The dynamic South African rap duo, C-Side Boyz, comprising the lyrical geniuses Jepedoh and Dahoodhope, are thrilled to announce the release of their latest single, “Inani Lay’zolo,” accompanied by an electrifying new music video shot by Whizpix Media.
The new single, “Inani Lay’zolo,” is a powerful street anthem that combines hard hitting beats with thought-provoking lyrics, reflecting the duo’s experiences and perspectives. **Jepedoh** and **Dahoodhope** bring their signature styles to the track, blending intense wordplay with smooth flows. As prominent members of the renowned rap collective Qwellers, Jepedoh and Dahoodhope have consistently pushed the boundaries of South African hip-hop. Their unique blend of thought-provoking lyrics and captivating beats has garnered them a fast-growing fanbase and critical acclaim.
“Inani Lay’zolo” showcases the duo’s exceptional talent and creative synergy, delivering a powerful message wrapped in an infectious rhythm. C-Side Boyz continue to solidify their place in the rap scene with their innovative approach and undeniable talent. “Inani Lay’zolo” is now available on all major streaming platforms, and the video can be viewed on [Platform/Link].
“Inani Lay’zolo’’ produced by Audio Sims is available now on all major streaming platforms. Watch “Inani Lay’zolo’’ On Youtube
Eswatini born rapper and hip hop artist Oriiginelle has at long last dropped her joint EP with renowned South African producer Soduh Beats. This comes after Oriiginelle had been teasing the release of this project all along as she had a profile picture of a blurred cartoon image of herself across platforms, which she only got to reveal as the cover art of the project, today when it dropped. The cover art features an image of herself wearing a cap and holding a fork and knife, while dressed in a white apron to avoid staining her clothes. This imagery perfectly complements the title of the EP: Expensive Hunger.
This release comes after the critical and commercial success of her 2023 project “Metarmophofeels,”. The project proves that she continues to transcend boundaries with her artistry.
“Expensive Hunger,” a 7-track EP, marks a significant collaboration with acclaimed producer Soduh Beats, further cementing their dynamic partnership. The anticipation for this release has been heightened by the drop of two lead singles: “Expensive Hunger” in April 2024 and “Change,” featuring Zulu Mecca, in June 2024.
This project signifies a new era for Oriiginelle, showcasing her evolution as an artist. Her lyrical prowess, ambition, and versatility are on full display as she seamlessly transitions between boom bap, sangfroid, and soulful melodies. The project serves as a potent reminder of the way Oriiginelle can rip up songs with her credence alone as she tightens her grip around the mic throughout the seven tracks.
What sets “Expensive Hunger” apart from “Metarmophofeels” is its more mature and meaningful approach to music. This is evident in the beat selection, production quality, feature choices, and song structure. The project weaves a compelling storyline where Oriiginelle delves into the growing pains of a young LGBTQ woman in pursuit of her dreams. Moreover, Oriiginelle is incredibly limber in her approach to music, effortlessly moving from soulful to boom bap, and beyond.
At its core, “Expensive Hunger” is a profound narrative that encapsulates the sacrifices and challenges inherent in the pursuit of one’s dreams and purpose, particularly as a young creative from the Kingdom of Eswatini. Oriiginelle’s raw and unfiltered storytelling conveys the complexities of losing platonic and romantic relationships, grappling with grief, and reaffirming the worth of her dreams amid adversity. All these themes are masterfully woven into the project’s production by Soduh Beats, which is characterized by gritty and raw drums creating a textured backdrop for Oriiginelle’s verses. “Expensive Hunger” promises to be a musical and emotional tour de force, offering listeners a deeply personal and resonant journey through Oriiginelle’s artistic and existential experiences. The EP dropped at midnight and sees guest appearances from Zulu Mecca, Novl, Ntatao and Toby From 59th. Oriiginelle continues to be a rising star from the kingdom, exuding stellar lyricism and confidence.
Stream/Download Expensive Hunger On Your favorite music store
In an era where Afrobeat is increasingly influencing global music, Yng Ryme and Snowfella are set to release a project that is bound to leave a lasting impact. Their highly anticipated joint venture, “Mendez & Boss,” slated for an August release, promises to be an explosive blend of dynamic sounds and powerful themes.
