The Hip Hop African

HHAP Ep. 84: A Conversation with M.I. Abaga on Integrity and Longevity in Hip Hop

Jun 1, 2023 2 Min read

Understanding the World of HipHop and Afrobeats with legendary Nigerian Hip Hop artist M.I. Abaga Jude Lemfani Abaga, also known as M.I. Abaga He is a

HHAP Ep 83: Nigeria’s Dhoro Styles on Graffiti as a Medium of Communication

May 4, 2023 1 Min read

Peter King Ubiebor also known as Dhoro Styles is a Nigerian street and graffiti artist. He holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental biology from the

Women in Hip-Hop Podcast

May 3, 2023 0 Min read

Created by Ayooluwa Akintayo, Ava Ahner, Elia Banza, and Razanne Ahmed

Hip Hop Conference @ Howard University

May 3, 2023 1 Min read

Hip-Hop at The Mecca. This fall, Howard University will host a 2-day Hip-Hop conference and block party. The conference will feature panel presentations by Hip-Hop

Strongman too strong? Blog post 3 Redo

May 3, 2023 1 Min read

Strongman is a Ghanaian rapper who rose to fame in the mid-2010s through a combination of talent, hard work, and strategic collaborations. One of his

M.anifest (Destiny)

May 3, 2023 1 Min read

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DxW7MtxYHyM

Global Conference on Hip-Hop Education (November 2023)

May 2, 2023 0 Min read

Location:Los Angeles, California Date:November 8-10th, 2023 The next Global Conference on Hip Hop Education will take place on November 8-10th, 2023, in Los Angeles. Call

My mixtape: Top 5 African female hip hop artists💋💄👯‍♀️🥀

Apr 29, 2023 0 Min read

In this mixtape, DJ Stefferoni returns with a special edition mix of African female hip hop artists: Boity, Freda Rhymz, Femi One, Eazzy and Sister

Celebrating and Elevating the Voices of Queer African Hip-Hop

Apr 27, 2023 0 Min read

This mixtape is an accumulation of songs from successful queer hip-hop artists in Africa (FAKA, Lelowhatsgood, Mx Blouse, Dope Saint Jude, and Angel-Ho). Hip-hop is

MIXTAPE TOWARDS A NEW CONSCIOUSNESS: Exploring Asakaa, Alt Hip Hop, & Trap Politics

Apr 27, 2023 1 Min read

This mixtape explores the social and political themes of songs from Ghana’s trap, drill (Asakaa), and alternative hip hop subgenres to find “conscious” hip hop

Social Activism in African Hip Hop

Apr 27, 2023 0 Min read

African Hip Hop artists cover a variety of different themes and concepts in their music. Whether it be in relation to socio-political change, gender and

“Making Trauma Digestible: Women Delivering Confusion of Life In the Form Of Melodies” by Zama Holley

Apr 27, 2023 0 Min read

While I have found that women in the music industry Find more comfortable with storytelling in their music, it is still rare to find female

Mixtape: Sister, Hold My Hand

Apr 27, 2023 0 Min read

By Shanell Holback In respect to the topic of gender oppression in Hip Hop. I dedicate this mixtape to the Female hip hop artists who

Bars For Change Mixtape

Apr 26, 2023 0 Min read

By Dagem Teferra This mixtape was made with the theme of political and social impact in Africa and the diaspora. It includes tunes from Ethiopia,

Rootin’ for Everybody Black, From Nigeria to America and Everywhere in Between – Wale

Apr 24, 2023 1 Min read

Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, or who is more commonly know as Wale, is an American based rapper born from two Nigerian parents. He is a well-known

Flash Marley – Madre of Togo

Apr 24, 2023 1 Min read

Flash Marley is a female Togolese artist that embodies strength and character through her music. The title of one of her hit singles released in

Wande

Apr 21, 2023 1 Min read

Wande is a Nigerian American artist based in Atlanta. She grew up in Houston Texans but moved to Atlanta once she signed with Reach Records.

Hip Hop Events

Apr 21, 2023 1 Min read

The Hip Hop African has collected a list of some of the hip hop events happening this year, in the U.S. and the U.K.

Final Project Mixtape – Black Girl Magic

Apr 21, 2023 0 Min read

The theme of the mixtape Black Girl Magic is the celebration and empowerment of Black womanhood in rap. The five songs included are all by

Wale Never Loses Sight of His Nigerian Roots

Apr 15, 2023 3 Min read

Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, also known as Wale, is a Nigerian-American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He was born in Washington, D.C. to Nigerian immigrant parents. Wale

Tobe Nwigwe stuns in video with Fat Nwigwe for “Fye Fye” collaboration

Apr 14, 2023 1 Min read

By Zainab Ahmed Tobe Nwigwe, an Igbo Nigerian-American rapper, teams up with his wife Martica “Fat” Nwigwe for their song “Fye Fye.” In the video

Ivorian Doll: A Star In The Making

Apr 13, 2023 1 Min read

Ivorian Doll born Vanessa Mahi is a German-born musical artist that relocated to East London at the age of three. Mahi was a Youtuber before

Changing the African Narrative: Aya Nakamura

Apr 12, 2023 2 Min read

Aya Nakamura has been writing and releasing music on Youtube since 2016[1]; the Mali-born French musician would make her entrance into the international music scene

Bringing Ethiopian Vibrancy to the COLORS Stage

Apr 12, 2023 1 Min read

Alewya was born in Saudi Arabia raised in Sudan then relocated to the United Kingdom. Although her upbringing was highly diverse the Ethiopian roots of

People (Check on Me) by Libianca

Apr 12, 2023 1 Min read

By Shanell Holback If I had to pick a song that was relatable to millions around the world, especially in modern times, “People (Check on

Tobe Nwigwe “Bravo”

Apr 12, 2023 1 Min read

I first discovered Tobe Nwigwe during the pandemic. I remember the day my dad came home from work and was so excited to play a

The Mystical yet Honest Rap Song that is Jidenna’s Black Magic Hour

Apr 12, 2023 2 Min read

photo provided by USA Today Okay so this is my last blogpost. I know, I know it’s so very sad but to end it off

Think before you underestimate Little Simz, she is as British as she is Nigerian and isn’t afraid to tell you why.

Apr 12, 2023 1 Min read

London-born Nigerian rapper Simbiatu “Simbi” Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, better known as Little Simz, emerged into the British rap scene years ago, and since became very

Mannywellz’s Independent Success Proves, A Record Label Is Never Entirely Necessary

Apr 12, 2023 1 Min read

Emmanuel Ajomale, otherwise known as Mannywellz is an artist of Nigerian descent from Maryland. Being apart of the diaspora himself, he is relatable. He first

Nasty C- Black and White (blog post 1)-Resubmission

Apr 12, 2023 1 Min read

Nasty C Within the African Hip Hop community, there are many artists who hail from the main countries like Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, etc. However, people

Shane Eagle- Julia

Apr 12, 2023 1 Min read

In many forms, Hip Hop and rap in Africa has been used over the years to convey and bring awareness to social and political issues.

Stormzy’s global influence brings glory to Ghana!

Apr 10, 2023 1 Min read

Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr., known professionally as Stormzy is a British born musician of Ghanaian descent. Stormzy came into popularity in the year

K.Keed Challenges the Competition Through Trap Music

Apr 9, 2023 1 Min read

By Shanell Holback As one of South Africa’s most promising young talents, K.Keed has been impressing fans and critics alike with her attention-captivating freestyle skills.

Shane Eagle “Hold You” – A Story of Dream chasing and Sacrifice

Apr 9, 2023 1 Min read

By Shanell Holback South African rapper, singer, and songwriter Shane Eagle has become a prominent figure in the SA music scene. Born Shane Patrick Hughes

Yazzavelli

Apr 7, 2023 1 Min read

Yazzavelli’s EP is similar to what is discussed in the current readings of my class. When we look at “lyricism of female emcees in Africa,

Tu Me Manques by Faycel Sghir (Algerian Rap)

Apr 5, 2023 1 Min read

Tu Me Manques is a heartfelt song by the talented Algerian singer Faycel Sghir. The song is a perfect blend of romantic lyrics, soothing melody,

BYE-BYE by ALG-K (Algerian Rap)

Apr 5, 2023 1 Min read

“Bye-Bye” is a song by ALG-K, an Algerian rapper who is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the most exciting and innovative voices in

Isaac Phobia – Combat (Algerian Rap)

Apr 5, 2023 1 Min read

Phobia Isaac is a talented rapper hailing from Algeria, and his song “Combat” is a powerful piece of music that tackles important issues in our

Peng Black Girls by ENNY: Representation of the Diversity of Black Women

Apr 4, 2023 2 Min read

Peng Black Girls is a celebration of the diversity of Black womanhood as well as a general Black empowerment song. Created by ENNY, a Nigerian-British

Shaybo teams up with dreamdoll in “Broke boyz”

Apr 1, 2023 1 Min read

by Zainab Ahmed Nigerian British rapper Shaybo collaborates with American (with British descent) rapper Dreamdoll in new song “Broke Boyz.” The two rap about what

HHAP Ep 82: Nigeria’s Loudbase AF Promoting Hip-Hop in Africa

Apr 1, 2023 0 Min read

This is the first episode in our Spring Series, which focuses on Nigeria this year. In this episode, we talked to Victor Uwakwe Izuchukwu, the

Congo’s Rap Queen

Mar 30, 2023 1 Min read

Kinshasa-born female rap artist and emcee, Sista Becky is one of the few in her domain that raps about struggles within the country and the

Go High Go Low- DSJ

Mar 30, 2023 1 Min read

Dope Saint Jude- also known as Catherine Saint Jude, is a South African rapper, and singer who brought her uniqueness to the hip-hop scene and

Muthoni Drummer Queen’s Power

Mar 30, 2023 1 Min read

Women have faced oppression and suppression for centuries across the world. This is reflected in the hypermasculinity and the portrayal of women as sexual objects,

Meet Kepaso: The Underground Female-Dominated Rap Group

Mar 30, 2023 1 Min read

Kepaso is a rap group steadily making progress in the hip-hop scene of Ethiopia. The group is made up of three members, Kepaso Daygo, Kepaso

Mc Caro

Mar 30, 2023 1 Min read

Mc Caro is a triumph, unique and showstopping artist from Liberia. She has made waves across her country but her music has traveled much farther

We The Big 3, Check The Spreadsheet

Mar 30, 2023 1 Min read

Now that African music like Afrobeats and Bongo Flava are becoming increasingly popular worldwide, more people are interested in different genres and artists across the

Mama Samia by Frida Amani

Mar 30, 2023 2 Min read

Frida Amani is a Tanzanian rapper and hip-hop artist who was born in Dar, Es Salaam. Frida Amani began her music career in 2010 and

SilverTone Barz – Nairobi Rapper Beast-Like Flow

Mar 29, 2023 1 Min read

SilversTone Barz, a rapper from Nairobi, entered the booth for the first time in 2014 and has since become popular. She fell in love with

Girl Power

Mar 29, 2023 1 Min read

Mina la Voilée is the literal definition of girl power! With not many female emcees in the scene in Senegal, she elevates new heights among

‘KIM of Diamonds’ the Acoustic Songstress of Malawi

Mar 29, 2023 1 Min read

The song Be Something by KIM of Diamonds was released in 2021 and showcases female artistry from Malawi in a passionate and sophisticated light. KIM

ENO BARONY: GHANA’S RAP GODDESS

Mar 29, 2023 6 Min read

Born Ruth Eno Adjoa Amankwah Nyame Adom in Tema, Accra, Ghana to missionary parents, Eno Barony’s rise to fame began in 2014 when her first

True to me – Karun

Mar 29, 2023 1 Min read

March, a beautiful month embracing the beautiful women that inhabit our big blue bubble, it’s only right to mention a song that does that and

The Queen marks her territory: 40 bars by Nadia Nakai

Mar 29, 2023 2 Min read

image provided by OkayAfrica Yesss we are back with another blog about the great Miss Nadia Nakai! I’ve written about her before, I know, but

Nadia Nakai- More Drugs (Feat. Tshego)

Mar 29, 2023 1 Min read

Nadia Nakai- More Drugs (feat. Tshego) Hip Hop in Africa has mainly been dominated by male artists. However, in the last 10 years, women have

Sama der, My skin

Mar 27, 2023 1 Min read

Mina la Voilee or Mina the Veiled is an MC whose very presence challenges the stereotypical view of the hip hop MC as a hypersexual

Sha Madjozi

Mar 22, 2023 2 Min read

Sho Madjozi whose real name is, Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif. Sho was born in 1992 in Limpopo, South Africa. She is a South African rapper,

Nigerian Rapper A-Q remembers the Lekki Massacre victims a year later

Mar 21, 2023 1 Min read

by Zainab Ahmed The Nigerian rapper named Gilbert Bani who goes by A-Q released a video for his song on October 19, 2021. The song

AKA – Levels

Mar 5, 2023 1 Min read

The short song “Levels” by the late AKA packs a punch. The calm buzzing of the synths and the slow roll of the drums gives

KWEKU SMOKE AGAINST AFRICAN CORRUPTION IN ON THE STREETS

Mar 5, 2023 3 Min read

Kweku Smoke (government name Paul Amankwa) is a Ghanian rapper and songwriter who rose to fame after a collab with one of Africa’s most iconic

Elom 20ce – Egungun

Mar 3, 2023 1 Min read

This blog post is dedicated to Togolese artist, Elom 20ce. He is a self-proclaimed “arctivist”: artist and activist. He has many hit songs that are

HHAP Ep. 81: M.anifest: From Madina to the Mecca

Mar 2, 2023 1 Min read

On the 15th of February, 2023, M.anifest visited Howard University, aka The Mecca, for a historical conversation around the importance of his music and Hip

Anderson Mwakazi – Pray for nature

Mar 2, 2023 1 Min read

Anderson Mwakazi is otherwise known as Harshkid Luckystah, and fellow artists Bernard Kaisa and Simon Mwanjala. Mwakazi is from southeast Kenya and hails from a

Kassmasse’s Wish for Ethiopia

Mar 2, 2023 1 Min read

By Dagem Teferra When it comes to reflective music that analyses society and advocates for positive change, there aren’t many that do it as well

“Fii” by Hakill

Mar 2, 2023 1 Min read

In today’s culture, many rappers tend to have significant impacts on major issues that face their nation and influence many people to be the change.

