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Have you ever wondered who the best South African rapper is? I have and after doing a lot of thinking about it, I’ve arrived at a definitive list. Now some of these rappers might seem obvious until you realize that one of these words is not like the others.

Rapping is not just a profession or hobby in South Africa, it’s a culture. South Africans take their rap music very seriously. With the high levels of crime in South Africa, rappers help express how they feel about the wrongs that are happening in their country. Here are the top ten rappers in South Africa today.

10. Okmalumkoolkat

Okmalumkoolkat is a rapper, producer, and a graphic designer who in fact has worked with Nike before. His real name is Smiso Zwane and was born in Umlazi, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Okmalumkoolkat has been active in the rap game since 2007 and he came to the limelight back in 2013 after he collaborated with Cassper Nyovest in the single “Gusheshe”.

Mlazi Milano” is his only album at the moment which is certified Gold and released in 2016.

Did you know: Okmalumkoolkat is also known as Future Mfana, DJ Sharp Sharp, Smart Mampara, Mlazi Milano Malume wengane.

9. Emtee

Emtee, whose real name is, Mthembeni Ndevu is best known for his debut single ”Roll up” featuring AKA and Wizkid. The single won Song of the Year at the 2015 South African Hip Hop Awards.  He later released his debut album in 2016 named Avery after his son and took home Metro FM Music Awards.

One could think that Emtee’s music career took off fast but that is far from the truth, he released his first mixtape in 2008 title “The Introduction”.

Did you know: Emtee first stepped on the stage to perform when he was just 9 years of age at a talent show in Yeoville primary school.

8. Kwesta

Senzo Mfundo Vilakazi Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, Gauteng and is currently signed to his own record label known as Rap Lyf with Kid X as the co-founder. His Song Ngud featuring Cassper Nyovest went 5x Platinum which was on his third studio album DaKAR II released in 2016. He has also had songs with International acts like Kelly Rowland and Wale on ‘Spirit’ which also went platinum.

Did you know: Kwesta and his girlfriend(now wife) got matching ring tattoos way before they even thought about marriage. Isn’t that cute?

 

 

7. Priddy Ugly

His real name is Ricardo Molo and was born on 2nd April 1992. Other than being successful in Music Priddy Ugly was also been an accomplished Sportsman during his childhood.

Priddy Ugly released some amazing songs from his 2018 album, EGYPT(Everything Godly Yearns Patience and Time) which earned him a lot of listeners across Africa and some great reviews.

Did you know: Priddy Ugly is the first-ever African ambassador for Italian retail clothing company, Diesel.

Top 10 Best Rappers in Africa 2022

6. A Reece

One of the youngest rappers to make it in South Africa. Besides being a rapper, he is also a  songwriter and record producer signed with  Ambitiouz Entertainment in 2015.  A-Reece started his label(RubberBand Gang) after having disagreements with Ambitiouz Entertainment.

His real name is Lehlogonolo Ronald Mataboge. He currently has 3 albums with his latest one dropped early in 2020. You can find all his songs on his youtube channel.

Did you know: While other kids were dreaming of being Doctors, pilots, e.t.c A Reece always dreamt of being a rapper since eight grade. (he achieved his goal, don’t give up on yours).

5. K.O

Also known as Ntokozo Mdluli who is also a businessman in South Africa. K.O came into the limelight after releasing hits with the Hip-hop group Teargas, they released a couple of albums from 2006 t0 2012.

He released his debut album in 2014and another one in 2017 under Sony Music Entertainment Africa. K.O has being nominated for many awards for his hit song Caracara which he released back in 2014 featuring KId X.

Did you know: He was influential in the career of fellow rapper Kid X.

4. Shane Eagle

Shane Patrick Hughes (born 7 June 1996) is best known for his song ‘Way Up’.

He rose to fame after being one of the top four contestants on the South African television show Vuzu: The Hustle, where most South Africa rappers came from. He released an album in 2017 under his own Record label.

Did you know: Meek Mill is his all-time favorite rapper.

3. A.K.A

AKA is a rapper and entrepreneur from South Africa. He also goes by the name Kiernan Jarryd Forbes. In 2014 AKA signed a multi-album deal with Sony Music. He has also opened for Ed Sheeran and 2 Chainz on their South African tours.

AKA  has released quite several albums, as a matter of fact, his 2015 album ‘Levels’ went Certified Gold. Beside AKA being a decorated artist he is a father.

Did you know: His Rap career started back in high school(2002) when he started a Rap group ‘Entity’ with his friends.

 

2. Cassper Nyovest

Cassper Nyovest is one of Africa’s favorite who is popularly known for his first hit songs ‘Gusheshe’ and ‘Doc Shebeleza. The two songs earned him awards and since then he has been getting awards across the world like its nothing. Cassper Nyovest became the first South African Musicians to fill up a stadium with 72,000 fans during his concert.

Did you know: Cassper Nyovest is also a Business Man and in In 2018, he made it to the list of Forbes Africa’s 30 under 30 list.

