29 Best African Rappers

AKA

Another notable African rapper from South Africa is AKA, officially known as Jarryd Kiernan Forbes. He is a music producer, rapper, and singer-songwriter who is putting South African music on the global charts.

His debut album, Altar Ego, and single “Victory Lap” made headlines propelling him to the spotlight.

He is also well known for his other studio albums, including, Touch My Blood (2018) and Be Careful What You Wish For (2017).

AKA continues to produce fan-favorite songs, cementing his position among South Africa’s best rappers of all time.

Skales

Skales is a Nigerian rapper and songwriter. His love for music began at a young age, and in 2008, he decided to pursue his journey by entering and winning the Zain Tru Search competition. Later he released his debut single, “Must Shine,” which accorded him much recognition in Lagos and Abuja.

Skales is also well known for his performances in the hit song “Shake Body,” which has more than 37 million views. Other tracks include “My Baby” and “Denge Pose,” among others.

While striving to reach the top, Skales collaborated with other influential acts such as Akon, Tekno, Banky W, and Harmonize. His music is legendary and worth a listen.

Phyno

Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, professionally known by his stage name, Phyno, is a rapper, record producer, singer, and songwriter from Nigeria.

When releasing his debut album, No Guts No Glory, in 2012, he featured terrific artists, including P-Square, Ice Prince, Olamide, and Omawumi, among other international artists.

His single, “Ghost Mode,” with Olamide, won them the Best Collabo at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards in 2013.

For the multi-talented entertainer, his other notable works include “Fada Fada,” “Connect,” and “So Far So Good.”

Bill Nass

Bill Nass, born William Nicholaus Lyimo, is a Tanzanian rapper who has remained active since 2014.

He became famous after releasing “Raha” alongside Naaziz, capturing many Tanzanian and international fans. As a Big Breakthrough artist, Nass also made his studio debut in 2017.

Some of his other notable tracks include “Do Me” in collaboration with Nandy, “Tatizo,” “Chafu Pozi,” and “Sina Jambo.”

He is a great African rapper slowly gaining popularity and putting Tanzanian music on the map.

Octopizzo

Officially named Henry Ohanga, Octopizzo is a Kenyan rapper and songwriter deemed one of the best East African rappers alongside Khaligraph Jones.

As a Kenyan, Octopizzo often actively experiments with different sounds, making him unique from the bunch. He is not afraid to sing trap and hip-hop while incorporating Swahili, English, and Mother-tongue language.

He is famously known for releasing hit tracks, including “On Top,” Babylon,” “Noma Ni,” and “TBT,” among others.

He has managed to amass millions of views in each of his songs, putting him on the list of one of the best African rappers.

Nadia Nakai

Nadia Nakai is a South African television personality and rapper. She is half Zimbabwean but readily represents South Africa with her craft.

After her brief stay in Kenya and getting to know Kenyan local rapper Nazizi, she became interested in rap music.

She rose to prominence in 2013 after winning the Shiz Niz Mixtape 101 competition, becoming the first-ever female winner in the competition. She also released her first single, “Like Me,” which did not perform well.

However, in 2016, she released “Naaa Meaan” featuring Cassper Nyovest, which became a hit song, topping the South African Hip-hop charts. 

Besides her rap and music career, Nakai is a famous TV personality who has appeared in numerous shows, including the 2022 Netflix reality show Young Famous & African, and she co-hosted the MTV Base hip hop show in 2019.

Jovi

Also Known as Le Monstre, Jovi is a Cameroonian rapper, sound engineer, record producer, composer, and business mogul.

He began making waves after releasing his debut album, H.I.V., which captured thousands of fans in Cameroon. The french-speaking artist is great at his craft and is best known for releasing singles including “Don 4 Kwat,” “Pitie,” and numerous EPs such as Kankwe Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Puta Madre, and Pressure, among others.

In 2015, the phenomenon rapper was nominated for Best Francophone artist at the MTV Africa Music Award (MAMA).

As a Cameroonian star, Jovi remains one of the African rappers to keep an eye on.

Khuli Chana

Khulane Morule, popularly known as Khuli Chana, is a Motswako rapper from South Africa. He began working on his talent and craft at a young age and was a member of the Morafe rap group but proceeded to become a solo artist.

Chana gained popularity soon after releasing his album, Motswakoriginator, which incorporates English and Setswana languages.

He was nominated as the Most Valuable Artist and Video of the year at the South African Hip Hop Awards in 2014.

Additionally, he is a brand ambassador of the vodka Absolute in South Africa. Visit his YouTube Channel and enjoy some of his tracks, including “Buyile Buyile,” featuring some other iconic artists,

Mode 9 (Modenine)

Renowned for embodying Afro-hip hop, Babatunde Olusegun Adewale, popularly known by his stage name, Modenine (Mode 9), is a Nigerian rapper and songwriter.

Although he was born in London, the Nigerian is making moves to put Nigerian music on the map. He gained recognition in 2014 after releasing the “Super Human” track featuring Canibus.

Mode 9 is well known for his brilliant lyrics, punchlines, and great messaging in his songs. With numerous albums such as Da Vinci Mode, featured albums, and mixtapes, Mode 9 music has replay value and is worth listening to.

Kwesta

Born Senzo Brikka Vilakazi, Kwesta is a rapper and songwriter from South Africa.

He first began making music at 15 years old when he formed a rap group, Ghetto Fellaz, with his friends.

He later pursued a solo music career and released his debut album Special ReKwest in 2010 and DaKAR in 2013, piquing the South African Hip Hop charts.

One of his famous singles that are currently fan favorites includes “Spirit” featuring Wale, which was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa. Other songs include “Ngud” with Cassper Nyovani, “Mayibabo,” and Ngiyazifela Ngawe.”