Rais wa Kitaa

Mar 2, 2023 3 Min read

Nay wa Mitego speaks out against a poor government, high prices, and censorship in Rap single, “Rais wa Kitaa”. Background of Artist Emmanuel Elibarick, widely

Kilos On Kilos – Octopizzo

Mar 2, 2023 1 Min read

Henry Ohanga, stage name Octopizzo, is a big name in the rap industry. His art is primarily influenced by his childhood in the slums of

Jay Jody Tackles Mental Health on ‘Be Myself’

Mar 2, 2023 1 Min read

Hip-Hop often requires the artist (and their peers) to show strength, bravado, and dominance. The topic of mental health and wellness, however, is a scattered topic

Maglera Doe Boy – ‘Makazana’

Mar 2, 2023 1 Min read

Lyricism, and out of the box creativity provides a brief description for the ‘Makazana’ visuals released by Maglera Doe Boy in late 2022. Born as

What Have We Not Done?

Mar 2, 2023 1 Min read

Congolese rap group, Musique Populaire de la Révolution or MPR, raps “Nini To Sali Te” (What Have We Not Done) which address the daily issues

Raja Meziane – Ma Bella

Mar 1, 2023 1 Min read

Raja Meziane, a female rapper, singer, songwriter, and lawyer who is born and raised in Algeria, believes that rap isn’t simply a political tool but

The Legacy of Y’en a Marre: Paco Pat Ghetto

Mar 1, 2023 1 Min read

“Le travail même s’il permet de satisfaire ses besoins honnêtement, il permet également de gagner notre dignité humaine“ “Paco Pat Ghetto BËSS YI DAÑO GAAW”

PdotO’s “Dear God”

Mar 1, 2023 2 Min read

image provided by SlikourOnLife PdotO’s Dear God is an emotional plea against the world and all of its pressures. PdotO uses this song to express

“Nairobi” by BURUKLYN BOYZ

Mar 1, 2023 1 Min read

In the BURUKLYN BOYZ’s single “Nairobi” the artists address the adverse impacts of the construction of the Nairobi Expressway and skyscrapers on their community. This

Who is Black Sherif?

Feb 28, 2023 2 Min read

Mohammed Ismail Sherif Kwaku Frimpong, better known as Black Sherif, is a Ghanaian rapper from the town of Konongo-Zongo, Ghana. While there are many Ghanaian

Daan Corona

Feb 27, 2023 1 Min read

Daan Corona premiered on April 13, 2020. It is a collaborative song featuring twenty Senegalese artists under the artistic direction of Didier Awadi, himself a

“Nairobi” – BURUKLYN BOYZ

Feb 19, 2023 1 Min read

Representation is central to the art of hip-hop and rap. In BURUKLYN BOYZ’s 2021 single “Nairobi” they do just that. BURUKLYN BOYZ are a powerful

Kumericans are taking over!

Feb 16, 2023 1 Min read

O’Kenneth, Reggie and City are among many rappers who are part of the Kumericans movement. Many may ask what does the Kumerican movement consist of?

Tanzania All Stars Pay Tribute to Magufuli

Feb 16, 2023 2 Min read

Lala Salama Magufuli pays a touching tribute to Former President John Magufuli after his sudden passing. Magufuli’s Death Shocks The Nation Tanzania’s fifth president, John

MEJJA siku hızı ni kubad

Feb 16, 2023 1 Min read

Siku hizi ni KuBad performed by MEJJA hailing from Kenya. The song itself released in 2021 dwells heavily in the realm of social issues and

Teddy Yo arrested after releasing new music video

Feb 16, 2023 1 Min read

By Dagem Teferra The well-known Ethiopian rapper Teddy Yo recently released a song entitled “Wenberish” that landed him in jail within a day from the original drop

Black Boy Joy

Feb 16, 2023 1 Min read

by : Maia Nelson Hustle Pays by Liberian artist Almando featuring E.J Kollie was handed out to the world in 2022. The artist writes in

Tay Grin: A Hustler Who Is PROUDLY African

Feb 15, 2023 1 Min read

Malawi native, Tay Grin released a song entitled Stand Up in 2020, which made its appearance on his album, Proudly African. The goal of this

The importance of “Johnny” by Falz

Feb 15, 2023 1 Min read

by Zainab Ahmed “Eyan melo lo ma ku?” – Falz in “Johnny” Falz released the video for his song “Johnny” on November 10th, 2020 in

Love and War by Stogie T

Feb 15, 2023 3 Min read

image provided by Stogie T on Youtube I struggled to look for a South African hip hop song post-2020 that would cover social justice. South

Rosa Ree – We Was Kings

Feb 15, 2023 1 Min read

When it comes to Tanzanian rap, Rosa Ree will always be famous. She is one of the only female Tanzanian hip-hop artists to reach mainstream

Dip Doundou Guiss “CALIFAT”

Feb 15, 2023 1 Min read

Dip Doundou Guiss’s music video “CALIFAT” goes so hard! I found myself watching his music video several times just in awe of the visual aspects

Tom Mboya – by Octopizzo

Feb 15, 2023 1 Min read

Octopizzo utilizes his originality and unique dope flow to honor the great Thomas Joseph Odhiambo Mboya. This musical statement uses diction, relevant subject matter, cadence,

Trust the vibes

Feb 15, 2023 1 Min read

From their first studio album “The Dreamer Project” (2011), Show Dem Camp have gone from underground rap duo to one of the biggest rap acts

M3NSA’s ‘Eyes But No Eyes’

Feb 14, 2023 1 Min read

Mensa Ansah, known as M3NSA, is a Ghanaian producer, composer, rapper, singer, and filmmaker born in Accra, Ghana. M3NSA comes from quite the artistic family:

HHAP Ep. 80: Introducting our New Assistant Producer & more Announcements

Feb 13, 2023 0 Min read

In this short episode, we introduce you to our student assistant producer, Miranda, who will be working with us this semester. We also discuss plans for

HHAP Ep. 79.5: Announcements and Celebrating 50 Years of Hip Hop

Feb 12, 2023 0 Min read

This is a short episode we recorded to send out a couple of announcements and to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop.

#Free Senegal

Feb 11, 2023 1 Min read

Dip Doundou Guiss is just one of the artists I have come across who released a track addressing the political unrest that erupted in Senegal

Fredokiss, a product from “the heart of Africa”

Feb 8, 2023 1 Min read

Born as Fredo Penjani Kamlepo Kalua, Hip-hop artist, Fredokiss was born in the capital of Malawi, Lilongwe, and has had 13 years in music. Malawi

Frida Amani — I Feel Like Mama Samia

Feb 8, 2023 2 Min read

Frida Amani, or Queen Fifi, is a Tanzanian hip-hop artist based in Dar es Salaam, who is shaking up Tanzania with her impactful lyrics and

Nigeria’s Christian Hip Hop Sound

Feb 7, 2023 1 Min read

Usually, when the discussion of Hip Hop music arises many sections of the genre are left out and overlooked. As we know today, Hip Hop

The Real MC: Mc Caro

Feb 7, 2023 1 Min read

Born on August 10, 1996 Caroline Moore, most commonly known as Mc Caro, was labeled as Liberia’s Best Female Rapper of the Year at the 2020 MTN

Love & War by Stogie T

Feb 5, 2023 1 Min read

The song I will do my second blog post about is “Love & War” by Stogie T featuring Lucille Slade. Reports say this song speaks

Rumba Goes Hip-Hop

Feb 2, 2023 1 Min read

Congolese soukous and rumba artist, Koffi Olomide crossovers to hip-hop. He began his career alongside famous Congolese singer Papa Wemba and his band Viva La

Somnyama Yena Yedwa: Blxckie

Feb 2, 2023 1 Min read

Sihle Sithole, also known as Blxckie, is a South African Rapper from Sydenham Heights, Durban. The foundation of his rap career started when he was

Algerian Rap – La Politique Des Bandits by Lotfi Double Kanon

Feb 1, 2023 1 Min read

Lotfi Double Kanon, also known by his stage as Lotfi DK and born Lotfi Belamri in an Arab and Chaoui household on July 6, 1974,

Sarkodie – Ghana’s multifaceted rapper

Feb 1, 2023 1 Min read

Michael Owusu Addo, professionally known as Sarkodie is an upcoming rapper and singer who has made an enormous contribution to the Ghanaian music industry in

SilversTone Barz is ‘Doing It Major’

Feb 1, 2023 1 Min read

Nairobi-based rapper, SilversTone Barz, first stepped into the booth in 2014 and has been on the rise since. She discovered her love for hip-hop when

The Face of Senegal Hip Hop: Samba Peuzzi

Feb 1, 2023 1 Min read

As we embark on this new year, the Senegalese hip-hop scene is evolving in a positive light. It is so important to recognize the talented

Khaligraph Jones: Kenyan Hip-Hop artist to look out for

Feb 1, 2023 1 Min read

Khaligraph Jones was born June 12th, 1990 to the name of Brian Ouko Omollo and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. He is one of Kenya’s most-notable

Nadia Nakai’s “Kreatures” Kreates a True Narrative of Female Hip Hop stardom

Jan 31, 2023 2 Min read

Image provided by ZIMBOlebs Nadia Nakai is a South African born Zimbabwean Hip hop artist from Johannesburg. Growing up, she went to high school in

Dip Doundou Guiss – Musiba

Jan 31, 2023 1 Min read

Dominique Preira, better known by his stage name Dip Doundou Guiss, or DIP, is a Senegalese hip-hop artist born in Dakar, Senegal. Many of DIP’s

‘WO KUM APEM BEBA’ – Jay Bahd and the Asakaa Boyz Lead the Drill Scene in ‘Kumerica’, Ghana

Jan 31, 2023 3 Min read

Jay Bahd is one of the figure heads of the Ghanian drill, or ‘Asakaa’, music scene. Bahd and his crew, known as the ‘Asakaa Boyz’

Meet Kassmasse, the star lighting up Ethiopia with his new ‘perspective’

Jan 30, 2023 1 Min read

Fikru Sema (stage name: Kassmasse) is the hottest young artist in the Hip Hop scene of Ethiopia. His sudden rise to fame came two years

HHAP Ep 79: Hip-Hop culture as a space where Black identities are negotiated and presented

Jan 7, 2023 3 Min read

The first episode of 2023 is a special episode on hip-hop as a cultural space where Black identities can be negotiated and presented. The research

HHAP Ep78: Eavesdrop on Cultivating Spaces for Authenticity in Hip-Hop

Oct 2, 2022 1 Min read

Eavesdrop is a multi-hyphenate artist who is an MC, a producer, a director, and an actor. She has been active in Cape Town’s Hip-Hop scene

HHAP Ep77: DJ Azuhl on Hip-Hop & DJing Culture in South Africa

Sep 5, 2022 0 Min read

DJ Azuhl (djazuhl.net) is a prominent South African DJ with Beat Bangaz (beatbangaz.net), a DJ collective in Cape Town. He was born and raised in

Queer Women in African Hip Hop

May 3, 2022 0 Min read

what is it like to be a queer in African hip hop? Join the conversation about queer African history and rising artists K.Keed, Angel Ho,

Final Exam Mixtape: African Women in HipHop

Apr 26, 2022 3 Min read

Image by KAMERJAMZ ENT, Introduction: African Women across the diaspora continue to influence the Hip Hop industry depsiste experienceing prejudice. African women hip hop artists

African Diaspora

Apr 26, 2022 1 Min read

David Orobosa Omoregie is a London-based artist and rapper. Though British, Dave comes from a Nigerian family that immigrated to the UK in the early

Senegal: Gender and Sexuality

Apr 26, 2022 1 Min read

Coumba Gawlo is a female Senegalese musician most notable for her upbeat sounds and cinematic music videos. Gawlo’s most recent piece ‘Borom Ndam’ has garnered

Senegal: Social and Political change

Apr 26, 2022 1 Min read

“Kay ma Wone” is a single written and performed by hip hop Senegalese artist Iveka Feat. Zou. The Hip Hop song and music video follow

Intersectional Feminist Hip Hop

Apr 25, 2022 3 Min read

Ava Holtzman Introduction : Mixtape : https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.JL688aEibDbzAPr Female Hip Hop artists in Africa and around the world fight an uphill battle against the patriarchy to

The Howard Hooligan Podcast

Apr 23, 2022 0 Min read

Hosts, Ty and Bri, along with their special guests go over stereotypes and the challenges that women face in the Hip Hop industry while reviewing

