South African hip hop has evolved significantly since its emergence in the 1980s and 90s, giving rise to generations of talented and fearless rappers. These artists have not only shaped the local music scene but have also contributed to the global proliferation of African rap. Here's a look at some of the best South African rappers who are currently dominating the game.
The Pioneers and Trailblazers
Going back to the 1990s, and possibly into the late 1980s, South African hip hop artists began to emerge and start the construction of South African rap and hip hop music. Groups like Prophets of Da City are some of the first artists who began the development of rap and hip hop in South Africa during the 1990s.
AKA
Perfecting the art form of hip-hop as far back as the 2000s, AKA became a trailblazer and one of the most accomplish rappers from South Africa. He was introduced to the mainstream when he released “Victory Lap” in 2011, a chart-topping single that preceded his debut album Altar Ego. Making his introduction with his first album Altar Ego in 2011. AKA holds the record for being the first South African rapper with a platinum-selling album.
His list of accomplishments include diamond and platinum selling albums, like Levels and Touch My Blood, and winning several awards. “South African hip hop artist AKA, also known as the Supa Mega, has spent the last ten years pushing the boundaries in the African hip hop scene with a series of killer albums and singles such as Sweet Fire, All Eyes on Me (feat. Burna Boy, Da L.E.S.
K.O
A veteran in the game, K.O has been influential in shaping the landscape of the local hip-hop scene. He soon formed the group “Teargas” who left behind a huge legacy in South African music with four classic albums… Debuted in the late 2000s as part of the group Teargas, K.O ventured into a successful solo career with his debut album Skhanda Republic in 2014.
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“Ntokozo “K.O” Mdluli was born in Soweto, Johannesburg. Influenced by Hip-Hop greats at a young age, he began to pursue a career in rap music. His second album “SR2”, nominated in the SA Hip-Hop Awards, brought out a more personal side to his art, having been deemed “K.O’s most candid and personal body of work, showcasing the rarely seen vulnerability of an aspiring Black man in South Africa”.
Kwesta
Kwesta has been a force in the South African hip hop scene since his debut. “Senzo Mfundo Vilakazi (born 11 August 1988) known professionally as Kwesta, is a South African rapper and songwriter.[3] Born in Katlehong, Gauteng, a township also known as “K1″.[4] In 2003, at the age of 15, he and his friends formed a rap group Ghetto Fellaz which then changed to The Juvenylz, same year. His 2016 album DaKAR II was a monumental success, featuring hits like “Ngud'” which have become anthems in South Africa and beyond.
Cassper Nyovest
Since his breakout album Tsholofelo in 2014, Cassper Nyovest has not let fans down. Cassper Nyovest is one of the few rappers who can boast of selling out stadiums. He has consistently climbed his way to the top, releasing hit records such as “Doc Shabaleza” and “Gets Getsa 2.0” as well as critically-acclaimed albums like Refiloe and Thuto. Cassper is rated as one of the most commercially-successful South African rappers to date.
The Rising Stars
A-Reece
Since releasing his debut album Paradise in 2016, A-Reece has been on a climb into the realm of hip-hop prodigies. “Swiftly becoming one of the biggest figures in South Africa’s hip-hop scene, Pretoria-born rapper A-Reece built his career from a young age, releasing his debut mixtape, Forever King, at the age of just 16.
Blxckie
Blxckie has rapidly ascended to prominence with his versatile style. Since debuting in the late 2010s, Blxckie’s style has consisted of elements of trap, hip-hop, and local South African musical influences.
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Costa Titch
Costa Titch made an explosive entry into the South African music scene with his hit single “Nkalakatha” in 2019, redefining the boundaries of Amapiano and hip-hop. His music quickly earned him a spot among the top South African rappers.
Emtee
Emtee has been impacting the South African hip-hop scene since he burst onto the scene with his hit single “Roll Up” in 2015.
Lucasraps
Lucasraps has been making a name for himself since his breakthrough with the single “Ah ah ah ah.” Debuting during the late 2010s, Lucasraps has shown a promising potential to be one of the new leaders in the genre.
Nasty C
Debuting during the early 2010s, Nasty C would released several songs and mixtapes before dropping his freshman album, Bad Hair, in 2015. “Born Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo, the 21-year-old rapper is also aptly known as The Coolest Kid in Africa. He takes this role seriously because, as he says: “I never chase the dream, I design it.” - In 2017, Nasty C took home the Record of the Year gong at the South African Music Awards for his anthemic song, Hell Naw. Ever since he has consistently been a standout artist in Africa’s hip-hop scene.
The Female Forces
Gigi Lamayne
Being one of the leading ladies, Gigi Lamayne is known for her groundbreaking achievements.