The Artists:
Yng Ryme Born and raised in Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria, Chidera Chimamkpa Smart, known professionally as Yng Ryme, has carved out a niche for himself in the music industry with his innovative blend of Afro Beats and Afro Alte. His musical journey began in the vibrant city of Owerri, leading to his debut EP “Climax” in 2022, which showcased his knack for creating engaging melodies and profound lyrics. Yng Ryme’s 2024 project “Joromi” further cemented his place as a forward-thinking artist, setting the stage for this groundbreaking collaboration.
Snowfella Wilfred Uchenna Ibeagwu, known by his stage name Snowfella, is an Afro rapper from Imo State, Nigeria. He made his debut with the “Blood and Sweet EP” in 2023, capturing audiences with his unique fusion of afrobeat rhythms and compelling rap lyrics. Snowfella’s music is a testament to his ability to blend authentic storytelling with contemporary sounds, making him a standout artist in the Afrobeat scene.
The Project:
“Mendez & Boss” is a powerful showcase of artistic synergy between Yng Ryme and Snowfella. This project seamlessly blends Hip-Hop with Afro and Latin influences, featuring two standout tracks: “Mendez” and “Boss.”
Track 1: Mendez
“Mendez” is a high-energy Latin Hip-Hop track that encapsulates a life of opulence and resilience. Yng Ryme and Snowfella paint a vivid picture of indulgence, wealth, and power through their lyrics, emphasizing a no-compromise attitude and the importance of financial success. With references to luxury items like McLaren cars and Cartier accessories, and invoking elements of narco culture, “Mendez” celebrates living extravagantly and maintaining an untouchable status.
Lyrics Excerpt:
One blunt One puff Everywhere green Narcos Pablo Esta Vive Money bag on me A million Cartier Mucho dinero ultima mendez
Track 2: Boss
“Boss” is a dynamic Latin Hip-Hop/Afro track infused with Igbo language, capturing the life and demeanor of a true leader. The song portrays a composed, no-nonsense attitude and unwavering confidence. Through vivid references to luxury, influence, and effortless dominance, “Boss” paints a portrait of a leader who commands respect and leaves an indelible impact.
Lyrics Excerpt:
Boss Boss no de Cap much Boss no de Laugh Pull up with dem bad bishes, Left and Right
When boss drop gbedu that gbedu na jam Boss no de brag cause I’m money get mouth
Why This Collaboration Matters:
“Mendez & Boss” is not just a musical project; it’s a bold statement of Yng Ryme and Snowfella’s artistic prowess and cultural versatility. This collaboration pushes the boundaries of Afrobeat, incorporating elements of Latin and Hip-Hop to create a fresh and exciting sound. It’s a testament to the artists’ commitment to exploring new musical territories and delivering powerful, impactful music.
Final Thoughts:
As Yng Ryme and Snowfella prepare to release “Mendez & Boss” this August, the anticipation is palpable. This project promises to captivate audiences with its blend of dynamic rhythms, profound lyrics, and cultural richness. “Mendez & Boss” is set to be a significant milestone in both artists’ careers, solidifying their places as leading voices in contemporary African music. Don’t miss out on this electrifying collaboration that’s bound to make waves in the music world.
A formidable force, a well-rounded creative, an indomitable warrior of South African music culture—this is just one way to describe Riky Rick.
Undoubtedly, there are myriad ways in which creatives across South Africa and the continent can describe the force that was Riky Rick. His impact on the music scene is palpable even today, with numerous new-school South African hip hop artists mentioning him in their songs or incorporating his clips into their work.( think of Ifilimu by Tony Dayimane & Usimamane, Life is Gangsta by Thato Saul , Unoxhaka Freestyle by Lowfeye and LaCabra just to name a few.)
I was fortunate enough to have my own encounter with Riky Rick at an event in Manzini, Eswatini, in 2014. He had just released the Amantombazane Remix, a track hailed as one of the finest remixes in South African hip hop history, and I was thrilled to be there.