New and Poppin Pop Podcast with Lethan, Jonathan, and Chafik

Apr 21, 2022 0 Min read

This is an episode of the New and Poppin Pop Podcast with Lethan, Jonathan, and Chafik. In this episode, we discuss cultural appropriation in the

QUEERING THE CONTINENT

Apr 21, 2022 5 Min read

AFRICANS PAINT A PICTURE OF GENDER, SEXUALITY, AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO CONSENT Across the diaspora, the topic of homosexuality remains nothing short of taboo. Conversations

Mixtape: Social Justice Within Africa

Apr 21, 2022 4 Min read

Introduction Africa is no stranger to protesting wrongdoings in their society. For decades countries have been protesting corruption, health issues, wealth distribution, racism, and police

Mix it Up: “Women Empowerment & Hustle Culture”

Apr 21, 2022 3 Min read

Men and women play a noteworthy part in the generation of lyricism and visual substance within the dynamic of Hip Hop. Due to this, sexuality

The Sounds of Tanzania

Apr 21, 2022 4 Min read

-A brief article about the many sounds that are produced in Hip Hop. Hip Hop isn’t just a genre of music, it’s a genre that

Final Project: Mixtape

Apr 21, 2022 5 Min read

Social and Political issues/change For my mixtape, the following themes were selected: Social and Political change. Social and political issues continue to plague many parts

Jamz with Joc Women’s Impact in African Hip Hop

Apr 20, 2022 0 Min read

This podcast covers topics of women in Hip Hop in both the African and American industries. This podcast highlights topics of female empowerment, how African

A Break With Jake Podcast : Differences in Protest and Combat Music in Africa and America

Apr 20, 2022 0 Min read

Within the fight for social change all over the world, all different types of public figures and artists create content in order to show their

Women’s Impact in Hip Hop

Apr 20, 2022 0 Min read

In our podcast you will hear us converse about women in Hip Hop, their struggle for acceptance and recognition, as well as their immense contribution

Mixtape: The African Queens of Hip-Hop

Apr 20, 2022 4 Min read

Introduction Throughout the hip-hop industry women are constantly fighting to come up on top, no matter what country or continent they are on. With the

Final Project Mixtape

Apr 20, 2022 5 Min read

Across the world, the hip-hop community is very male-dominated and now in the current years more female artists are breaking the barrier by becoming as

Final Project Mixtape

Apr 20, 2022 3 Min read

Calvin Smith Identity and culture: Identity and cultural appropriation were my selected themes for this mixtape, as I thought they were one of the

Behind the Lines Podcast: Themes of Hip Hop Today

Apr 20, 2022 0 Min read

This is the Behind the Lines Podcast with Charisma & K. Woo where we look beyond the lyrics and verses to understand what Hip Hop

Seeing on a See Level- African Representation by British/Congolese Rapper Backroad Gee on His Song See Level ft. Olamide

Apr 20, 2022 1 Min read

Backroad Gee, a UK artist from the sides of Congo performed the afrobeat inspired song of See Level featuring Nigerian national artists Olamide. In this song and

Tujiangalie: A Snapshot Into the Hardships in Kenya

Apr 20, 2022 1 Min read

Pop rhumba group Sauti Sol teamed up with rapper Nyashinski to compose a song that takes a deeper look into how politics in the country

The Social and Political Representations in Hip-Hop Music in the Present Day.

Apr 18, 2022 0 Min read

The EDT Hip-Hop Podcast. These are the rappers that we have chosen to talk about in our podcast. Tupac Shakur, NWA, Nipsey Hussle, Common, Tariku

Reintroducing: Tobe from the Swat

Apr 8, 2022 1 Min read

Rapper Tobechuckwu Dubem Nwigwe is from the SWAT: South West Alief, Texas. Make no mistake though, Nwigwe is also thoroughly Nigerian and you can hear

Sampa The Great Shows D.C. How to Be Great

Apr 6, 2022 1 Min read

BAM! The lights hit. Her name is illuminated as her band beautifully starts “Energy.” She walks on stage and the crowd screams. I look to

HHAP Ep76: FOKN Bois on Satire and Music as Social Commentary

Apr 5, 2022 0 Min read

Ghanaian hip hop duo FOKN Bois use satire to convey important social commentary on religion, politics, and sexuality. In this episode, they share their experiences

Jub Jub

Mar 31, 2022 1 Min read

Molemo Maarohanye or more professionally known as Jub Jub was born on June 29th, 1980, and is a South African artist born and raised in

Bas

Mar 31, 2022 1 Min read

Legendary artist Bas is the product of Sudanese immigrant parents making the rapper Sudanese American. He is most well-known for his affiliation with the Dreamville

Wande – “Naija Bit”

Mar 31, 2022 1 Min read

Mutiat Yewande Isola is a Nigerian-born female hip-hop artist, who goes more commonly by the name Wande. She was born in Nigeria in 1996 making

Nipsey Hussle’s Eritrean Roots

Mar 31, 2022 2 Min read

Nipsey Hustle was born Airmeiess “Ermias” Joseph Asghedom in the Crenshaw district of South Los Angeles, California on August 15th, 1985. His mother Angelique Smith,

Falz and the Diaspora of Nigeria

Mar 30, 2022 1 Min read

Folarin Falana, formerly known as Falz(or Falz the Bahd Guy), is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter, and actor. He was born on October 7,1991. He wasn’t

VIC MENSA-FRE33DOM ft. Zacari

Mar 30, 2022 1 Min read

Victor Kwesi Mensah was born on June 6, 1993, and is known as Vic Mensa by fans and followers. He is a Ghanian-American rapper, singer,

Nas, A Living Legend

Mar 30, 2022 1 Min read

Nas is a more than well-known rapper that has inspired multiple people and hip-hop artists alike. Real name Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones, he grew

Pongo: The Gem We Didn’t Know We Needed

Mar 30, 2022 2 Min read

Pongo is a female rapper who was born in Luanda, Angola and lives in Lisbon, Portugal. She struggled to gain respect as an artist in

Beauty and Soul- Ray Blk

Mar 30, 2022 1 Min read

In an upbeat and fun song about getting over an ex, Ray Blk pays homage to the diaspora. Rita Ekwere, stage name Ray Blk, was

Abigail Asante

Mar 30, 2022 1 Min read

Abigail Burland, professionally known as Abigail Asante is a Ghanaian rapper based in the United Kingdom. Abigail was originally a dancer and would post her

“I Want” -Enny

Mar 30, 2022 1 Min read

By: Diego Austin In her 2021 song “I Want,” Enny exhibits both her British and Nigerian identities. Enny is a British-born rapper and the daughter

Santan Dave – ‘’Heart Attack’’

Mar 30, 2022 1 Min read

Whilst Dave wasn’t born in Africa, he is still an African artist as he’s the son of immigrant parents from Nigeria. Santan Dave is a

Jidenna

Mar 30, 2022 1 Min read

Jidenna Theodore Mobisson is an American rapper and singer and has Nigerian roots because of his father. His father was a Nigerian lecturer who is

Nadia Nakai- “40 Bars”ft. Emtee, DJ Capital

Mar 30, 2022 1 Min read

Brains and Talent! Unlike Waka Flocka and a list of other artists who have been given an honorary doctorate degree in philanthropy and humanitarianism, this

Maxo Kream Meets Tiny Desk

Mar 30, 2022 1 Min read

Maxo Kream has had a history of representing his Nigerian roots. Throughout his music career, he powerfully tells the story of his life growing up

Wale Staying True to his D.C. and Nigerian Roots

Mar 27, 2022 2 Min read

Southwest Washington D.C. native Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, also known by his stage name Wale, has been a popular hip hop artist in America since 2005

Bas

Mar 23, 2022 1 Min read

Sudanese-American rapper Abbas Hamad, better known as Bas, was born in Paris to Sudanese parents and went on to grow up in Queens, New York.

NAVIO

Mar 18, 2022 1 Min read

Real name Daniel Lubwama Kigozi, stage name, Navio was born on October 18th, 1983 in Kampala, Uganda. Navio is the son of engineer Daniel Serwano Kigozi

HHAP EP. 75: Skilled Rhymes and the Bordertowns on the Volta: Ghana’s Keeny Ice

Mar 8, 2022 1 Min read

In this episode of The Hip-Hop in Africa Podcast, we interview Ghanaian Hip-Hop artist Keeny Ice, from the bordertown of Aflao in the Volta Region

What Happened to Nigerian Female EMCEEs?

Mar 4, 2022 2 Min read

Nigeria, popularly known for its catchy Afrobeats by the likes of Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy was once booming with female EMCEEs. What happened? It

Sasa Klaas- The Queen of Rap

Mar 3, 2022 1 Min read

For this assignment, I looked into the work of Botswana artist Saroni Motlhagoni, professionally known as Sasa Klaas. She was born in 1993 to a

Maandy’s Public Service Announcement

Mar 2, 2022 1 Min read

Relax, that’s it. The song “Relax” by Maandy is a song meant for, well, relaxation. The song has a chill vibe by maintaining a moderate

SHAYBO and “Dobale”

Mar 2, 2022 1 Min read

Shaybo is a Nigerian born rapper raised for the majority of her life in South London. Through her braggadocio style lyricism she has risen to

Eazzy the First Lady of Ghanian Hip Hop

Mar 2, 2022 2 Min read

Mildred Ashong, who is more widely known for her stage name as Eazzy, is a Ghanian rapper who has been blazing the hip hop scene

FeLukah- The Next Rising Hip-Hop Star out of Cairo

Mar 2, 2022 1 Min read

Felukah is a very interesting artist of this generation because of her unique style and unique background. Felukah is an Egyptian hip-hop artist, who was

Queen Monroe

Mar 2, 2022 1 Min read

Fershgenet Melaku, better known as Queen Monroe or Lola Monroe, is a famous Ethiopian hip hop artist raised in Washington DC. Born in Addis Ababa,

Shaybo: “Streets”

Mar 2, 2022 1 Min read

Laura Adegbite, known as Shaybo, is a rapper from Nigeria, was born October 5, 1996, and grew up in London. Her family moved from Nigeria

A Symbol of Queer Peace in Zimbabwe

Mar 2, 2022 1 Min read

The song Peace by Zimbabwean artist Hanna critiques the repetitive lack of originality that is current mainstream hip-hop. The second verse of her song raps

Angell Mutoni

Mar 2, 2022 1 Min read

Angell Mutoni is a Rwandan female rapper/MC who has always been passionate for music. Born to an artistic family she began pursuing spoken word pieces

Ubepelefye by Mampi ft Bobby East

Mar 2, 2022 1 Min read

Mirriam Mukape , also known as Mampi to the world, is a Zambian pop and R&B singer, actress Mirriam Mukape , also known as Mampi

Why the World Should Know Rosa Ree- Tanzanian Rapper and Musical Genius

Mar 2, 2022 2 Min read

In honor of Women’s Appreciation Month, I’d like to circle back to an artist I’ve previously written about, Rosa Ree, “The Goddess of Tanzania”, and

Mamay- Niu Raza

Mar 2, 2022 2 Min read

This week I will be doing my coverage on Mamay by Niu Raza. Her song is a love letter and call of pride to her

Fena Gitu – Power (P. Power) ft. Maandy & Vallerie Muthoni

Mar 2, 2022 1 Min read

Braggadocio is a huge part of hip hop. Credibility, authenticity, and respect, are factors crucial for you to be taken seriously as a rapper and

Mirembe Rachael, professionally known as the singer, songwriter, and fashion model Recho Rey, is one of the top female Ugandan hip-hop music artists out right now. She was born in Kireka (a suburb of Kampala), Uganda,

“Combate Final”-Mefe

Mar 2, 2022 2 Min read

By: Diego Austin Mefe is a Spanish-speaking rapper from Equatorial Guinea who now resides in Spain, after being exiled for criticizing the government. Equatorial Guinea

Tashamiswa: An Epitome of Braggadocio on the Zimbabwean Hip Hop Scene

Mar 2, 2022 1 Min read

Tashamiswa is a female rapper born and raised in Zimbabwe. She is known for her honest and egotistical lyrics. Tashamiswa is known as a breath

Rap’s Sweetheart is Ready to Introduce Herself

Mar 2, 2022 2 Min read

Aminata “Nata” Bangura was born in The Bronx, New York however, she is a first-generation Sierra Leonean. In June of 2020, she released “Finally: The

Shaybo – “Anger”

Mar 2, 2022 2 Min read

All “Anger” Ain’t Bad! For all of you who don’t know her, Nigerian-English rapper Laura Adegbite (aka “Shaybo”) is known for her February 25, 2020

Angell Mutoni

Mar 2, 2022 1 Min read

Angell Mutoni is a poet, rapper, and singer-songwriter. Her eclectic music taste allows her the freedom to be musically experimental, and she often chooses to

Rosa Ree: Tanzania’s Finest

Mar 2, 2022 1 Min read

Rosa Ree is one of Africa’s fast-rising women in hip hop. With a few singles to her name and an album that is slated to

The Bad Gyals of UG

Mar 2, 2022 1 Min read

Written by: Nellie Sainvil October 5th, 2020, a music video titled “Bad” and produced by Yung Jey Basalesale was released for all of Uganda to

Sasa Klaas and Her Impact on Women Empowerment

Mar 2, 2022 1 Min read

Sasa Klaas was a Botswana hip hop female artist from Botswana who has introduced a unique sound that makes her stand out from other female