Top 10 Best Rappers in Nigeria 2022

1. Nasty C

The man of many awards at only 22 years of age, a lot of rappers cant relate. He is not only the Best Rapper in South Africa but also the best in Africa. Besides being a South African Rapper he is also a songwriter and Producer.

Nasty C has been nominated by BET Awards before for Best International Act: Africa and has won many other awards across Africa. He has really changed how we look at the Hip-hop genre here in Africa. Nasty C’s real name is Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo. He currently has albums, Bad Hair and Strings & Bling.

Did you know: Nasty C started his rapping career at only nine years old

(That should go to the people who think Rome can be built in just one day)

 

As far as I am concerned, South African hip-hop is currently in a healthy state. With so many fresh and underrated artists emerging left right and center, it is hard to list who are the best rappers in South Africa right now.

It seems that almost everyone on the lists below has been overlooked, yet we think that these MCs have all earned a special place in SA hip-hop. These lists will likely be updated on a monthly or bi-monthly basis, but then again, we might just leave them as they are for eternity.


Top 10 Best Rappers in South Africa 2022

  1. Nasty C
  2. Cassper Nyovest
  3. A.K.A
  4. Shane Eagle
  5. K.O
  6. A Reece
  7. Priddy Ugly
  8. KID X
  9. Emtee
  10. Okmalumkoolkat

Top 10 Richest African Musicians

Best Rappers in South Africa 2022

 

Top 10 Best Rappers in South Africa 2022

Top 10 Best Rappers in South Africa 2022

MUSIC

DJ PAPPY’s “Offside Trap” Turns Three Lions Belief Into A Chant Ready World Cup Rallying Cry For England

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DJ PAPPY’s “Offside Trap” Turns Three Lions Belief Into A Chant Ready World Cup Rallying Cry For England

UK DJ, songwriter, and producer DJ PAPPY steps directly into football fever with “Offside Trap,” an electrifying new single made to rally behind England, the Three Lions, during this year’s World Cup campaign. Driven by urban energy, electronic force, and a stadium-sized sense of occasion, the track captures the belief, pride, and nervous excitement of a nation allowing itself to dream again.

Built for terraces, fan zones, pubs, clubs, festivals, and living rooms full of hoarse supporters, “Offside Trap” arrives as a full-throttle declaration of belief. It taps into that rare football mood when a country starts to feel something special taking shape, when every tackle, goal, chant, and final whistle seems to carry a little historical weight.

The track opens with a minimal, hypnotic, commanding melody that pulls the listener in immediately. The rawness of the intro feels deliberate, giving each note space while letting the tension build through restraint. It recalls the alluring opening of “Seven Nation Army” in spirit, though DJ PAPPY gives the idea his own melodic texture and personality. There is a gripping, chant-like quality here that football fans will instinctively understand, while the production remains firmly tied to his own energy and modern instincts.

From there, a march-like rhythm takes hold, setting the stage for enchanting male vocals that echo the spirit of the Three Lions’ roar. The performance feels confident, infectious, and emotionally charged, catching the pride of supporters who have carried England through decades of hope, heartbreak, and renewed belief. This time, the feeling seems different. This time, the dream feels alive.

Musically, “Offside Trap” brings together urban hip-hop cadence, electronic pulse, dance-driven momentum, and strong anthemic vocal harmonies. The result lands with streetwise swagger and stadium impact in equal measure.

The hook is where the song fully becomes a World Cup anthem. Big, communal, and hard to shake, it invites listeners to sing, clap, chant, and give themselves over to the moment. “Offside Trap” carries that unmistakable “olé, olé, olé” spirit, which makes it feel instantly at home wherever football fans gather to celebrate.

Arriving as excitement around the Three Lions reaches fever pitch, especially after that heart-racing 3-2 knockout win against Mexico, “Offside Trap” feels like the soundtrack to a nation standing on the edge of something unforgettable. The joy is real. The belief is growing. The chants are getting louder.

With “Offside Trap,” DJ PAPPY delivers what a great football anthem needs: energy, unity, pride, and a hook that stays in your head. It is a rallying cry for the fans, a celebration of the squad, and a reminder that when music and football collide, unforgettable moments can follow.

“Offside Trap” is available now on major streaming platforms.

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MUSIC

Michael M Jeni Turns Heartbreak Into Self Respect And Quiet Release On New R&B Single “Played”

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Michael M Jeni Turns Heartbreak Into Self Respect And Quiet Release On New R&B Single “Played”

Iowa-based Rwandese artist Michael M Jeni returns to his R&B roots with “Played,” a moody, atmospheric, and deeply personal release that leans into vulnerability without losing its smooth composure. The song, the fastest he has ever written, recorded, and released, traces the mental and physical exhaustion of giving chance after chance to someone you love, only to end up caught in the same pattern again.

