings: Todd McFarlane was born in 1961 in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He has two brothers, Derek and Curtis. His father, Bob, worked in the printing business, and took jobs wherever he could find them. Because of this, the family lived in 30 different places, ranging from Alberta to California. At an early age, McFarlane took up drawing as a hobby, and developed an interest in comics. Among his influences were comics creators such as Frank Miller, Jack Kirby, and George Pérez. McFarlane attended William Aberhart High School, and worked as a groundskeeper for the Calgary Cardinals. After graduating, he enrolled at Spokane Falls Community College for a year, and then transferred to Eastern Washington University on a baseball scholarship. While there, he studied graphics and art, and worked weekends at a comics shop. Although he desired to play professional baseball after graduation, a severe ankle injury during a college game led him to focus instead on a drawing career. While still at Eastern Washington, McFarlane started sending monthly submission packages to comics editors; half were rejected, while the other half received no response. However, Sal Amendola from DC Comics provided McFarlane with a dummy script to gauge his storytelling skill, and encouraged him to focus on page-to-page stories instead of pinups. Following this advice, McFarlane created a five-page sample of “Coyote” that he sent to Marvel Comics editor Ann Nocenti, who then passed it on to Epic Comics editors Archie Goodwin and Jo Duffy. The latter pair sent it to the creator of “Coyote,” Steve Englehart, who subsequently offered McFarlane a job. Soon after, McFarlane was doing illustrations for both Marvel and DC. In the mid-to-late 80s, he worked on “Infinity, Inc.,” “Batman: Year Two,” and “Incredible Hulk.” “The Amazing Spider-Man” and Marvel: McFarlane’s star rose exponentially in 1988, when he joined writer David Michelinie to work on Marvel’s “The Amazing Spider-Man.” He gained recognition for his particularly detailed, dynamic illustrations of the web-slinging superhero, and drew the first full appearance of the character Eddie Brock. However, McFarlane became increasingly unhappy with the lack of control he had over his work, especially as it pertained to the direction of the comics’ storylines. After doing a 28-issue run of “The Amazing Spider-Man,” McFarlane left in 1990 on issue No. 328. In an effort to placate McFarlane, Marvel gave him a new “Spider-Man” comic to write and draw. The first issue, released in August of 1990, sold 2.5 million copies; McFarlane subsequently wrote and illustrated 14 more issues. Despite this success, fans were not satisfied with McFarlane’s writing, while the editors objected to the dark tone of the author’s storytelling. He released the final issue, #16, in November of 1991. Image Comics and “Spawn”: After leaving Marvel, McFarlane teamed up with six other artists to establish Image Comics, under which each owned a separate publishing house. McFarlane went on to publish his new comic creation, the anti-hero Spawn, under his studio Todd McFarlane Productions. “Spawn #1” broke sales records for an independent comic book when it sold 1.7 million copies upon its release in 1992. However, due to continued criticisms of his writing, McFarlane had later issues guest-written by renowned authors such as Neil Gaiman, Alan Moore, and Grant Morrison. In 1994, McFarlane partnered with DC Comics for an inter-company crossover, with each producing a book featuring both Spawn and Batman. Later that year, McFarlane stopped being the regular illustrator and writer of “Spawn.” He would later hire writers such as David Hine and artists such as Angel Medina to take over duties on the series. McFarlane became active in publishing again in 2006, and in 2008, returned to help conceive storylines with writer Brian Holguin. Additionally, McFarlane co-created the series “Haunt,” providing his illustrations and co-writing the series finale. In 2019, upon penning and drawing “Spawn #301,” McFarlane earned a spot in the Guinness World Records for having the longest-running creator-owned comics series in history. Toys and Entertainment: Beyond his comic work, McFarlane is a noted entrepreneur. In 1994, he created Todd Toys as a way to sell “Spawn” merchandise. He later changed the name to McFarlane Toys, and began selling collectible figures of everyone from KISS band members to characters from “The X-Files.” In 1996, McFarlane formed a film and animation studio called Todd McFarlane Entertainment. In addition to co-producing the 1997 film adaptation of “Spawn,” it produced a “Spawn” animated series that won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Achievement in Animation. The studio also produced music videos for Pearl Jam and Korn. Another entrepreneurial venture was 38 Studios, a gaming studio McFarlane co-founded with Boston Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling. The company released its only title, “Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning,” in 2012; later that year, 38 Studios filed for bankruptcy. Personal Life: McFarlane is married to his high school sweetheart, Wanda McFarlane, whom he wed in 1985. They resided in Spokane, Washington until 1986, and then moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Later, they moved to Portland, Oregon, and then to Phoenix, Arizona. In Phoenix, they raised their children Jake, Cyan, and Kate.
Read More