Abyusif

Mar 2, 2022 1 Min read

Abyusif is a rising Egyptian artist coming out of the Zamalek region In Cairo who is currently dominating the underground rap scene in Egypt due to

Bomb$hell Grenade

Mar 2, 2022 1 Min read

The Zambian artist I will be discussing in today’s entry is Bomb$hell Grenade. Her real name is Bwalya Sophie Chibesakunda and she was born on

Moozlie

Mar 2, 2022 1 Min read

Nomuzi Mabena, professionally known as Moozlie is a rapper and television presenter. Moozlie was born on September 22, 1992 in Benoni Gauteng. However, she was

Mina La Voilée Paves The Way For Future Female Emcees In Senegal

Mar 1, 2022 1 Min read

It is no secret that Black women are among one of the most disrespected groups in the world. This is even more prevalent in the

Public Opinion

Feb 28, 2022 1 Min read

Freda Baffour Awuah, famously known as Freda Rhymz is a twenty-eight-year-old rapper from Sunyani, Ghana (Brong Ahafo Region). Freda’s career started rising when she made

Swadu

Feb 28, 2022 1 Min read

Natasha Beckley, commonly known by her stage name Swadu d Savage is a hip hop superstar from Freetown, Sierra Leone. Swadu is famous for her

~ Imagine Uganda ~ (Recho Rey)

Feb 25, 2022 1 Min read

Written by: Nellie Sainvil “Imagine Uganda” is a song made by Uganda’s own Recho Rey. Recho is a singer, rapper, and songwriter who grew up

ATI Stands With The Entertainment Industry

Feb 21, 2022 1 Min read

In the country of Botswana, much political corruption can occur. ATI, a prominent hip hop artist in Botswana, published a song in the summer of

Botswana Hip Hop: Chapter 1

Feb 21, 2022 1 Min read

The Impact of Zeus Zeus, formally known as Game Goabaone Bantsi, is a hip hop artist and MC from Gaborone, which is the largest city

Ahmed Santa

Feb 19, 2022 1 Min read

Ahmed Santa is an influential artist coming from the Cairo region of Egypt. Ahmed is already very well established within Egyptian music culture given his

King Nubi

Feb 19, 2022 2 Min read

Rising African a rap artist “Nubi” or better known as his moniker “King Nubi” is a rising artist out of the southern region of Egypt

Jay Pac & Bushali -UMUGISHA

Feb 18, 2022 2 Min read

Umami Mu Gakino also known by his stage name Jay Pac is a Rwandan rapper, songwriter, and producer. He was born and raised in the

Diplomat puts Rwanda on the Map

Feb 18, 2022 1 Min read

The country I have chosen for this semester is Rwanda. Rwanda is a country in East Africa officially named the Republic of Rwanda. It is

Sarkodie to the world

Feb 18, 2022 1 Min read

Michael Owusu Addo also known as Sarkodie is a Ghanaian hip-hop artist from Tema. His birthday is July 10, 1985, making him 36 years old. His

“Knock ’em Out with a PVC and a Vote”

Feb 17, 2022 2 Min read

“When you dare to do what we do, which is speak outside the norm, and you dare to speak truth to power, in the country

Tigist Asmare “Alen Wey” Music Video

Feb 16, 2022 1 Min read

Tigist Asmare is a popular Ethiopian musician. Her most famous song, Amelegnaw, gained widespread popularity and topped charts for over 8 weeks. Her most recent

Mr. O’s Obangam: A Powerful and Lyrically Impressive Critique of Western Interference and Racial Abuse

Feb 16, 2022 4 Min read

Mr. O is a rapper from Equatorial Guinea who seems to currently be residing in Spain. Obangam, which means “togetherness,” is a powerful example of

Education: A Foundation for Success or Just a Scam?

Feb 16, 2022 2 Min read

King Kaka released the video for “Ganji,” the first episode of a seven-episode series on March 3, 2021. Just from the thumbnail of the video,

Wegz- Later

Feb 16, 2022 1 Min read

At the age of 24 years old, Wegz was established as one of the first premier Egyptian trap artists of his generation. His catalog of

“Shoot The Messenger”

Feb 16, 2022 1 Min read

In 2020, #ENDSARS started as a protest movement against police brutality, injustice and much more in Nigeria. It is likely you have seen moments of

A1 Zim Rapper Noble Stylz

Feb 16, 2022 1 Min read

The artist Noble Stylz is a Zimbabwean Hip Hop artist originally (and very proudly) from Masvingo. As an artist, he uses his voice, passion, and

“Shad” the Storyteller

Feb 16, 2022 1 Min read

Poignant storytelling and vulnerability are two of the core building blocks of hip hop. In my opinion, a tasteful incorporation of both factors lay the

“Who will speak for us the weak?”- Nay Wa Mitego

Feb 16, 2022 2 Min read

“Nani Atusemee Semee Sisi Wanyonge” – roughly translated to “Who will speak for us the weak” encompass the sole drive artist and activist, Nay Wa

Kaley Bag’s ‘Life in the Ghetto’

Feb 16, 2022 2 Min read

Tamba Mbayo, better known as Kaley Bag, is a rising hip-hop artist on the way to becoming one of the greats. He was born 18th

BoiBlacc – the wire

Feb 16, 2022 1 Min read

BoiBlacc is a rapper based in Nairobi, Kenya. He’s constantly working on new music and has unique music videos. ‘The wire’ was released in 2021.

“Whose Land?” A Narrative by Zimbabwean Artist, Rapper, and Poet Meduulla on the Injust Land Reform Program Taking Land Away From Black Farmers

Feb 16, 2022 1 Min read

To begin, Meduulla is a Zimbabwean rapper, poet and artist. Notable songs by Meduulla include “Mish Muulla,” “Levelled up,” and “Aphrodite.” Being that Meduulla is

Vector “No Worries” ft. DJ Magnum

Feb 16, 2022 2 Min read

A Song for All Nations! Olanrewaju Ogunmefun David’s (aka “Vector”) 2020 hit single “No Worries” featuring DJ Magnum,” explains the frustrations, difficult times, and bad

John Chiti Ft Tommy Dee & Debbie – Corona Virus

Feb 16, 2022 1 Min read

Who is John Chiti? John Chiti is a famous R&B singer from Zambia who grew up in Zambia’s Copperbelt Province. John was born with albinism.

Nikki Mbishi: #999

Feb 16, 2022 1 Min read

Tanzania rapper Nikki Mbishi has a very extensive discography. One of his latest projects #999, which came out in 2021, speaks about the issue of

Kalinga by Diplomat

Feb 16, 2022 1 Min read

Diplomat – Instagram Born on July 11th, 1987 known as Diplomat, his real name is Nuur Fassasi, is a well-respected Rwandan rapper. Since his debut

Rohff- Valeur Inversée

Feb 16, 2022 2 Min read

Housni M’Kouboi better known by his stage name Rohff is a french rapper born in Antanaviro, Madagascar to parents of Cameroonian descent. Today on February

Dumi Right

Feb 16, 2022 1 Min read

Today’s blog will feature the Zimbabwean rap artist Dumi Right. Dumi Right also known as Dumisani Ndlovu is a Zimbabwean performing artist, MC, writer, and

Hypocrite by Falz ft. Demmie Vee

Feb 16, 2022 1 Min read

Folarin Falana, also known as, Falz is a Nigerian rapper, and songwriter and was born on October 27, 1990, in Lagos, Nigeria. His parents are

Sarkodie Brown Paper Bag

Feb 16, 2022 1 Min read

The Ghanaian hip hop artist, Michael Kwesi Owusu Addo, more popularly known for his stage name Sarkodie was born in Koforidua, Ghana the summer of

Nasty C

Feb 16, 2022 1 Min read

Nasty C also known as, Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo, is a popular South African rapper, songwriter, and producer. He was born on February 11, 1997

Socially Conscious Rap in Senegal

Feb 15, 2022 1 Min read

Climate change has been an ongoing topic that constantly circulates in the news. Today, CNN reported that U.S. sea levels will rise rapidly in the

Deeno Jay

Feb 14, 2022 1 Min read

Deeno Jay is a singer, songwriter, producer, and dancer born and raised in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Jay’s music transcends the boundaries of any one genre

The South Africa Issue of WBL: Global Journal for Hip-Hop Culture

Feb 3, 2022 3 Min read

Words Beats & Life: Global Journal for Hip-Hop Culture: The South Africa Issue This special issue of WBLJ explores South Africa, home to one of

The Bussi Chronicles

Feb 3, 2022 1 Min read

Feffe Bussi is an established and popular Ugandan hip hop artist who has won awards for being the best Hip Hop Artist in Uganda for

The Uprising of Recho Rey

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

By: Nellie Sainvil Recho Rey is an up and coming Multifaceted Hip Hop artist from Uganda. Recho was born Mirembe Recheal in Kireka, Uganda. She

The “Goddess” of Tanzania- Rosa Ree

Feb 2, 2022 2 Min read

Told as a conversation between herself and Satan, 26-year-old Tanzanian rapper, Rosa Ree’s 2021 single “SATAN,” talks about the rapper’s battle with drugs, sex, relationships,

No Cap- Ish Kevin

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

Although there is not much personal information on this particular rapper he is blowing up and expected to be one of the hottest new artists

Tanto Wavie Revolutionizing sound in Hip-Hop

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

As I have started to take an interest in the Hip-Hop scene in Zimbabwe, I came across lots of great music, rhythms, and messages. One

“Stacks” by Phyno

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

Phyno (@phynofino) is a very popular Nigerian artist who has been in the industry since 2003. Not only is he a high-profile rapper, he is

Rosa Ree: Girls Wanna Have Fun

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

Rosary Robert Iwole also known as “Rosa Ree” is a female rapper, born in Moshi, Tanzania. She was raised in Arusha and spent a bit

Wegz is determined to put the Spotlight on Egypt

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

When it comes to the Hip-Hop scene in Africa, countries such as South Africa and Senegal first come to mind but lately, Wegz has been

An Underrated Queen

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

A review of “African Fever” by Muthoni Drummer Queen Muthoni Drummer Queen is a Kenyan hip hop artist. Muthoni Drummer Queen has a multitude of

Blog Post 1

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

Hello! My country is Tanzania and one of the artists I’d like to share today is the talented “Juma Nature”. Also known as “Sir Nature”,

Obibini: Putting Ghanaian Hip-Hop on the map

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

October 23rd was the day David Kwaku Effum Boafo was born and he later adopted the stage name Obibini which is an acronym for “Obviously

The Controversy and Awareness of Tariku Gankisi’s “Dishta Gina”

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

Tariku Gankasi is an Ethiopian musician from Jinka, a southern region of Ethiopia. Gankisi was a soldier in the military during the Ethio-Eritrean war. He

Asaph, a voice for youth in Bulawayo

Feb 2, 2022 2 Min read

Asaph was born Tafadzwa Tarukwana on January 11th, 1992 in Bulawayo Zimbabwe. Asaph has grown to become an internationally recognized Hip Hop artist most famous

Kao Denero is “The African King”

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

Sierra Leone rapper has made a huge impact in the African hip-hop industry. Amara Denis Turay(better known as Kao Denero) is known for his lyrical

“Tobechukwu Dubem Nwigwe is My Correct Name”

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

First-generation Nigerian and H-town native rapper Tobe Nwigwe is just different. Gaining traction after addressing the murder of Breonna Taylor in his song, “I Need

Cassper Nyovest

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

Cassper Nyovest, Refiloe Maele Phoolo, is a South African songwriter, rapper, entrepreneur, and record producer. He was born and raised in Mahikeng, North West. He’s

Maskiri: A Spectacle of Controversy and Vulnerability on the Zimbabwean Hip Hop Scene

Feb 2, 2022 2 Min read

Maskiri is a well-known Zimbabwean Hip Hop artist and spectacle of controversy and vulnerability. Maskiri was born in Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe under the name Alishias Musimbe

Eva Alordiah – “Friend or Foe”

Feb 2, 2022 2 Min read

Eva asks, “Are you a Friend, are you a Foe?” Real questions that can be asked in today’s society! Nigerian singer Elohor Eva Alordiah’s (aka “Eva Alordiah”

Basy Gasy

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

In Madagascar, the sound of Malagasy is the heartbeat of music for the people of this island. From roughly early 2000, many natives of the

S H A Y B O

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

Shayon Brown, more commonly known by her stage name of Shaybo, is a Nigerian rapper, trendsetter, and occasional activist born in Nigeria. Though she moved

Chris Kaiga – I WANT (ft. Mutoriah)

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

Chris Kaiga is a Kenyan-based artist (rapper) born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya. His love and passion for music started in 2009 with the ambition

Sarkodie

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

Michael Owusu Addo, also known as Sarkodie is a thirty-six-year-old rapper from Tema, Ghana. Sarkodie has been in the music industry for over fifteen years

Kao Denero the “King of Freetown”

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

Sierra Leonean hip-hop superstar Kao Denero otherwise known as the “King of Freetown” truly embodied his name in his 2020 hit song African King. Throughout

Eedris Abdulkareem

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

Eedris Turayo Abdulkareem Ajenifuja is popularly known as Eedris Abdulkareem. He is a Nigerian hip hop artist and record producer. His father was from Osun

Denise Chaila

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

Zambia’s rapper, singer, and poet Denise Chaila is a 27-year-old woman who is Irish and Zambian from Chikankata, Zambia. At the age of three, she

Dip Doundou Guiss, #FreeSenegal

Feb 2, 2022 1 Min read

Senegalese Rapper Dip Doundou Guiss shook the country of Senegal with his song #FreeSenegal. The rapper spoke about pertinent issues surrounding the Senegalese government at

Negro Bey’s “Pandemia”: A Moving Tribute to Africa’s Covid-19 Victims

Feb 1, 2022 2 Min read

By: Diego Austin Negro Bey’s song “Pandemia” tackles the effects of Covid-19 in Equatorial Guinea, and Africa in general, as cases were rising in May

MACKY 2

Feb 1, 2022 1 Min read

Mulaza Kaira, known as Macky 2, was born on October 10, 1984 in Luanshya, Zambia. Macky is an award-winning Zambian musician, singer, songwriter, and producer.