I recall a significant disagreement between the performing artists—including K.O, Kwesta, and Maggz—and the event organizers, who had failed to fulfill their part of the agreement. What stood out to me that day was Riky Rick’s reaction. Unlike the other artists, he left the room, stating, “I don’t want any industry politics; I’m here to mingle with my people.” That moment revealed his genuine nature—a selfless man dedicated to the greater good.
To me, Riky Rick will always hold a special place in my heart, not only for his exceptional music and his commitment to uplifting the youth and impacting the culture but also for the way he touched many hearts through his artistry.
One standout track is Papa Song from his one and only album Family Values. This song came at a pivotal time in my life when I lost my father, who had not been a significant part of my upbringing. In the song, Makhado opens up about his struggles with his father, and despite being a young woman, I resonated deeply with his reflections on how life could have been different with a father present.
Riky remains an inspiration to me, particularly for his love for the youth. His willingness to show this love was evident, from standing up for young people at the Metro FM Awards to the inception of CottonFest, and the numerous co-signs he gave to emerging artists like Costa Titch and The Big Hash. Makhado was also one of the few artists to show love to A-Reece after his fallout with his previous label Ambitious Entertainment.
Whether he was making people jump with tracks like Nafukwa, Boss Zonke and I Can’t Believe It (AmaCoins) or showcasing his braggadocio on songs like Sidlukotini and Fuseg , one thing was certain—Riky Rick had the streets and was a maverick who revolutionized South African Hip Hop into what we see today.
Here are a few comments from other industry players and artists about what Riky Rick meant to them:
“I wasn’t really close to him as a person but looking from the outside, you would be inspired with the amount of work he was putting in, what inspired me the most was how he kept on putting people on, that alone inspired me AF, I pray his legacy lives on and people continue to celebrate him.”- Illy The Host, South Africa
“Riky Rick is the reason for South African hip hop growth. He’s one of the only powerhouses in our generation and the previous to put on talent and not hype. He really did want people to listen to the kids, and they listened when he was around.” – Oriiiginelle, Eswatini
“Makhado’s stories and music have always been personal to me, especially the deep cuts in his music. His vulnerability has allowed me to accept that I am human and prone to shortcomings, and this has given me grace in everything I do.”- RarelyJunior, Botswana
“Riky Rick honestly made me believe in the part of my dreams which is making it onto the global stage as an african hip-hop artist. He was one of the few people who believed in new artists or new talent and he gave young people great platforms to do their thing. I certainly would’ve loved to meet him but the most I can do now is be grateful for the hope that he gave me from a distance.” – Amarii, Eswatini
“Riky is one of the best things to happen to Southern African Hip Hop. The thing that stood out for me the most is his support for the youngins on the come up. It was so lovely to witness. His controversial acceptance speech at the Metro Fm Awards changed the game for me. He was right, the internet is where it’s at. There’s so much love and opportunity on the internet and the kids must use it to their advantage just he advised”- Banyezus, Botswana
“Riky Rick was one of a kind man. From his music to his fashion sense and his energy on stage is unmatched, he was truly full of style. I wish I could’ve had a chance to meet him because we shared the same passions for music, fashion and inspiring the youths. I’m pretty sure it would’ve been an epic meeting. But what I know is that Riky Rick is culture and i will continue to push the culture in my own little way.”- Muumba, Ghana
“From his jargon to his flow, his honesty, and the way we witnessed him live his life, Ricky was the epitome of art. The young man possessed vision as well. He provided many budding artists and creatives with an excellent platform. He was an advocate of the business, the lifestyle, and the culture in its entirety. Riky was the model student government representative.” – Mainstream, Eswatini
To honor Riky Rick’s life and legacy on his birthday, here is a curated playlist of my favorite songs by this remarkable artist. WE NEVER DIE, WE MULTIPLY.
On July 15, 2024, Eswatini-born, Johannesburg-based hip hop artist Whoisbabyesco released his latest single, “Ace of Spades.” Produced by 808Sallie and AriaTyX5, the track boasts raw and innovative soundscapes.
Upon my first listen, I detected elements of street or gangster rap, which I don’t particularly resonate with. However, Whoisbabyesco’s raw storytelling beautifully complements the deep bass lines and intricate synth patterns, a quality I greatly appreciate in the song.
