Top 10 Best Rappers in Kenya 2020

The question of who is among the Top 10 Best Kenyan Rappers has always been up for debate but we promise to settle this here. With the fresh new wave in the Kenyan industry known as Gengetone, we have some new names that have made it to our Best Rappers in Kenya list. Here are the Best Kenyan Rappers in 2020.

10. Steph Kapela

As one of the most versatile artists in the rap game, Steph Kapela comes through with fire vocals and is also a songwriter. With only 7 songs and a couple of collaborations, Steph Kapela has made it to our list and is one of our favorites.

Steph Kapela songs have a little bit of everything in them, from Rap, Singing, trap and even soul, amazing right? Steph is super talented.

9. King Kaka

Born Kennedy Ombima, King Kaka is a renowned rapper, songwriter and Businessman. King Kaka has been in the Rap industry for a very long time and has brought up other artist and given them a platform through Kaka Empire. King Kaka was born on 7 May 1987.

King Kaka’s successful hit song is known as ‘Dundaing’ which has over 4 million views on YouTube. The name ‘Dundaing’ means Partying.

8. Miracle Baby

Unlike many of the Legends on this list, Miracle Baby’s journey just started the other day. He is part of a group called Sailors and has technically made the group relevant after the hit song ‘Wamlambez’.

He is known for his fire catchy hooks and just gives a good vibe in every song he does. Miracle Baby will even be even better in the coming years.

7. Xtatic

Her real name is Gloria Mecheo and has been a great rapper ever since, though she grew her fanbase after she featured in Khali Cartel 2 by Khaligraph Jones. She is also part of the new game and his fan base has been really growing of late.

Xtatic says she did petry before rap and that has really helped her with her music journey. She is one of the best rappers of the new generation in Kenya.

6. STL

Stella Nyambura Mwangi, a very talented female rapper who lives in Norway is the second female that is on the list. She is not only popularly in Kenya but also in Norway for she won the Melodi Grand Prix 2011.  Two successful albums, a lot of songs and collaborations with other artists, made STL one of the most famous artists in Kenya.

STL is also known for singing about the issues that disturb Kenya as a country. Her songs have been used before for an advertisement for Samsung for their Galaxy S9 smartphone.

5. E-Sir

E-Sir was and is one of the best rappers in Kenya we have ever had. Unfortunately on 16 March 2003 he was involved in a car accident on the Great Rift Valley.  He has left behind “a huge musical footprint” due to his impact on his popularity and fanbase during his short career.

Even long after his departure E-Sir is and will be remembered for his music and how he shaped the rap industry in Kenya. E-sir was and is an inspiration to many. REST IN POWER.

4. Taio Tripper

Also known as Matthew Wakhungu is one of our favorites. He was part of the Hip-hop group Camp Mulla which was a major success in East Africa in 2011 and 2012 before their break up in 2013. He is also a deejay, songwriter and sound engineer.

Taio Tripper is one of the most prominent rappers in Kenya of our time, he is super-talented, and has his own unique style, which, made makes him a real star. Taio Tripper is on the road to becoming the best rapper in Kenya.

3. Nyashinski

Incredible Nyamari Ongegu popularly known as Nyashinski is one who can sing love songs, rap and also release gospel songs. He was once a member of Kleptomaniax which was a Hip-hop group formed back in 1999 while in high school which won 3 awards.

The group never broke up but everyone somehow went their own way, who knows, we might hear from them soon. Nyashinski is regarded, and is,  as one of the most skillful and one of the best lyricist in East Africa.

2. Abbas Kubaff

Andrew Kabiru Karuku has now been in the industry for a very long time and is famous for hit songs such as “Tokelezea” and “Tokelezea”. Abbas Kubaff was born in  (8 January 1978) and has been winning awards across East Africa and producing music since 1995.

Abbas Kubaff has been considered as the Best Kenyan Rapper a lot of times. He was part of a rap group that later split in 2005. The rap group was made up of fellow rappers, Bamboo and KC. He has received awards from Chaguo La Teeniez Awards award(2008) and a Golden Mic award(2011).

1. Khaligraph Jones

His real name is  Brian Ouko Omollo and he is also the only Kenyan on the Best Rappers in Africa. Khaligraph Jones was also the first rapper from Kenya to win awards and be internationally recognized by the Hip Hop community. Khaligraph Jones is also known for Khali Cartel which is a cypher he produces that showcases new talent in the rap industry.

He has a flow that is as quick as Twista’s (American) or M.I (Nigerian) and with this, he has gained a huge following with a lot of loyal fans. He first came to light in 2009 when he participated in the 2009 Channel O MC Africa Challenge and reached the finals. Khaligraph Jones is the Best Kenyan Rapper of all time.

Khaligraph Jones also won the SoundCity MVP award for best hip hop act early this year going against some Hip-hop Legends in Africa. The son ‘Leave me alone’ got him the award.

Top 10 Best Kenyan Rapper in 2020

1. Khaligraph Jones
2. Abbas Kubaff
3. Nyashinski
4. E-Sir
5. Taio Tripper
6. STL
7. Xtatic
8. Miracle Baby
9. King Kaka
10. Steph kapela