Healing Anthems

Jan 27, 2022 2 Min read

Happy New Year to all! As we move through January, most of us are feeling this Venus retrograde mixed with this Mercury retrograde. Pardon my

Mex Cortez’s Monsoon Winds

Dec 14, 2021 2 Min read

Monsoon Winds, the debut album of Mex Cortez, will easily become heavy rotated through your playlists, as it has in mine! To begin, a monsoon

Conversations with African Women Artists

Dec 8, 2021 0 Min read

This is a clip of a few of the conversations that we have had with African women MCs around the world. In addition to these

HHAP Ep. 74: Fid Q on Hip Hop, Language, & Culture in Tanzania

Dec 7, 2021 1 Min read

In this episode of Hip-Hop in Africa Podcast, have a long-awaited interview with Tanzanian artist, Fid Q. The conversation begins with a discussion of Fid

Queen of the South Reigns On

Nov 26, 2021 2 Min read

Queen of the South. When I first came across this album, I was so excited. After the success of Dobale, the diaspora was excited to

HHAP Ep 73: A Discussion on Race and Identity in South African Hip Hop

Nov 12, 2021 1 Min read

In part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Sipho Sithole, he discusses the regional differences in South African hip hop. He talks about the hip

Little Simz: The Musical

Nov 10, 2021 2 Min read

OK GUYS. A cinematic masterpiece. Sometimes I Might Be Introvert by Little Simz is a cinematic masterpiece. You know those tiktoks that give you daily

Bring Out the Henny For ENNY

Oct 29, 2021 2 Min read

Chronicles of an average college student. I had a kickback at my apartment with my roommate and a few of our friends. I took this

CFP: Politics of Language in African Hip Hop

Oct 20, 2021 2 Min read

The question of language in African literature was debated in the 1960s and 1970s. At the heart of the debate was: who qualifies as being

HHAP Ep 72: A Conversation on South African Popular Music with Sipho Sithole, p. 1

Oct 4, 2021 1 Min read

Dr. Sipho Sithole is a Research Fellow at the Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study (University of Johannesburg) and holds a PhD in Anthropology, a B.Sc

HHAP EP 71: Multiple Diaspora Cultural Experiences Influencing the Creativity of Sampa the Great

Aug 4, 2021 1 Min read

Born in Zambia, Sampa the Great lived in the United States, Australia, and Botswana. With multiple African and Diaspora experiences, her music and style are

HHAP Ep 70: Xidus Pain on the UK rap scene and being a hip hop educator

Jul 1, 2021 1 Min read

Xidus Pain is a Zimbabwean artist who grew up in the UK. He’s based in London MC who has been involved and influenced by the

HHAP EP. 69: Industry Vet Buddha Blaze on the nature of the music industry in Kenya and Beyond

Jun 5, 2021 1 Min read

Buddha Blaze is a Kenyan blogger, podcaster, and music industry insider with over 20 years of experience. He has worked throughout the continent and the

HHAP Ep. 68: Edem, On Navigating the Music Industry in Ghana

May 11, 2021 1 Min read

In this episode, Ghanaian hip hop & hiplife artist Edem talks about the music industry in Ghana and the popularity of Afrobeats. Edem also talks

Contemporary African Female Artists in the Diaspora

May 7, 2021 4 Min read

As the prominence of African hip-hop artists has spread throughout the continent, so have we seen the emergence of influential artists in the diaspora. Particularly

Reviews by A&K

Apr 29, 2021 0 Min read

In this episode of reviews by A&K — brought to you by Kate & Iriana — we’ll be breaking down our opinions of Ghanaian artist

They don’t mean to brag…Actually they do

Apr 29, 2021 3 Min read

For my mixtape, the theme was South African braggadocio rap. The reason for this is because I felt like it would be a good closer

The UK through the lens of The African diaspora

Apr 29, 2021 4 Min read

For this mixtape, I focused on the modern rap scene in the United Kingdom, more specifically England. All of the artists in the mixtape are

HIP HOP ENGAGED

Apr 29, 2021 0 Min read

Hosted by: Hana, Isata, Linette In this episode of Hip Hop Engaged we will be discussing political and social awareness in Africa. We highlight how

WOMEN IN CONTROL

Apr 28, 2021 5 Min read

Nigerian and world-renowned writer, speaker Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie spoke to the necessity of empowering females and feminism… “We teach girls to shrink themselves, to make

The power of hip-hop: Africas FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Apr 28, 2021 5 Min read

The music industry has dramatically grown in the last couple of years despite harsh conditions faced by musicians on and off the continent. Music is

celebrate the female braggadocio

Apr 28, 2021 8 Min read

From the outsider’s gaze, hip hop is at times seen as monolithic and is trivialized by the outsider’s perspective – labelled as materialistic, unnecessary, and

keep hip hop queer

Apr 28, 2021 3 Min read

For my mixtape project, I chose “Keeping Queerness Visible from Artists of South Africa.” As the world becomes more and more accepting of the LGBTQ+

THE BLAACKBERRY PODCAST – COLORISM IN THE HIP HOP INDUSTRY

Apr 28, 2021 0 Min read

In this podcast two students in the Hip Hop in Africa class discuss colorism in hip hop scenes throughout Africa and the United States. Iesha

5 LGBTQ+ African Artists who challenge heteronormativity

Apr 28, 2021 4 Min read

This mixtape shines a well deserved light on five African hip hop artists who are challenging the heteronormative culture prevalent in much of Africa through

Love’s many representations

Apr 28, 2021 4 Min read

This mixtape collection is going to talk all about love. Hip Hop approaches love in very different ways but nonetheless it comes across in powerful

Female & Southern African Rappers — Putting Themselves on the Map

Apr 28, 2021 4 Min read

A woman stepping into the male-dominated field of hip-hop is revolutionary in itself. Hip-hop was created by men like DJ Kool Herc and Afrika Bambaataa,

Mixtape: Francophone Hip Hop and Political Consciousness

Apr 28, 2021 3 Min read

Hip-hop is at the forefront of political contestation in Francophone Africa, and has been for decades. Too-often unrecognized in the West, particularly in the Anglophone

mixtape project: drill in hip hop galsen

Apr 28, 2021 6 Min read

Rap in Senegal, known mainly as hip hop galsen, originates from the early period of rap’s arrival in Africa in the late 80’s and early

Love is in the air for these SOUTH AFRICAN female ARTISTS

Apr 28, 2021 4 Min read

By Malaysia Robinson Love is in the air for the new upcoming South African female rappers. While the gender stereotypes are now beginning to vanish,

Breaking Societal Norms with the Beauties of Africa

Apr 28, 2021 4 Min read

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIWKhlJkANWnAmsSMzPKUOZX4yRK2cOHW The Playlist highlights a plethora of hip hop styles from the women of Africa. All the artists help break a prevalent and ubiquitous norm

LINEAR NOTE

Apr 28, 2021 5 Min read

The Kenyan hip-hop industry continues to evolve with the many social trends that arise. The appreciation of Black Excellence has recently taken the Black community

A Younger Generation of South African Women Artists and Societal Expectations

Apr 28, 2021 6 Min read

Since the arrival of hip hop on the continent, South Africa has birthed and housed some of the most notable African hip hop artists. As

Namibia’s Finest Ladies of HIP-HOP Mixtape

Apr 28, 2021 5 Min read

Namibia is a country with many talented emcees, especially women. The mixtape, “Namibia’s Finest Ladies of Hip-Hop” features Ghetto Ballerina, Bella Harris, Lioness, RÖMI, and

Mixtape Assignment: the coming of the age of Unapologetic rap by woman in africa

Apr 28, 2021 3 Min read

The representation and presentation of women in hip-hop culture needed tremendous work. For years, hip-hop culture all over the planet has shunned and disregarded on

Connecting Your Worlds: Intersectionality

Apr 28, 2021 5 Min read

I grew up as a military kid. My ma and dad were in the military so even though they were separated, I was always on

Focus on Ghana: LGBT+ Allyship as Queer Work

Apr 27, 2021 0 Min read

We have featured the work of several queer artists in Africa, as well as the increasing number of artists who are allies. This video is

FLy WOmen of Zimbabwe mixtape

Apr 25, 2021 4 Min read

The songs below are just a small number of the female rappers who have contributed to Zimbabwe hip-hop over the past decade. All of these

The Fxckin’ F.A.K.s with Fatima, Ashley, and Kevin

Apr 23, 2021 0 Min read

In this episode of The Fxckin’ F.A.K.s, Fatima, Ashley, and Kevin explore the evolution of popular Nigerian artist, Falz the Bahd Guy. Join us as

Let’s Topple the Patriarchy

Apr 23, 2021 4 Min read

The patriarchy has ingrained itself in all facets of society throughout cultures all over the world. Women from all backgrounds have been subject to overt

HHAP EP. 67: Yugen Blakrok on Spirituality & the Spectrums of Human Experience Found in Her Music

Apr 23, 2021 1 Min read

Yugen Blakrok doesn’t incorporate hip hop’s boom-bap style, she has no interest in being the Queen of SA rap, she does not do trap, and

Welcome to the NEW School: a new Generation of Nigerian Female Emcees

Apr 23, 2021 3 Min read

The history of hip hop has often positioned women at a marginalized orientation. However, this playlist shows that times are changing.

Rap n’ yap: Authenticity in Black Hip Hop

Apr 22, 2021 0 Min read

In this podcast, we talk about the authenticity of black hip hop, specifically in regards to gender roles. We touch on ENNY’s song “Peng Black

South African Women – mixtape

Apr 22, 2021 4 Min read

Mixtape Boity – Own your Throne – South Africa Nadia Nakai – Amai – South Africa Gigi LaMayne – Fees Will Fall South African Female

Mixtape: 1st Generation Diasporic Rappers and Their Experiences

Apr 22, 2021 3 Min read

In their songs all of these artists explore their identities within the context of the larger societies they live in. Subtextually, all of these artists

A Closer Look With L&L – Bree Runway Edition

Apr 21, 2021 0 Min read

In this podcast L&L, also known as Lauryn and Lauren, review Bree Runway’s latest project. Her album, 2000AND4EVA, was released in 2020 and claims to

DUMI RIGHT

Apr 20, 2021 1 Min read

DUMI RIGHT, also known as Dumisani Ndlovu, is one half of the golden-age hip hop rap group Zimbabwe Legit. Zimbabwe Legit is known as the

FLOHIO: WHERE LAGOS MEETS SOUTH LONDON

Apr 13, 2021 1 Min read

Flohio is a rapper from South East London with familial roots in Lagos, Nigeria. With her totally unconventional sound, Flohio uses witty lines and supernatural

HHAP Ep. 66: Kanyi Mavi, and the cultural & Political significance of Doing Hip Hop in Xhosa

Apr 9, 2021 1 Min read

Kanyi Mavi is a Cape Town-based lyricist who is well respected for her creative use of Xhosa to create powerful hip-hop verses. She sometimes raps

Little simz- venom

Apr 8, 2021 1 Min read

27 year old London based Nigerian rapper Little Simz has been making a name for herself in the hip hop world during the last decade

Bas: Bass, bars, and bail

Apr 8, 2021 1 Min read

Bas is next up. Simple as that. Born to Sudanese parents in France and raised in the States, Bas already has the background of a

Omo Frenchie: London’s Rising Afrobeats Artist

Apr 8, 2021 2 Min read

Recognized for its evolving genres, London has seen the rise of Garage, Grime, and Dubstep, amongst others genres, and, most recently, has birthed its own

CHIKA TAKES THE CROWN.

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

CHIKA is a name to remember in the rap game, she is a true talent and genuinely charismatic and funny, and relatable to her fans.

Stormzy and his Crown

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

In 1993, Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr was born in London, England to a Ghanian mother. Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr eventually grew

CHika – “Balencies”

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

Jane Chika Oranika, better known as her stage name Chika, is a 23 year old upcoming female MC from Montgomery, Alabama born to Nigerian immigrants.

Olubowale Victor Akintimehin

Apr 7, 2021 2 Min read

Olubowale Victor Akintimehin better known as Wale is an American rapper. He was born on September 21st, 1984 in Northwest, Washington, D.C.. Both of his

“Take care in your dreaming” The Avalanches ft Sampa the Great – The zambian native making musical strides in the australian diaspora

Apr 7, 2021 2 Min read

Sampa the Great is a Zambian hip hop artist that gained traction and success as a member of the African diaspora, specifically in Australia. A

Same Boat – Kojey radical (feat. mereba)

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

“Same Boat” by Kojey Radical, feat. Mereba, explores the difficulty of getting through life, making a name for oneself, avoiding trouble, and most importantly, trying

wale, an american rapper but a nigerian first.