Whoisbabyesco’s latest song “Ace of Spades,” conveys themes of power, dominance, and making a significant impact from just the title alone . Given the associations of the ace of spades with prestige and authority, the title of the song aligns perfectly with the lyrical content as the rapper is bold and assertive throughout the track. Lyrics like “I’’m not a rapper that’s cappin for views, tryna get rich as fuck and then fuck money Moche” and “Heard the reason the promoters don’t book you for shows is you tweak off the coke, boy stop playing with your nose” boldly address the competition and show the rapper’s dominance .
The rapper recently featured on the track “iSHUUU” by Dr.Peppa, Cash Khali, and uWang, which was released in May. Whoisbabyesco describes himself as a mysterious and lyrically proficient rapper who uses his music to tell raw and unfiltered stories about his life experiences. The mystery is encapsulated in the “who is” part of his name. To me, WhoisbabyEsco is an artist with an intent to make a strong statement through his music, which he has done impeccably on this one single.
Nigerian producer and artist Mod3st finally unveils his debut album Candy Dreams which he has been teasing for some time now. Now available on all major streaming platforms, this album marks a significant milestone in Mod3st’s career, showcasing his unique blend of Trap, hip-hop and Afrobeat across dynamic tracks.
Candy Dreams features an impressive lineup of collaborations, including Ice Prince, Otega, Chyn, Ebi, Juhkie, and Eemam Khalil, Each track offers a unique sound and story, with highlights such as “Thriller” featuring Ice Prince and the captivating “My Type.”
Mod3st has crafted an album that not only demonstrates his versatility as an artist but also resonates with a wide audience through its relatable themes and infectious Self produced beats. From the introspective “Lonely Road” to the high-energy “Savage,” Candy Dreams promises to be a hit among fans and new listeners alike.
When asked why I’m part of the cast of the “No Mistakes” music video by Grixxly and Amarii, I’ll jokingly say I was forced to be there. The truth is, I left work early that day just to be on set (I hope my boss doesn’t see this). Directed and edited by the acclaimed Director Flex—known for videos like “Thought it was Love” by Amarii, “Stay” by Paige, and “This Thing of Ours” by Amarii—the music video was filmed across various locations in Mbabane including Coronation Park, Yini Loku! and Msakato Street, and at Kobe Ramokgadi Advanced Learning Academy in Ezulwini.
The “No Mistakes” music video serves as a fresh tutorial by Prof. Grixxly and Prof. Amarii on how to NOT make mistakes. In this official music video, the artists take on the personas of Professor Grixxly and Professor Amarii, guiding us through a “No Mistakes” tutorial. The “professors” break down how to dodge everyday mishaps through different scenes.
The lecture scene was shot at Kobe Ramokgadi Advanced Learning Academy, featuring a star-studded cast including Ima Crystals, Sefa, J.D, Jali, Stickx, and myself (Milliswa). In this scene, Grixxly shows up and lectures the class while Amarii hands out scripts to the students, which I believe was an artistic way to show how even in the classroom set up , one shouldn’t make any mistakes.
The scene shot at Coronation Park features Grixxly and Miss T, who hugs the rapper and leaves a makeup stain on his white tee shirt. In the next scene, Grixxly meets up with Ntate S.S on Msakato Road, a renowned vlogger and content creator from the Kingdom of Eswatini, and runs away from him but slips to the ground while trying to escape. When Amarii steps in for his verse, he plays the cool and vigilant zero-stain guardian angel, skillfully preventing Grixxly’s mistakes and fixing each one as it happens.
You may wonder which scene is my favorite in the music video. I’m compelled to pick the one I’m in ( haha) but no, it’s the scene where the lyrics go “I need my bag on arrival without no delay” and the dollar signs appear at the back of the scene. I appreciated the correlation between the lyrics he raps and the money (dollar) signs in that scene .
“No Mistakes,” a song that has achieved double platinum status on my personal Spotify, was released on April 12, 2024. Impressively, it has garnered over 7,000 streams on Spotify in just three months, a significant achievement for an up-and-coming artist from Eswatini. This isn’t the first collaboration between Grixxly and Amarii; they previously teamed up on “Go!”, a track from Amarii’s “From Bremersdorp with Love” EP, which dropped last December.
