AFFA is a new and upcoming independent Senegalese-French rapper, singer, and songwriter. In her newest album called Underground Music and Superstar Vision, there are certainly a few standout tracks, but the most popular is called “Diva”. The song is a bold blend of hip-hop with subtle undertones of R&B. AFFA’s flow is dominant, self-assured, and layered with divine feminine attributes. Her lyrics focus on education, confidence, and power; reminding others that if they speak down on her, they are just simply not at her level. 

Most of AFFA’s work is in French, which reflects her dual identity and fluidity across the music spectrum. In the chorus of “Diva”, she commonly repeats the phrase “it is war”; reminding the listener that she will do what it takes to defend her name, honor her identity, and show up for herself. This is an important message to remind women of their autonomy, especially in a world that has often tried to take it away. 

As a woman and an independent artist, AFFA knows how to fight in the industry to make herself visible. She solidifies her seriousness as a rapper in the community by independently creating new ways towards her success. Unfortunately, independent Black female artists often don’t have existing paths laid out for them to easily find success / integrate into the music industry. Her lyrics demonstrate that she will not wait for any path to appear, she will forge it herself. 

AFFA’s visual presence is just as commanding as her lyrics. She has a high fashion, polished, and modelesque aesthetic about her, immediately catching people’s attention and luring them into her art. Her music videos reflect glowing melanated skin, intricate braids and the beauty of the Black community. Her videos share a common feminine calmness and serenity, which contrast well with her dominant, protective, and self assured lyrics. 

“Diva” is not only about ambition, it is about the duality of women. There is a spiritual aspect to the way AFFA frames her music and identity. In her lyrics, she says that “if [she] goes away tomorrow, [she] wants God to be [her] only witness”. She is leaving it all to the master of her destiny, reminding the listener that her sense of self is not built by just her physical performance or appearance, but also the connection to her faith. 

Overall, AFFA is proving that her sound can move across cultures and countries without professional help. With around 22,000 followers on Instagram and upwards of 350,000 likes on TikTok, her social medias reflect her upcoming superstardom. AFFA is still emerging, but she is not small or weak. By presenting herself as someone who is already in motion, with certainty and security in her destiny, she challenges the expectations/standards placed on women in the Black community. She asserts her independence, ambition and authority; refusing to wait for validation from the rap community or a record label. She is worth listening to, remaining an inspiring and powerful force behind her own success.