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

Wale gives us a blast from the past on his release of 09 Folarin back in June 2019. This American rapper, was born in Washington,

Ear to the streets

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

Gambian and Ghanaian UK rapper, J Hus ,has his ear to the streets with his song “must be“. Just by listening to the first verse

J HUS

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

J Hus is a young hip-hop artist, only being 22 years old, currently based in the United Kingdom. His rise to fame was in 2016

Jidenna: Bringing nigeria to the u.s.a

Apr 7, 2021 4 Min read

Jidenna Theodore Mobisson, better known as Jidenna, is a Nigerian-American rapper, singer, and producer. Jidenna’s father is Igbo from Nigeria. Although born in Wisconsin Rapids,

Vossi Bop Ft. Stormzy

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

The song Vossi Bop by Stormzy and artistic state to and representation office urban culture is for Black people in the U.K. The song gained

From CONGO TO LONDON

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

By: Malaysia Robinson The UK needs to keep an eye out for this African talent! Born in Congo, rapper Omo Frenchie has became well known

Bas and the internationalization of hip-hop

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

Bas, a New York City-based rapper with French roots and Sudanese parents, is a prominent member of the American hip-hop scene. He has contributed to

“Peng black girls” cultural representation

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

English rapper, singer and songwriter Enny (who is of Nigerian heritage) is best known for her 2020 single “Peng Black Girls”. This single and music

Nata, US/Sierra Leone

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

Nata, known as Rap’s Sweetheart, is a new up-and-coming artist of the African diaspora. She was born in the Bronx, New York, and raised in

BAS

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

By: Jude Kouassi Abbas Hamad more commonly known as Bas, is a Sudanese rapper that is based in Queens, New York. He was born of

Thutmose, The alt diasporic star

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

It was interesting to see Thutmose on the list of artists to write about because he came up on my own listening. He was featured

Bree Runway, Your New Fave

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

Bree Runway, born Brenda Wireko Mensah, is a 28 year old musician skilled in both singing and rapping. Originally hailing from Ghana, the artist grew

Olubowale Victor Akintimehin

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

Wale’s 2019 album titled “Wow…That’s Crazy” is a perfect representation of how he lives in-between his Nigerian and American identities. The first song, “Sue Me”,

aminÉ: The king of duality

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

Adam Aminé Daniel, known as Aminé, is a first-generation American rapper that was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He is the son of Ethiopian

Afro b- Condo

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

African native musicians have been and are currently taking the world by storm with their personal renditions of keeping the African culture alive and well

Roots that made me- Amine

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

Amine is a Ethiopian/Ertriean-American Grammy and BET hip hop awards nominated rapper and songwriter. His career skyrocketed when he released “Caroline” in 2016 it was

Dope KNife–Extra Dope

Apr 7, 2021 2 Min read

Born in 1984 in Liberia, Dope Knife, Kedrick Mack, was born to his Diplomat father and his Liberian mother. He spent his youth traveling, having

Maxo Kream’s 8 Figures

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

Maxo Kream, born Emekwanem Ogugua Biosah Jr., is known for his personal bars and relentless flow. He attacks beats with energy and intensity. Maxo Kream,

Sampa The Great’s Representation of Blackness in “Final Form”

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

Sampa The Great raps about the process of growth in her 2019 song “Final Form.” The Zambian Australian rapper includes references to ‘Black Power’ and

CHika – Fairytales

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

Instagram: @chikalogy Twitter: @oranicuhh Jane Chika Oranika, also known as Chika, is a twenty-four-year-old American rapper, model, and songwriter. She was born and raised in

AMINE: ROOTS AND BEING IN LIMBO, THE FIRST GENERATION EXPERIENCE

Apr 7, 2021 3 Min read

For many in the United States, Amine represents a story much like their own. The talented Portland-based rapper’s roots lie in Ethiopia and Eritrea, making

Aminé: The son of ETHIOPIAN immigrants who made it big

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

Aminé is an American rapper who is the son of Eritrean-Ethiopian immigrants. His parents moved to the United States in the 1990s, where both of

Skepta: A one of a kind grime Icon till eternity

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

His name is Joseph Junior Adenuga, but people know him as Skepta. And anyone who even slightly pays attention to the hip-hop scene knows Skepta.

How well do we know Ms Banks?

Apr 7, 2021 2 Min read

Representing Southeast London, Thyra (pronounced “Tyra”) Oji (Ms Banks) is a Nigerian and Ugandan rapper elevating the United Kingdom’s hip hop scene. Banks began her

Rwanda to France

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

For the blog post, I was told to find an African artist based outside of Africa. For Rwandan artists, the artist pool was huge. There

Little Simz – 101FM

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

Simbiatu ‘Simbi’ Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, otherwise known by her stage name Little Simz, is a British rapper, singer, and actress. The 27 year old rapper

Abbas Hamad Better known by his stage name “Bas”

Apr 7, 2021 1 Min read

Abbas Hamad (born the 27th of May, 1987), better known by his stage name Bas, is a Sudanese artist from Queens, New York. With a

AWA Khiwe: making waves from zimbabwe to germany

Apr 7, 2021 2 Min read

AWA Khiwe is making an impact on the Zimbabwe rap scene. Ensuring that not only her culture is acknowledged for its beauty, but that it

Out with the old, in with the New

Apr 6, 2021 1 Min read

The artist Stormzy originally named Michael Omari was born in London but his parents are originally from Ghana. His song Rainfall speaks to those who

Diaspora through a Different Lens: Stormzy’s incredible lyricism and visual imagery in “Superheroes”

Apr 6, 2021 2 Min read

Whether in the continent or afar, the rhythm of African music lives through every African person. The impact of African music is prodigious and influences

Stomrzy “Superheroes”

Apr 4, 2021 1 Min read

Stormzy is a Ghanain rapper based in the United Kingdom. Stormzy’s Superheroes was released on September 9, 2020 shortly after the Black Lives Matter protests

“Johnny” FALZ

Apr 3, 2021 1 Min read

Falz is a Nigerian rapper, actor, and director known for his versatility and distinct wordplay in his rhymes. He is also known as the son

Wake up justice

Apr 2, 2021 1 Min read

Up and coming Ugandan rapper Rachael M speaks to equity and equality for young girls within Uganda. Rachael is a dancehall and reggae artist originally

Confronting The Representation of African women- 3 Artists Changing the Narrative through song

Mar 31, 2021 1 Min read

African women are often grossly misrepresented by the media and pop culture, the narratives established since colonialism often find their way into the way African

Kikky Badass the “Party Queen”

Mar 30, 2021 2 Min read

Kikky Badass is making waves in the Zimbabwean rap scene with her new album “Bloodline.” This album is a collection of beats for you to

Ivorian Doll

Mar 29, 2021 1 Min read

By: Jude Kouassi Ivorian Doll, also known as Vanessa Mahi is an up and coming German-born English rapper with Ivorian heritage. She has taken the

Grind

Mar 25, 2021 1 Min read

Her name is Ghetto Ballerina and if that does not tell you everything you need to know about this multi-faceted virtuosa from Namibia then I

Let loose, let live

Mar 25, 2021 2 Min read

Angell Mutoni sets herself apart, no doubt. From the extra “L” in her stage name, Angell, to the fusion of hip hop and Afrobeats in

Cleo Ice Queen – the ‘sensation’-al Challenge to Gender Stereotypes

Mar 24, 2021 2 Min read

Cleo Ice Queen is a hip-hop artist, radio and television personality born in Zambia in 1989. With an impressive career in all three spaces, she

AFRICAN WOMEN IN HIP-HOP: L.I.B INFAMOUS MC CARO

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

MC Caro is among Liberia’s upcoming female rappers venturing the music industry. In 2020, MC Caro released her single Don’t Ask Me which is among the different

fico como ft. liriany – Elisabeth Ventura

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

It is known that becoming a successful female MC on the continent of Africa is extremely hard. On a continent that has patriarchy and toxic

Cleo Ice Queen – Forever ft. Jah Prayzah

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Cleo Ice Queen is a Zambian hip-hop artist who made her first nation-wide hit titled Big Dreams in 2011. She first came into the spotlight

Botswana’s “Queen of Rap” Gone too Soon

Mar 24, 2021 2 Min read

Earlier this month, 27-year-old artist Sarona “Sasa Klaas” Motlhagodi passed away in a helicopter crash. A musician, actress, and media personality, Sasa Klaas built a

Angell Mutoni blesses us with another bop to push through the pandemic

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Angell Mutoni (IG: @angellmutoni.rw) continues to kill it in Rwandan hip hop with her latest release “Pandemic Pack” that premiered at the end of December

MC CAro – “Pull UP”

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Liberian artist MC Caro started her rap journey in the underground scene of Liberia. As a Monrovia native, Caro masterfully fits into Liberia’s native style

Elohor Eva Alordiah

Mar 24, 2021 2 Min read

Elohor Eva Alordiah aka Eva Alordiah is a Nigerian rapper from Delta State, Nigeria. Eva’s mother introduced her to music at a young age. Eva’s

The Queen of Hip Hop

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Lady Slyke has commonly been recognized as “Uganda’s Queen of Hip Hop.” The Uganda native born Sharon Bwogi, began rapping at the age of 13

Ask the birds in cairo

Mar 24, 2021 2 Min read

Felukah is a major hip-hop artist hailing from Egypt. She was born Sara El Messiry right outside of Cairo, which is considered almost a Middle

Egypt’s young and beautiful felukah

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

By: Malaysia Robinson Egypt’s new female rapper is one to remember. Sara El Messiry, also known as the young and beautiful rapper, Felukah, has had

a hit for the summer

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

As the weather gets hotter and summer time approaches the music that artists put out begin to emulates the coming season. It talks about fun

J Flow Repping Women in the Lib

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Josephine A. Wisseh, more popularly known as J Flow, is a Liberian hip hop and hipco artist. She first got her start dancing on the

Abena Rockstar: “Commas and Karma”

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Abena Rockstar is a Ghanian rapper and songwriter from Kumasi. She released a debut album, the Harvest Season LP, in March 2019. The music video,

Writing Her Own Story, Mynda Guevara

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Born to Cape Verdean parents, Mynda Guevara is one of the most popular artists to come out of Cova da Moura, Portugal. With a local

“Girl Power” by Mina la voilée

Mar 24, 2021 2 Min read

“Girl Power”, by Mina la Voilée, preaches tough feminism, women’s empowerment, and just an overall sense of badass rhymes and flow in a short but

Back Back- Lola Monroe

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Lola Monroe is a rapper, model, actress, entrepreneur, and mother from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Lola describes herself as a “boss lady, health advocate, and self-love

Mz Kiss Reminds You Who’s the Hottest in the Game

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

The opening line of Mz Kiss’s 2019 freestyle, “Razz Like Dat”, says it all: “E pa’le mo anything t’e ba ri / Roger, over” [“Cleanup

Find Our Way, a woman’s perspective

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Isatta Sheriff is a Sierra Leonean UK rapper. In her song Find Our Way, she characterizes the ways in which we as society conceptualize the

TaSha For Indepedence

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

This music video I chose was from an artist named Natasha Beckley from Sierra Leone. This song was a freestyle made by her and she

Hottest Homegirl on the Block

Mar 24, 2021 2 Min read

Ghetto Ballerina’s video for “Homegirl” opens up with her and her homegirls fiercely using a car as a prop while some are sitting in it,

Cleo IceQueen’s Message in “Dreamers”

Mar 24, 2021 2 Min read

“Dreamers” by Cleo IceQueen was released in January 2021. It features Tio Nason and promotes perseverance and hope. The song is primarily sung in Black

Lady Slyke & Dj Nesta – I Feel Alright

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Lady Slyke has been extremely active in the Kampala and wider Ugandan Hip Hop scene. She has been rapping since the 90s and continues to

sampa the great: omg

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Sampa The Great‘s “OMG” is a celebration of women and womanhood. Throughout the song, Sampa The Great uses lyrics that amplify the strength, beauty, and

Highlighting Tanzania’s female lyricist

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Though there isn’t much on the internet to go off of for Chemical Flo, a.k.a. Claudia Lubao, her energy and spirit come through very clearly

Freda Rhymz’s Reclamation of the Female Ghanaian Identity

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Freda Rhymz is the epitome of intersectionality as she has found her on niche in Ghanaian hip-hop — fusing Afrobeats with hip-hop, hiplife and highlife.

