Since 2015, South African hip hop is holding down the whole African the hip-hop community. It has surpassed its counterparts from anglophone countries like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and others.
The fan following on the SA hip-hop scene is very vibrant, with rappers gradually taking the lead in their music industry. Here is a list of the best South African Rappers in 2018. Make sure you drop a comment at the end of this post to let us know what you think.
Top 7 South African rappers in 2018
1. Cassper Nyovest
Arguably the hottest rapper in Africa right now, Cassper has attained the highest of heights, that even top rappers envy. With three smoking hot studio albums (some gold, some platinum) to his name, he boasts of some of the most critically acclaimed projects ever released in Africa hip hop.
The MC blew off when his 2015 single “Mama I Made It”, took over the airwaves. And since then it’s been hit upon hits. His 2017 jam “Tito Mboweni”, was one of Africa’s best singles of the year, ranking with Wizkid’s “Come Closer” and Davido’s “IF.” A feat that only few rappers could acheive in that calendar year. Not even the crossover ones.
In December 2017, the man filled up FnB stadium with an estimated audience of 68K. Wawu!!! Which other south African rapper has done this? And now he’s even planning to fill up the Mahbida in Durban. Let’s see how that goes.
2. AKA
This rapper topped Africa’s hottest MC list in 2015. And there is no doubt, he is one of those veterans who have taken African hip hop to the height it is now.
He’s got a superb flow, and delivery that can make you trip. AKA has been dropping hits from way back, he is one of the most consistent on the scene.
Born Kiernan Jarryd Forbes, the now 30-year-old emcee became popular at a young age in 2002, when “Entity” a group he was part of made a hit; “Touch N Go”.
3. Nasty C
Born on the 11th of Febuary in 1997, Nasty is just 20. But he is following Cassper and AKA closely and if care is not taken, Nasty might be overtake these guys in a short time.
Signed to Mabala Noise, the rapper, whose real name is Joshua Ngcobo is one of those “trappers” ruling the New Wave. With a switched-up and unique flow, Nasty is one of the best. And yeah, he’s the future of African hip-hop.
From his “Juice Back” to his verse on Davido’s “Coolest Kid in Africa” to his freestyle on Sway In The Morning, his amazing “Mad Over You” cover, to his Coke Studio jam, “Said” with Runtown, Nasty has proved himself time and again. He is one of the best South African Rappers in 2018.
4. Emtee da Hustla
Real name Mthembeni Ndevu, Emtee rose to prominence when he dropped “Roll Up”. The remix which featured fellow SA rapper AKA, and Africa’s biggest pop sensation, Wizkid was even bigger across Africa. But, before then, Emtee had been big rapper in South Africa. In 2010, when he collaborated with Maraza on “In It To Win It” and scored a National hit.
The 25-year-old rapper has two acclaimed albums, Manando (2017) and Avery (2015) to his credit, and many hit singles. Kudos!
5. Kwesta
Born Senzo Mfundo Vilakazi; Kwesta is one of the hottest rappers in South Africa in 2018. The Gauteng-born MC performed at the 2010 World Cup ceremony alongside Kelly Rowland. And he has scored numerous Awards on his shelf.
His flow lyrical ability is something to write about. He is one of the few South African rappers that actually get played on radio across the continent.
Since his debut “Special Rekwest” dropped in September 2010, he’s released two chart-topping albums, DaKAR and DaKAR II. His single “Ngud” featuring Cassper is one major breakthrough for Kwesta, as it solidified his elite status all over Africa.
6. A-Reece
Just like Nasty C, A Reece is very young and impressive. The 20 year old emcee has two solid albums under his belt already. He is a new school rapper and I like to call him the head boy of the new school.
With singles like “Couldn’t” (his break-out single), “Mgani”, “Rio” and “Ama Hater,” it’s not hard to know that Reece is one of the hardest South African Rappers in 2018. His latest single “Sloppy” is already making waves all over Africa.
7. Riky Rick
Also known as Boss Zonke, Riky is a well-respected MC in South Africa. The 31 year old’s real names are Rikhado Makhado. He happens to be a famous actor in SA too, who knew?.
He got buzzy when his sophomore single “Nafukwa”, got everyone talking. And recently, Riky Rick, who also doubles as a producer is one of those SA rappers getting the attention.
These are our top South African rappers in 2018, what do you think?
About the author
Tylz Ceazar Yo is a young rap artiste and an outspoken music industry commentator. He writes in a very controversial manner and is known to “never let the sleeping dogs lie”. In October 2017, he was inducted into HipHopHead as a contributor.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of HipHopHead.
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