20 legendary African rappers you need to know about
African rappers, such as M.I. Abaga, Falz, Sarkodie, Cassper Nyovest, and Khaligraph Jones, are highly regarded for their lyrical uniqueness and storytelling skills. More than entertainers, these artists are philosophers and social activists who use their voices to shape culture and make impactful change in the African continent.
Source: Facebook
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key takeaways
- Top male African rappers include lyrical geniuses such as Nyashinski, Soulja, Dip Doundou Guiss, Nadia Nakai, and Soolking.
- The list includes notable female artists such as Nazizi, Rosa Ree, Femi One, Deto Black, Sho Madjozi, and SGaWD.
- These artists blend traditional rap with unique cultural music styles, creating distinctive hip hop music.
Who are the best African rappers?
In compiling the list of the most legendary rappers in Africa, we used a combination of factors, including influence, cultural and regional impact, and industry recognition. While the selection is based on credible sources, this is not a ranked list, as musical tastes and opinions may vary.
This list was crafted with data and insights from trusted sources, including Grammy, Pan African Music, OkayAfrica, Boomplay, and Forbes, to ensure accuracy and relevance in showcasing their wealth.
| Rapper | Nationality | Most notable song |
| Sarkodie | Ghanaian | Adonai |
| Kao Denero | Sierra Leonean | Greengold |
| Nasty C | South African | SMA (Vol. 1) |
| Khaligraph Jones | Kenyan | Khali Cartel 3 |
| Cassper Nyovest | South African | Siyathandana |
| Nazizi | Kenyan | Pride |
| M.I. Abaga | Nigerian | Bullion Van |
| Octopizzo | Kenyan | Noma Ni |
| Olamidé | Nigerian | Infinity |
| AKA | South African | Fela in Versace |
| M.anifest | Ghanaian | Me Ne Woa |
| Soolking | Algerian | Liberté |
| Nadia Nakai | Zimbabwean-South African | Naaa Meeaan |
| Falz | Nigerian | This Is Nigeria |
| Ladipoe | Nigerian | Running |
| Nyashinski | Kenyan | Malaika |
| Soulja | Sudanese | Charleston |
| Iba One | Malian | Tout Va Bien |
| Dip Doundou Guiss | Senegalese | Me N You |
| Rosa Ree | Tanzanian | One Time |
1. Sarkodie
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Michael Owusu Addo
- Date of birth: 10 July 1985
- Place of birth: Tema, Ghana
Ghana's most prominent hip hop artist, Sarkodie, is known for hits such as Painkiller, Can't Let You Go, Lucky, and Happy Day. Sarkodie is celebrated as the most awarded rapper in Africa, with more than 120 titles. After releasing his first album in 2000, he did not waste any time dominating the entertainment scene with his unique hip-hop style that uses the Twi language.
2. Kao Denero
Source: Twitter
- Full name: Amara Dennis Turay
- Date of birth: 1980s
- Place of birth: Lungi, Port Loko, Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leonean rapper, Kao Denero, is known as an influential voice and the ambassador of Sierra Leonean hip-hop. In addition to pioneering this genre in the region, he was recently crowned the 2025 Africa Golden Award for Best Male Hip-Hop/Rap Artist.
3. Nasty C
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo
- Date of birth: 11 February 1997
- Place of birth: Durban, South Africa
Nasty C, popularly known as the Coolest Kid in Africa, began rapping at age nine. Inspired by his older brother, Siyabonga Ngcobo, he grew his lyrical skills and music production. In 2018, he launched his own label, Tall Racks Records, revolutionising how South African artists own their music rights, distribute music, and receive royalty payments.
4. Khaligraph Jones
Source: Instagram
- Full name: Brian Robert Ouko Omollo
- Date of birth: 12 June 1990
- Place of birth: Kayole, Nairobi
From the AFRIMA Awards to BET nominations, Khaligraph Jones' influence in African hip-hop is undeniable. The rap artist in the humble streets of Kayole, Nairobi, blends English, Swahili, and Sheng to create a unique flow. Through hits such as Hao, Jitu, Bad Dreams, Yes Bana, and Chali Ya Ghetto, Khaligraph addresses conscious social and political issues.
5. Cassper Nyovest
Source: Facebook
- Full name: Refiloe Maele Phoolo
- Date of birth: 16 December 1990
- Place of birth: Mahikeng, North West province, South Africa
Cassper Nyovest is one of the largest influences on African music. Like many African rappers, Nyovest has shown deep commitment to his local roots, specifically his Motswako roots and the Motswako music nation. His influence expands to entrepreneurial ventures such as the Family Tree Records, Root of Fame, Billiato, and the Fill Up concert series.