Ngeke Bengimele – Ghanaian Stallion & Awa Khiwe

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Ngeke Bengimele which translates to “I Can’t Stand It”, is performed by Zimbabwean artist Awa Khiwe. This song, in particular, is a great example of

“FRIEND OR FOE” Eva Alordiah

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Eva Alordiah is a Nigerian female rapper known for her many talents and fierce attitude in all of her music. She’s a rapper, a fashion

Eva Alordiah’s empowering image in Nigeria

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Eva Alordiah, or simply ‘Eva’, is an eccentric image as a Nigerian MC. Eva is a Nigerian born rapper, entertainer, makeup artist, fashion designer, and

Women in hip-hop & Africa: Star zee’s influence

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Star Zee is a multi-award winning hop-hop artist from Sierra Leone’s capital city, Freetown. Born Linda Samai, Star Zee uses her rhymes and influences of

MC Caro: Still Killing the Game

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

There are many blog posts about MC Caro on this blog, and for a good reason. She has been and continues to be one of

Teddy Yo’s love of africa and ethiopian culture

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Teddy Yo is a household name in Ethiopia. His rap career started with a group called the Gamo Boys, a group that launched is career

A Namibian Lioness

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Namibian rapper Lioness recently dropped her new single “Superstar” earlier this month. Lioness exhibits through her song what it means to be a female self

The Discovery of Kikky Badass

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Kikky Badass, is the name of a powerful female rapper from Harare, Zimbabwe. Upon watching her music video for the song “Party Queen” which debuted

Y’en a marre and Coronavirus: Not just the opposition

Mar 24, 2021 1 Min read

Senegal’s Y’en a Marre movement, which roughly translates in casual French to “fed up,” was formed first in 2011 during broad-based protests against the regime

mc sharon: Breaking the silence on women’s lived experiences

Mar 24, 2021 2 Min read

Emcee, activist, producer, and writer MC Sharon has been lending her artistic talents to Kenyan hip hop for the better part of her life. This

Stickin 2 u

Mar 23, 2021 1 Min read

For each assignment we have been given, I have tried to make it a habit to focus my blog post on the women rappers of

Boity – “Own Your Throne”

Mar 23, 2021 1 Min read

Follow on Instagram/Twitter: @boity Boity Thulo is a 30-year-old rapper, actress, and television personality. She was born in Potchefstroom, South Africa, and is greatly known

Mex Cortez Ft Neash- Let it burn

Mar 23, 2021 1 Min read

The song Let it Burn by Mex Cortez featuring Neash is a transparent message from an agitated and opinionated young Tanzanian rapper. Mex Cortez uses

Moozlie: The Young Queen

Mar 23, 2021 2 Min read

Moozlie (Nomuzi Mabena) is a 28-year-old rapper and television presenter born in Gauteng, South Africa. As a young woman, Moozlie modeled for many impressive fashion

HHAP EP. 65: Sugar Emcee on the History and Dynamics of Kenya’s Hip Hop Industry

Mar 19, 2021 0 Min read

Sugar joins the conversations with students in the Hip Hop in Africa class from her home in Nairobi. She was born in Nairobi and grew

HHAP EP. 64: Minista of Agrikulcha (MOA) on the African presence in U.S. hip hop

Mar 5, 2021 0 Min read

This episode features a conversation with Ghana’s Minista of Agrikulcha (MOA). The multilingual, transnational MOA was born in Ghana, but lived in the Ivory Coast

Pro Poor Agenda – Bucky Raw

Mar 2, 2021 1 Min read

This song is called Pro Poor Agenda by Bucky Raw. This song elaborates upon all the injustices and grievances within Liberia. It delves into the

drill in rwanda

Feb 25, 2021 1 Min read

B-Threy’s Nicyo Gituma was released back in July of 2020 features a relatively new genre of hip hop in Rwanda known as Kinyatrap. Pioneered by

Marwen? Pablo?

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

Marwan Pablo was born Marwan Ahmed Metaweh on November 22, 1996 in his hometown of Alexandria, Egypt. Twenty-four years later, he is one the country’s biggest

“this is the light” – Sampa the great showcases unreleased song on systemic racism as part of a live virtual performance from zambia

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

Sampa The Great recently took part in “Black August 2020”, a free virtual benefit concert on the 31st of August 2020. The event, hosted by

Didier Awadi’s “Mama kitoko” (feat. Marie Ndiaye)

Feb 24, 2021 2 Min read

“Mama kitoko” is a 2020 single by Senegalese rap legend Didier Awadi. Awadi was born on August 11, 1969 in Dakar, Senegal. He is of

Skababawara – Don’t Worry About it

Feb 24, 2021 3 Min read

GOVERNMENT HAS ALWAYS MADE BOTSWANA FEEL LIKE THEY ARE NOTHING Atlasaone “ATI” Molemogi On 18 June 2020, ATI released his final album, Skababawara, featuring fellow

“Revelation” – JB D’ General

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

JB D’ General, born James K. Williams, is a 31 year old Liberian rapper who makes up half of the HipCo duo Soul Fresh. JB

Happy Day: Sarkodie

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

I chose Ghanian artist, Sarkodie, and his song, Happy Day, featuring Kuami Eugene. The song and video were released last November. Sarkodie is one of

Atras do Prejuizo – mck ft. Beto de Almeida

Feb 24, 2021 5 Min read

MCK, the well-known Angolan rapper, has been in the rap and hip hop scene for a few decades now. He is always known for creating

Skat Nati’s “Sira” and how he depicts success as an ethiopian man

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

Being a Black man in the world is not an easy task. Even when having the darkest of skin doesn’t make you the minority, it

Remember to stay “Humlidadi”

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

For this blog post, I will be discussing Apollo G’s Humildadi. Humildadi features 3 other upcoming hip-hop artists; (Ze Bula, Ferry, and D Raw Na

“Kings & Queens” a tale of the future

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

Spoek Mathambo latest release “Tales From The Lost Cities” speak of the wrongdoing and social injustices of South Africa. Mathambo refers to this album as a

The Accountability Lab’s Voice2Rep: Creating Opportunity for Liberian Artists

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

Since 2015, The Accountability Lab has created Voice2Rep, or Voice to Represent (and formally Rap2Rep) to bring together the Liberian musical community for good. It

EDEM – Favour (feat. Efya & Sarkodie)

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

The song Favour by EDEM featuring Efya and Sakordie is a tremendous musical message that highlights some essential ideals of Black Positivity. The opening scenes’

RESPECT HER “Akberat”- Nina Girma

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

Nina Girma is a female artist in Ethiopia who has had many features on popular songs. Her popularity has been rising recently as she featured

Revoluxon Rocky: More Than a Name

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

Revoluxon Rocky is a Liberian rapper who primarily makes TrapCo music, a genre that is considered a subset of HipCo and seems to have been

Imagine Uganda

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

Recho Rey born Rachael Mirembe , is an Ugandan Emcee. She began making music at the age of 19. Rey typically makes light hearted, fun,

“Identify Yourself” – Stella Mwagni Speaks to Awareness for Social Change

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

The final two lines of this rap capture the essence of her message to the audience: be aware so that we may unite and make

The youth of Namibia have spoken

Feb 24, 2021 2 Min read

With a track title like “National Address,” it seems like Namibia’s trio, LSD, has something serious to discuss. The opening scene of this video displays

In a ‘ByO state of Mind’

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

Rising Zimbabwean rapper, ASAPH, is making waves throughout his community, truly establishing that he is a force to be reckoned with. A native to Bulawayo,

No be Bahd Guy on this track oh!: Falz and “Brother’s Keeper”

Feb 24, 2021 2 Min read

This song squeezes in as a top pick out of a conscious album with several hits. The overarching message to take away from this one

“As MEn we can” – Jericho’s plea to stop the violence

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

In early October of 2020, Namibia was rocked by surges of domestic violence cases against women, multiple of which tragically ended in death. While the

Dip Doundou Guiss – “Deuil National” #Lesenegalendeuil

Feb 24, 2021 2 Min read

Released November 13th, 2020, “Deuil National” by DIP Doundou Guiss displays the extreme hardships and difficult decisions made by those who decide to leave Senegal

Batistuta: hot new producer/ artist that is changing the game

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

By: Malaysia Robinson Mahmoud Ashraf, also known as Batistuta is known for being one of Egypt’s hot new and upcoming producer who has been accelerating

Kwame Write

Feb 24, 2021 2 Min read

By: Jude Kouassi Kwame Aidoo, also known as Kwame Write is a Ivorian-Ghanian multimodal artist, who specializes in video artistry, music, writing, installations and poetry.

Johnny the “Bahd” Guy

Feb 24, 2021 3 Min read

Falz aka Falz the Bahd Guy is a Nigerian rapper from Lagos State, Nigeria. Even before becoming a rapper, Falz has always been surrounded by

Slap Dee Pays Homage To Zambia in “Mother Tongue”

Feb 24, 2021 2 Min read

Zambian hip-hop artist Slap Dee’s newest album “Mother Tongue” celebrates women, love, Zambian culture and Zambian languages. It was released in 2020. Slap Dee glorifies

Kenny K-Shot: Sound Familiar?

Feb 24, 2021 4 Min read

In my search for new music in the Rwandan scene, I came across Kenny Rulisa, a.k.a Kenny K-Shot, a rapper born and raised in Kigali.

KiddBlack’s TAke on the ghanaian experience as shown through “loaded weapons”

Feb 24, 2021 2 Min read

As a hip-hop artist from Accra, Ghana, KiddBlack expresses the sentiment of struggling to merely get by and stay alive through his single, “Loaded Weapons”.

Catalyst for Change: exploring Okyeame Kwame’s Lyricism and artwork in “COme Home”

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

Social and political issues have become a catalyst for many artists to draw inspiration for their music. Not only are hip hop artists able to

African Warrior By Da Akbar

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

Ugandan rapper Judas Rapknowledge Da Akbar makes an overt political and musical statement with his song “African Warrior”. The song, and his overall discography heavily

How M.I Abaga speaks truth in “And Another Thing! Do not be a groupie.”

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

Unequivocally one of the most iconic names in the game of Nigerian Hip-Hop, M.I Abaga is widely considered to be Africa’s biggest hip-hop artist and

using politics to influence music: DADDY SAJ

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

Daddy Saj, born Joseph Gerald Adolphus Cole, is a rapper from Sierra Leone who uses his platform to call out political corruption and provide hope

Jericho – “As Men We Can”

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

Namibian artist Jericho released “As Men We Can” in his album The Recovery in December 2020. In the song, Jericho makes a call to his

Jay Rox, hit song Jombololo and music career.

Feb 24, 2021 3 Min read

Born Jackson Ngambi Banda on the 23rd of February 1988, Jay Rox is known to the world as one of the finest innovative stage performers,

Asipheli Moya, a resilient zimbabwe

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

The song “Asipheli Moya” by ASAPH, featuring Msiz’kay won the Zim Hip Hop Awards 2020 award for best Best Collaboration. The chorus of this song

Gunman Xuman: Consciousness and History

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

In my last article, I wrote a profile of Matador, one of Senegal’s most important figures at the intersection of civil society and hip-hop. This

Freetown, Sierra Leone: we rise above the dust

Feb 24, 2021 2 Min read

*Song translation- () The song, “Friton we Komot” by collaborating artists That Boy Jay, Icon, Peti_T, AA and Ejatu is a political hip hop piece

The Roles Reversed!

Feb 24, 2021 2 Min read

It’s no secret that Sierra Leone hip hop is predominantly run by men. There is a common stigma in many African societies that women must

GodFather of ugandan hip hop

Feb 24, 2021 1 Min read

Daniel Kigozi Jr, the artist better known as Navio is widely regarded as one of the most prolific East-African Artists of all time. He is

What is your Mode?

Feb 23, 2021 2 Min read

As soon as I played Namibia Kevo Maro’s song “Beast Mode” I was intrigued by the beat as it seems to take listeners to another

WHY EVERYONE HAS AN OPINION ON KING KAKA’S NEW MUSIC VIDEO

Feb 23, 2021 2 Min read

Last week, Kenyan rapper, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Kennedy Ombima (aka King Kaka) dropped the music video for his single with Kristoff “Utanipata” (“You Will Find

Accidentally Fighting Beauty Standards?

Feb 23, 2021 1 Min read

I came across Ish Kevin’s Toto Mtosso and began to vibe with the music. I, then, decided to look at the music video just to

A Valentine’s bop: single – deezy x detergente

Feb 23, 2021 3 Min read

Deezy is a Portuguese-Angola rapper that has been making his mark within Angola’s rap scene since his hit song Stay Strong, where he lyrically takes

Nyota Parker: transcending Nonconformity

Feb 21, 2021 2 Min read

Released in March 2020, Transcend is Nyota Parker’s new single battling conformity in South African society. 20-year-old South African hip hop artist, Nyota Parker frequently

Young Lunya’s rise

Feb 19, 2021 1 Min read

This week on our Hip Hop artist list is Young Lunya from Tanzania. Featured on many other artists’ songs such as, Rapcha and Country Wizzy,

HHAP EP. 63: Gigi Lamayne on Representation & Dismantling Respectability Politics

Feb 18, 2021 1 Min read

This is the first in a special series of episodes being recorded lives with African Studies students at Howard University and George Washington University. The

Special podcast series announcement

Feb 17, 2021 0 Min read

We’re partnering with Words Beats & Life to host a special series of episodes that will be recorded live with African Studies students at Howard

NGA x MadKutz – BDAY ft. vaniny alves

Feb 17, 2021 4 Min read

BDAY is a song that is extremely popular in Angola right now. It currently sits at Number 3 on Angola’s Hip Hop & Rap Charts.

Dear hiphop,

Feb 11, 2021 1 Min read

Ernest Tulye Nsimbi Lupiazitta Zamba, Ugandan legend best known as GNL Zamba skillfully tells the story of his jorney in “Dear Hip Hop”. Zamba fluidly

Daara J Family and “Tchékoulé”

Feb 11, 2021 1 Min read

Since bursting onto the scene in Senegal in 1997, Daara J has been a staple of the country’s prominent hip hop movement. Originally a trio

ASAP Black: The Future

Feb 11, 2021 2 Min read

-William Ross III Simply put as the title suggests, with a little work, ASAP Black is the future of Namibian Hip Hop. Born May 24th,

Scientific- “2020 Touch Down”

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

Samuel Sonnyboy Tubman, better known as his stage name Scientific, is a Ghanaian based, Liberian rapper and songwriter. Scientific was born in Bong County, Liberia

Oumou Sangere: Heart and Soul of Mali

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

African music, often placed into specific categories like, Afro beats, Afro jazz, etc, has mergedits presence into the everyday lifestyle of the average music listener.