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Nadia Nakai
Since her debut in the 2010s, Nadia has broken barriers for female rappers, earning the nickname “Bragga” for her confident and assertive rap style. Born to Zimbabwean parents, Nadia Nakai made a name for herself as a rapper when she released her popular single “Naaa Mean” in 2016. Her 2019 album Nadia Naked showcased her versatility as an artist, blending hip-hop with afrobeats and trap sounds. She has featured on tracks with several rappers all over Africa including Cassper Nyovest and Ice Prince, and is reputed as one of the leading female rappers in Africa.
Aside from being a famous rapper, Nadia Nakai is also a TV personality that has hosted several shows.such as Yo! MTV Raps South Africa on MTV Base.
Sho Madjozi
With a vibrant and colorful presence in the South African music scene, Sho Madjozi has brought listeners a blend of Tsonga culture and music with contemporary hip-hop and afro-pop sounds. Sho Madjozi carved a path for herself in the rap biosphere with a refreshing blend of Tsonga and English. Her music and fashion styles both incorporate Tsonga, giving her an eccentric image that strongly resonates with her audience.
The Unconventional Artists
Okmalumkoolkat
While going against the grain, Okmalumkoolkat styles of hip-hop, electronic music, and traditional Zulu influences have in everyone’s view.
Priddy Ugly
Priddy Ugly stands out since stepping into the spotlight during the mid-2010s, with the project You Don’t Know Me Yet. The release of his album E.G.Y.P.T in 2017 further solidified his talent, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Shane Eagle
Shane Eagle is a visionary in the South African rap scene. With the release of the classic Yellow in 2017, Eagle became one of the leading voices of his generation.
Stogie T
Stogie T, formerly known as Tumi from the Volume, is a revered figure in the South African hip-hop scene. He has worked with a number hip-hop legends from the United States, including Dead Prez, Styles P, Immortal Technique, and others.
“Tumi Molekane (born 16 August 1981) is a Tanzanian-born South African rapper and poet. He was the lead vocalist of Tumi and the Volume, that was officially disbanded in 2012.
Tshego
A little of R&B mixed in with a little of rap, Tshego has the caught eyes of music fans since his emergence during the 2010s. His versatility spans across a variety of genres, making him a standout artist.
YoungstaCPT
Narrating the landscape of South Africa, YoungstaCPT made his introduction as a South African rapper during the mid-2010s.
Zakwe
Coming out of the Durban region, Zakwe is a veteran MC in the South African hip-hop scene.
These South African hip-hop artists are taking over the game right now. Looking for some new music to fall in love with?
South African Hip Hop Awards (SAHHA)
The South African Hip Hop Awards (commonly abbreviated as SAHHA) are an annual hip hop award ceremony, that celebrates achievements within the South African hip hop culture, established in 2012. It is presented by Ritual Media Group (RMG) and celebrates great achievements within the local hip hop culture by focusing on how the past has shaped the phenomenon called "SA Hip Hop". The awards are presented annually, and are broadcast live on SABC.
The very first ceremony was held at Alex Theatre in Braamfontein, Johannesburg and then moved to the Gold Reef City Lyric Theatre, Johannesburg. As of the 4th SAHHAs, in 2025, there are a total of thirty-one categories awarded.
Nominations are made in accordance to an album release and image of a band or an individual. Winners receive a statue called "The Pyramid".
Award Categories
- Best Digital Sales awarded based on the total units sold, streamed, or shipped to retailers.
- Video of the Year is given to the most popular music video released the same or previous year of the year the awards are handed out. The award is only given to the performing artist(s) or group in the video.
Eligibility and Nomination Process
As per the committee guidelines, only citizens and permanent residents of South Africa are eligible for a nomination. Entries are made online and a physical copy of the work is sent to the SAHHAs.
Once a work is entered, reviewing sessions are held, involving the advisory board, to determine whether the work is entered in the correct category and with the exception of the Honorary award and Song of The Year award, using their expert knowledge and prior artist acknowledgements and achievements so that they can be judged on merit.
The resulting lists of eligible entries are circulated to Voting Members, each of whom may vote to nominate in the general fields (Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Freshman) and in no more than nine out of 30 other fields on their ballots. The five recordings that earn the most votes in each category become the nominees.
Controversies
At the 1st South African Hip hop Music Awards, hip hop artist AKA released a statement distancing himself from the event because of a lack of communication and mismanagement, because he had eight nominations he felt that he should have been asked to perform at the event something which was meant specifically to promote the genre he represented mostly.
In 2014, rapper K.O and Kid X had effectively been excluded from the nomination list of the 2014 South African Hip Hop Awards. It was thought that the duo were snubbed despite their single garnering one million views on YouTube and blazing local charts for weeks on end.
The 7th annual ceremony which took place on Wednesday, the 19th of December at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City, Johannesburg.