6. Nazizi
Source: Instagram
- Full name: Nazizi Hirji
- Date of birth: March 1981
- Place of birth: Kenya
Nazizi put herself on the map in the late 1990s, pioneering the genre in Kenya and Africa. The 254 singer inspired a generation of artists, such as Nadia Nakai, with a versatile blend of hip-hop, reggae, and dancehall tunes. Her most popular songs, Necessary Noize, Jump and Shout, Kenyan Boy, and Bless My Room, shaped Kenyan culture and became national anthems of sorts in the 2000s.
7. M.I. Abaga
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Jude Lemfani Abaga
- Date of birth: 4 October 1981
- Place of birth: Jos, Nigeria
Born and raised in Nigeria, M.I. Abaga has grown his portfolio to include titles such as hip hop artist, lyricist, producer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and record label executive. He broke into mainstream entertainment with best-selling albums in Nigerian charts, such as his debut album, Talk About It.
M.I. has won numerous awards and titles, including the MTV Africa Music Awards, Headies Best Rap Album and Lyricist, Modemen Awards Musician of the Year, and the City People Awards Best Hip Hop Artist.
8. Octopizzo
Source: Twitter
- Full name: Henry Ohanga
- Date of birth: 1988
- Place of birth: Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya
To fans, Octopizzo's inspirational journey from Kibera slums to global acclaim is just the icing on the cake. According to Business Quest, he made his eighth appearance in 2024 on Spotify's Global Impact List with the hit song, Kich Ka' Liech, a testament to his popularity.
The hip hop artist lends his voice through song to break stigma around poverty, tribalism, and corruption. Through the Octopizzo Foundation's Refugeenius program, he advocates and provides creative empowerment opportunities for refugees.
9. Olamidé
Source: Instagram
- Full name: Olamide Gbenga Adedeji
- Date of birth: 15 March 1989
- Place of birth: Bariga, Ikeja, Nigeria
Nigerian rapper and singer Olamidé launched his career in 2010 with his debut single, Eni Duro and a year later with the album, Rapsodi. In 2012, he founded an independent Nigerian record label, Yahoo Boy No Laptop Nation, popularly known as YBNL Nation.
As the label boss, Olamide has won two Headies awards in 2012 and the Billboard Global Power Players recognition in 2025 for his leadership. The label has also been home to successful artists such as Asake, Fireboy DML, and Adenkule Gold.
10. AKA
Source: Instagram
- Full name: Kiernan Jarryd Forbes
- Date of birth: 28 January 1988
- Date of death: 10 February 2023
- Place of birth: Cape Town, South Africa
Before his death, AKA was known for his collaborations as well as rivalries with artists such as Cassper Nyovest. He gained prominence with his 2011 debut album, Altar Ego, and its hit single, Victory Lap. His record as the first South African rapper with a platinum-selling album was a clear testament to his talent.
11. M.anifest
Source: Facebook
- Full name: Kwame Ametepee Tsikata
- Date of birth: 20 November 1982
- Place of birth: Accra, Ghana
M.anifest is a leading Ghanaian musician, known for his signature sound that blends Ghanaian highlife, hiplife, and modern Afrobeat genres. His ties to music began with family relations, such as Prof. J. H. Kwabena Nketia, his grandfather, one of the leading composers on the continent. His new 14-track album, New Road and Guava Trees, adds to his legacy as one of Africa's greatest musicians.
12. Soolking
Source: Instagram
- Full name: Abderraouf Derradji
- Date of birth: 10 December 1989
- Place of birth: El Hammamet, Algeria
According to the Arab News, the Algerian rapper ventured into the entertainment industry as a drummer and dancer. Soolking's music carries a culturally rich blend of American and French rap, reggae, Algerian raï, pop, jazz, and reggaeton genres.
He gained widespread recognition with viral hits like Guerilla, Dalida, and Liberté, which became an unofficial anthem for the 2019/21 Algerian Revolution of Smiles protests. His music, through albums such as Sans Visa, tells a story of his journey as an undocumented immigrant in France.
13. Nadia Nakai
Source: Facebook
- Full name: Nadia Nakai Kandava Dlamini
- Date of birth: 18 May 1990
- Place of birth: Johannesburg, South Africa
Nadia Nakai is one of the many African female rappers breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. Since the early 2000s, she has risen to the top of South African charts, while making waves on the continental and global stage. The 2022 BET Award nominee has also ventured into acting, voice-over work, TV hosting, and fashion.