Heartbreak sits at the center of “Played,” but the song is ultimately about reclaiming self-worth. It captures the moment when someone finally recognizes their own value and chooses growth over the comfort of what is familiar. That shift comes through clearly in the words, “I’m done with giving chances, let me find my way…you’re just somebody that I used to know.”

The production is built around minimalist, slow-burn R&B, with soft, crisp, and unobtrusive beats that leave space for the emotion to breathe. The intro feels floaty and atmospheric, carried by Michael’s rich, lush vocals as they set a silky foundation. The drums offer a gentle head-nod pulse rather than a heavy knock, giving the song room to ache instead of pushing it toward a forced climax.

“Played” moves at a slow-to-mid-tempo pace, shaped by a smooth, swaying groove that makes it feel like a private late-night confession. Its hook is catchy and memorable, creating a lingering, circular pull that stays with you after the final notes fade.

Velvety keys, warm low end, airy synths, and delicate percussion give Michael’s conversational tone the right setting. The lyrics feel personal and relatable because he delivers them with a natural ease, letting the song’s soulful and introspective mood land without overstatement.

Michael sings with controlled vulnerability. His runs and ad-libs are carefully placed, which keeps the emotion raw without turning it theatrical. His vocal identity here is rooted in emotional connection rather than vocal dominance, using melody, harmony, and rhythmic finesse to make the record feel heartfelt, memorable, and widely relatable.

“Too many times you broke the rules, too many times I played the fool, I gotta graduate from this, you’re just somebody I used to know…”

Those lyrics form the emotional core of the record, capturing the painful but necessary decision to step away from a relationship that has become a repeated cycle of hurt. Instead of sinking into bitterness, “Played” turns heartbreak into self-respect, making the act of leaving feel like a declaration of personal freedom.

“Played” also serves as a compelling precursor to Michael M Jeni’s forthcoming project, “KING,” offering listeners a glimpse into the vulnerability, growth, and self-discovery shaping this new chapter of his artistry. Named after the meaning of his surname in Kinyarwanda, “KING” is expected to explore resilience, identity, healing, and personal empowerment.

Stream “Played” here and find a home for it in your playlist.

Connect with Michael M Jeni

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KING TYGUSS turns faith into a battle cry on the commanding new single “Made For This Moment”

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KING TYGUSS turns faith into a battle cry on the commanding new single "Made For This Moment"

KING TYGUSS approaches music as a calling, with artistry that carries the force of Gospel truth. He is the kind of Gospel hip-hop artist who treats every track as ministry, using rhythm, testimony, scripture, and raw emotion to reach hearts inside the church and beyond it. His work feels rooted in something lived rather than performed. That honesty, along with his spiritual conviction, gives his music a weight listeners can sense right away.

A devoted educator, army veteran, and proud servant of Christ, KING TYGUSS returns with one of his most commanding and spiritually charged releases so far, “Made For This Moment.” The single brings together hard-hitting modern drill production and an uplifting Gospel-centered message, shaping the track into a declaration of faith and a rallying call for believers walking in divine purpose.

At its heart, “Made For This Moment” celebrates spiritual awakening, identity, and victory through Christ. The song speaks to those who know they were created for a higher calling, soldiers for the Most High moving boldly through faith and purpose. With passionate lyricism and a firm, commanding delivery, KING TYGUSS reminds listeners that Christ gave His life for humanity, and through Him, believers can begin to understand why they were made and what they were destined to become.

Musically, the record carries as much range as its message. It is built on a dark, bass-heavy drill foundation that grabs attention immediately, driven by booming low-end percussion, sleek electronic drums, and eerie melodic textures. Even with that intensity, the instrumental leaves enough space for KING TYGUSS to move across the beat with sharp flows and magnetic conviction. From the opening moments, the hook locks into an anthemic energy that stays with you after the track ends.

As the song develops, “Made For This Moment” takes a surprising but natural sonic turn, shifting into a glossy, haunting early 2010s pop atmosphere that recalls the cinematic edge of Iggy Azalea’s “Black Widow.” Tense synth stabs, shadowy melodies, and polished electronic details blend smoothly with the aggressive drill framework, creating a dynamic listen that reflects the depth and urgency of the song’s spiritual message.

What makes “Made For This Moment” so impactful is KING TYGUSS’ ability to connect modern mainstream production with unwavering Gospel truth. He brings faith into contemporary sound without softening its message, creating music that feels spiritually grounded while still speaking clearly to today’s listeners.

The result is a soaring Gospel anthem for every soldier of Christ who has accepted the call to action. It is for those living boldly for Him, carrying His message each day, and knowing deep in their hearts that they were truly made for this moment.

With “Made For This Moment,” KING TYGUSS continues to show that Gospel hip-hop can be sonically inventive and spiritually transformative, offering music that inspires strength, conviction, and steady faith in a generation still searching for purpose.

Check this heartfelt tune below, add it to your favorite repertoire, and share it with other soldiers of Christ.

Connect with KING TYGUSS:
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