Wegs the next big thing

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

Wegz, who was born Ahmed Ali, is a rapper from Egypt. He is from the El Wardian neighborhood of Alexandria, Egypt. He began working on

The Emerging Young Talent from Botswana: Tay Boz

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

From Kasane, Botswana, 26 year old Mogomotsi “Tay Boz” Moshongo is the real deal. With a unique flow and lyricism that almost seems unparalleled, Tay

Eno Barony: The importance of versatility

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

Eno Barony is a Ghanaian rapper and songwriter, hailing from Tema, Ghana. She is known for songs like “Wats Ma Name” and the remix of

Sampa the Great: “Time’s Up” – challenging industry norms and racism through self empowerment

Feb 10, 2021 2 Min read

Sampa The Great serves as a prominent example of a female African hip hop artist that gained traction and success as a member of the

Chanda Mbao – The Final Wave (ft. Skales, Jay Rox & Scott) Video Review

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

“The Final Wave” by Zambian hip hop artist Chanda Mbao featuring Skales, Jay Rox & Scott was released on the 13th of June 2020. The

Timmy

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

By: Jude Kouassi Timmy is an Egyptian rapper who unlike his native counterparts, chooses to rap in English and not the usual Arabic. In Egypt,

Kondwani Kaira Better known as Chef 187

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

Chef 187 was born on the 23rd of May 1986 as Kondwani Alias Kaira in Chingola, Zambia. His stage name Chef 187 has diverse meanings.

THOUGHTS on magufuli Ndo baba by Bill nASS

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

William Nicholaus Lyimo was born on 11 April 1993 to parents from the Moshi region of Tanzania. He was inspired by people like Jay Z,

Khaligraph Jones – Passion over FAME

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

Khaligraph Jones, also known as Brian Ouko was born in Nairobi Kenya on June 12th, 1990. He grew up in Kayole, which is a rougher

Welcome Back Soul Fresh

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

The Liberian hip hop/hipco duo Soul Fresh first started back in 2006. Since then, the group consisting of JB and Shining Man has seen a

Akatsuki SN – “Drill Galsen”

Feb 10, 2021 2 Min read

“Drill Galsen” comes as the second song from Akatsuki SN, a new rap collective from Dakar, Senegal. So far, there is not much to be

Owezzy–Up and coming

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

Owezzy, an American based Liberian artist, real name Omar Bility, was born February 23rd, 2002, making him a young and up and coming rapper. Owezzy

“NO PEACE” – VECTOR THA VIPER’S CALL FOR JUSTICE IN NIGERIA

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

Vector Tha Viper is a Nigerian rapper born and raised in Lagos. I describe Vector’s artistry as well-crafted. He pays close attention to the detail

Leading by example

Feb 10, 2021 2 Min read

Hip Hop artist have emerged from each country in Africa. All of these artists thrive for stardom and success. With each artist also comes the

Ejatu Deen, “Queen amina”

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

Ejatu Deen is a Sierra Leonean hip hop artist based in the United States. She is most commonly referred to as QUEEN DEEN or “Rapper

“Bakae” Boity’s next big hit

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

South Africa’s Boity Thulo’s Bakae from her EP “4436” is the song that many can get behind due to its familiar nature. Boity’s Bakae is a

M.I Abaga (Mr. incredible)

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

M.I Abaga was born on October 4th, 1981 as Jude Abaga in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. The M.I in his name stands for Mr. Incredible.

Matador: From Thiaroye To the world, Civil society in Hip-Hop

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

Senegalese hip-hop has historically been on the front line of the civil society of the country’s political struggle against government corruption and repression. These artists

Jay Arc’s Ninkukunda

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

Jay arc’s “Ninkukunda” is led by its smoothness. The track is very laid back (as is a lot of Jay Arc’s music) and he rides

History of zambian hip hop

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

Rap is Zambia had be used sporadically over time because of its roots in African society. It wasn’t until hip hop began in the late

pain and moving forward: rwanda and Gaël faye

Feb 10, 2021 3 Min read

Only twenty seven years after the Rwandan genocide, the country continues to heal and move past this historic tragedy. This painful historic background has not

Namibian Rapper – Phatboy Lutor

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

Namibia has a variety of lyrically gifted artists, but the rapper that has stood out the most in 2020 was up-and-coming male rapper, Phatboy Lutor.

Zimbabwe’s young enigma

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

Upon looking for some of Zimbabwe’s newest contributors to the genre of hip hop, I stumbled upon Tasha, a young female rapper. Donning a blonde

Apollo G’s “Europa” ain’t all that it seems

Feb 10, 2021 2 Min read

Apollo G is a hip hop artist from Cape Verde. His music has a heavy trap influence and his lyrics are either in Portuguese or

“Kuru”- Skat Nati

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

Skat Nati is an Ethiopian artist whose popularity grew when he released “Sira” in 2018. His genre of hip hop has grown over the years

Brand New Day – Emtee

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

IG/Twitter: @emteerecords Emtee, a hip hop artist in South Africa, recently came out with a song titled “Brand New Day.” Ever since a very young

shane eagle: an artist of promise

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

Shane Eagle, a 24-year-old South African rapper, has only been in the rap game for 6 years, but in those 6 years, he has shown

Meaning Through Music: Sarkodie’s Lyrical Legacy

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

Music is a powerful form of art in which individuals can express their emotions and convey meanings through beautiful, harmonious ways. Conveying such passion through

dancehall Chief, Faze Ya Alimamy

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

Born Fatmama B. Kamara, Faze Ya Alimamy is a Sierra Leone-born female artist who uses her platform to spread positive messages & vibrant sounds that

Monski: Kenya’s Need to Know Rapper

Feb 10, 2021 1 Min read

It’s no secret that the “femcees” of Kenyan hip hop have been dominating the industry and redefining gender roles with performances over the past decade

Because Who SaId SO?

Feb 10, 2021 2 Min read

I know you are probably getting flashbacks of your mom saying “because I said so” from the title. But, currently, it is because Namibia’s underground

thoughts on Few Kings and “The Feeling Ain’t Fear” album

Feb 9, 2021 1 Min read

Few Kings is an award-winning hip hop collective from Zimbabwe. The group is comprised of rappers, Tehn Diamond, Jnr Brown, and producer Take Fizzo. After

“Club Banger” –Curated by Carlprit

Feb 9, 2021 1 Min read

Zimbabwean hip-hop artist Carlprit keeps the club spirit alive, amidst a pandemic, with his 2020 release of “Club Banger.” Whether it’s a special occasion, you’re

Nyota Parker: Redefining “Up and Coming”

Feb 9, 2021 2 Min read

Nyota Parker is a 20-year-old hip hop rapper, singer, composer and artist transcend-ing the South African hip hop scene. Parker’s upbringing in Dublin and Capetown

Omah Lay’s “Bad Influence” (2020)

Feb 9, 2021 1 Min read

by Isaac Yoo Nigerian Artist, Stanley Omah Didia, known plainly as “Omah Lay” has asserted his ground in the genre of Hip-Hop and R&B. His

Sarkodie, “The Masses”, 2015

Feb 9, 2021 1 Min read

Sarkodie’s lyrical hymn, “The Masses” captures the need for Ghanaians to empower themselves through a revolution and find unity in the face of corrupt leadership.

Nigerian officials beware: Naira marley’s “Koleyewon” takes on #endsars

Feb 9, 2021 2 Min read

A call for government reform and a banger, Naira Marley’s new song “Koleyewon” engages with the #ENDSARS movement in Nigeria and the 20/10/2020 Lekki Toll

Miss Girl, Just let Loose

Feb 8, 2021 1 Min read

My assignment for today was to find a “hip hop” video and write a blog post about it. The assignment gave me a lot of

Tanzania’s Hip Hop rep

Feb 8, 2021 1 Min read

Fid Q, one of Tanzania’s most widely known Hip Hop rappers hit the scene again last year in the middle of our global pandemic with

HHAP Ep. 62: Sensai T8 and The HIPHOCALYPSE Fort-Knights Podcast

Feb 1, 2021 1 Min read

HIPHOCALYPSE Fort-Knights was a radio show first produced on the campus of Rhodes University in South Africa in 1999, and made available on podcasting platforms

HHAP Ep. 61: An African Hip Hop Palaver

Dec 9, 2020 1 Min read

In this palaver, we have a lively chat with Ghanaian hip hop/hiplife scholar Dr. Nii Kotei Nikoi. We talked about the hiplife and hip hop

New Single from Minista Of Agrikulcha

Nov 1, 2020 1 Min read

(NEW YORK – October 2020) – M.O.A’s heartfelt single, “Class in Session” provides hope and motivation in this time of uncertainty. This head nodder, which

HHAP Episode 60: The Dope Saint Jude Episode

Oct 1, 2020 1 Min read

Dope Saint Jude is a South African hip hop artist who was born and raised Cape Town. A former Political Science student at the University

HHAP EPISODE 59: Moonaya on Dakar’s hip hop collectives, hip hop Pan Africanism, & Western imperialism in Africa.

Sep 1, 2020 2 Min read

Moonaya is an extremely talented MC in one of the strongest hip hop scenes in the world. A Pan Africanist, her background represents her political

Hip Hop African Podcast Episode 58: The Tanzanian and Diaspora Artists Behind The Lounge Tanzania Mixtape

Aug 13, 2020 1 Min read

The Lounge Tanzania Mixtape Volume 1 is a project that brings together Tanzanian and Diaspora singers, rappers, and poets. The project features artists that are

New Hip-Hop Studies Journal Issues

Aug 4, 2020 2 Min read

There are only a few hip-hop studies academic journals. Two have just released issues in time for fall: The Journal of Hip Hop Studies and

Celebrating Tanzania’s new Generation of Sound: The Lounge Tanzania releases its first mixtape

Jul 10, 2020 2 Min read

Celebrating Tanzania’s New Generation of Sound, The Lounge Tanzania Releases Its First Mixtape and It’s a Must Listen The Lounge Tanzania Mixtape Vol. 1: The

#MOODSWINGS EP PRESS RELEASE

Jun 26, 2020 1 Min read

‪We’re looking forward to the coming EP release #MOODSWINGS by Ghanaian artist Edem, who always brings his own unique style. Along with some dynamic collaborations,

HHAP Episode 57: Octopizzo on Hip Hop, Refugees, and POlice Brutality in Kenya

Jun 15, 2020 1 Min read

An MC, activist, and actor, Octopizzo was born in Nairobi, in the notorious Kibera slums, one of the largest slums in the world. His mixtape

HHAP EPISODE 56: LORD EKOMY NDONG ON GABONESE HIP-HOP & FRENCH POLITICS (Video)

May 25, 2020 1 Min read

This is the video of our interview with Lord Ekomy Ndong. The video was originally posted on our YouTube channel.

HHAP Episode 56: Lord Ekomy Ndong on Gabonese Hip-Hop & French Politics

May 24, 2020 1 Min read

Lord Ekomy Ndong, has been a leading voice in the African hip hop scene since 1990, when he founded the Gabonese group Movaizhaleine. Movaizhaleine’s 1999

In Hip Hop Time: Music, Memory, and Social Change in Urban Senegal

May 22, 2020 1 Min read

Appert, Catherine M. (2018). In Hip Hop Time: Music, Memory, and Social Change in Urban Senegal. Oxford University Press. Book Summary Though Hip Hop has

A Global Africa

May 2, 2020 2 Min read

I thought that trying to capture the global reach of African music would be relatively easy. I was expecting a quick Google search to yield

My Beautiful Twisted Reality

Apr 26, 2020 4 Min read

Although I originally intended for this mixtape to have a positive and uplifting general tone and theme, the current climate of the world along with

Mixtape: In the Pocket: South Africa’s Spittas

Apr 26, 2020 4 Min read

South Africa is almost indisputably leading the pack right now in terms of quality hip-hop music produced on the continent. South African rappers, more so

A kaleidoscopic, stream of consciousness musical tumble down the continent

Apr 24, 2020 5 Min read

“I don’t think of myself as a ‘global citizen’. I am just an [African] who’s comfortable in other places.” – Chimamanda “A new generation

An Introduction to the Feminine Energy in Africa’s Hip Hop Scene

Apr 23, 2020 4 Min read

Women across the African diaspora are reclaiming themselves through their work in hip hop music. The rappers are choosing to express themselves openly and freely.

Political rap throughout francophone Africa

Apr 23, 2020 5 Min read

Political rap is a style of rap characterized by the political dimension of lyrics dealing with societal themes, reflecting both a commitment as well as

Afro trap

Apr 22, 2020 3 Min read

Trap music was established in the early 2000s in Atlanta. The vision for trap music at the time was to be a platform for young

Social Political Rap in Nigeria

Apr 22, 2020 3 Min read

‘Jaga Jaga’, which was released in 2004, tackles the various socio-political problems in Nigeria like social inequalities, and bad government and expresses it as a

Hip Hop and Chill with Ife, Fatima and Itohan

Apr 22, 2020 0 Min read

This is an episode of Hip Hop & Chill with Ife, Fatima and Itohan. In this episode, we discuss Falz The Bad Guy’s latest album,

Hip Hop Hour: Review of God Decides by Tellaman

Apr 22, 2020 0 Min read

This is an episode of Hip Hop Hour with Teg and Liam. In this episode they review the album God Decides by South African artist