14. Falz
Source: Facebook
- Full name: Folarin Falana
- Date of birth: 27 October 1990
- Place of birth: Mushin, Lagos, Nigeria
Falz is a trained lawyer whose prominence in the Nigerian hip hop industry was fueled by his viral 2018 hit, This Is Nigeria, a cover of Childish Gambino’s This Is America. The musical artist who was praised by Al Jazeera for his notoriety as the rebel rapper continues to blend humour and wit into potent social and political commentary.
15. Ladipoe
Source: Instagram
- Full name: Ladipo Eso
- Date of birth: 29 April 1992
- Place of birth: Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria
Ladipoe began his musical journey in secondary school and later at the University of North Carolina. While at the university, he created two albums, Rhymes and Reason and Hip Hop Anonymous, as a member of Lyrically Equipped. His hits, such as Afro Jigga, Big Energy, and Feeling, have earned him critical acclaim and streaming success.
16. Nyashinski
Source: Facebook
- Full name: Nyamari Ongegu
- Date of birth: 8 April 1984
- Place of birth: Kisii, Kenya
Nyashinski gained fame as part of Kenya's pioneering hip-hop group Kleptomaniax before launching a successful solo career sometime in the 2010s. His notable comeback has grown to draw a cult-like following in Kenya, Africa, and beyond.
His steady career is marked by major hits like Tuendelee and Now You Know, and a recent historic recording deal with Sony Music, cementing his legacy as a foundational figure in East African music.
17. Soulja
Source: Instagram
- Full name: Osama Ashraf
- Place of birth: North Sudan, Sudan
Soulja, born Osama Ashraf, is a Sudanese rapper and is considered a distinctive voice in the Arabian rap scene. From his early years in Khartoum, the cultural influences that shaped his character drive his art, blending Sudanese rhythms with modern rap. His song includes Talaash, Phool, and Alvida.
18. Iba One
Source: Instagram
- Full name: Ibrahim Mahamadou Fily Sissoko
- Date of birth: 22 March 1989
- Place of birth: Bamako, Mali
AFRIMA award winner, Iba One is prominently known for blending traditional Malian sounds with modern hip-hop and trap music. Through his art, the Malian rapper and singer has shown commitment to social activism, using his platform to raise awareness about issues in Mali.
19. Dip Doundou Guiss
Source: Instagram
- Full name: Dominique Preira
- Date of birth: 22 March 1991
- Place of birth: Dakar, Senegal
Since his debut album, Tay Leu Kagn, released in 2016, Dip Doundou Guiss has grown to become one of the most popular and respected Senegalese rappers. He primarily raps in French and Wolof, a local language spoken in Senegal and The Gambia, with occasional English use.
The award-winning rapper typically uses his art to tackle social and political issues, such as corruption and state brutality, as seen in his protest anthem #FreeSenegal.
20. Rosa Ree
Source: Facebook
- Full name: Rosary Robert Iwole
- Date of birth: 21 April 1995
- Place of birth: Moshi Urban, Tanzania
Renowned Tanzanian rapper, Rosa Ree, is credited with empowering women in the East African country and the continent as a whole. Participating in the BET 2020 Hip Hop Cypher solidified her status as a top female rapper in Tanzania and on the global stage. She uses Afrobeat, Bongo Flava, and rap to create a signature lyrical style in songs such as One Time and Goddess.
Is hip hop big in Africa?
Hip hop's evolving presence in Africa began in the early 1980s. Since then, the genre has become a major cultural force shaping social and political consciousness in the youth and mainstream population.
Who is the most popular African rapper?
There are various popular African rappers, with Sarkodie from Ghana being frequently cited as the most influential artist. Other highly popular rappers include Nasty C, Cassper Nyovest, M.I. Abaga, and Khaligraph Jones.
Who are the best male African rappers?
Popularity among top male African rappers varies greatly by region, style, and skill. The most recognised male African rappers include Olamide, M.anifest, Darassa, and Octopizzo.
Who are the best female African rappers?
Celebrated female African rappers on the continent include Femi One, Nadia Nakai, Rosa Ree, and Sho Madjozi. Others include Ami Yerewolo and Eno Barony, honoured for their extensive catalogues.
African rappers such as Nyashinski, Rosa Ree, Ladipoe, and Dip Doundou Guiss, among others, draw from their experiences in various fields to bring out their beliefs, philosophies, and political as well as social activism. They are also heavily influenced by regional musical styles such as Bongo Flava from Tanzania and others.
Legit.ng recently published a list of the best rappers in the world. This compilation lists artists with award-winning and chart-topping tracks and albums throughout their careers.
Rap artists achieve varying degrees of fame and success depending on factors such as talent, personal branding, cultural relevance, and their ability to connect with fans. Read on for an extensive list of the most impactful rappers right now.
Proofreading by Kola Muhammed, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