Upon its release, “No Mistakes” gained international recognition by being featured on Apple Music’s The Nadeska Show.Grixxly appeared virtually on the show to discuss the song and was named Apple Music Africa’s Rising Artist of the Week, marking him as the first Swazi artist to achieve this milestone.
The “No Mistakes” music video was shot by Silverspoon Pictures and conceptualized by Sips Magagula. Make no mistakes and watch the new “No Mistakes” video here:
Producers continue to play a vital yet often underappreciated role in hip hop culture and the broader music industry. From composing intricate melodies and crafting all the musical elements of a track to bringing together artists from various genres and curating innovative sounds, their contributions are indispensable.
A prime example of such artistry is Stickx, also known as DJ Stickx, who hails from Manzini in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Stickx has an exceptional ability to blend diverse genres, including New Age Kwaito, Hip Hop , AmaPiano, R&B, and AfroPop, creating a unique and cohesive musical experience. His work exemplifies the essential and transformative impact that producers have on the African music landscape thus making him one of the unsung maestros of African music fusion.
As a passionate advocate for African collaborations, I felt compelled to highlight the latest release from Eswatini’s own Stickx. His new single, Relaxed , exemplifies the confluence of Swazi and South African musical talent, featuring the exceptional contributions of J.Molley, Port Elizabeth-born Hip Hop artist Dibi, and the legendary South African producer and artist PH Raw X.
Relaxed promises to be the ideal soundtrack for an evening drive through the city or a laid-back session with friends. This single masterfully fuses the energetic elements of hip hop with the soulful rhythms of AmaPiano, seamlessly integrating the distinctive log drum sound with contemporary hip hop vibes. J.Molley’s hook is impeccably executed, establishing the song’s soothing and uplifting atmosphere.
This collaboration is not the first between Stickx (born Lethumusa Simelane) and J.Molley. Stickx produced three standout tracks on J.Molley’s 2020 album, All is Fair in Love & War: On Camera featuring Frank Casino and Riky Rick,Want the Rack$ with Nadia Nakai, and Menace.Stickx’s experience with South African artists is extensive, having previously worked with Don Delicious and KashCPT on Mr. Lonely, Lucille Slade on Velvet and The Big Hash on Alone.
Locally , in Eswatini , Stickx has worked with incredible artists including Lyrikal Busta,K. Darrow, SUPA CDQ just to name a few. His previous single titled Le Party featuring Amarii, Sarnilo, Yung Tmpo and Urban Miles, a beautiful AmaPiano/ New Age Kwaito number, has been dominating the local Eswatini EBIS 2 Top 20 radio charts ever since it dropped in April 2024. The single has also garnered over 6800 streams on Spotify with the visualizer garnering over 2200 views on YouTube.
In a recent conversation with Stickx, we delved into his new single and his journey as a DJ and producer.
Q: How would you classify the type of music you create, given your diverse work across genres such as AmaPiano, R&B, Hip Hop, and AfroPop?
A: The style of music I make is classified by the inspirations I have at a particular moment. Of late the inspirations are African sounds; AfroPop, AfroBeats and Amapiano, I do my best to infuse those elements in all my music.
Q: Which genre do you find yourself most comfortable working in?
A: Definitely AfroPop and AfroBeats.
Q: Can you elaborate on the differences between a producer and a DJ, and which role do you identify with more?
A: A producer’s domain is the studio, that’s where the song ideas are brought to life. On the other hand, a Dj takes those songs and presents them to the people by curating a vibe for them. I identify as both because I love producing and Djing equally.
Q:Your single “Relaxed” features J.Molley, PH Raw X, and Dibi. How did this collaboration come to fruition?
A: During the tale of Covid, we were finalizing work on J Molley’s project All Is Fair In Love and War. At the time, I was also working on a project on the side called Relax , so I put the beat together and got J Molley on the chorus and intro. I then sent it to Dibi and Ph a week later for their verses; they sent those back to me by the end of the month. This was back in 2020. I’ve been working on the production and mixing of it ever since. I’m super excited that we finally get to release it after so many years.
Q: What aspect of your new song “Relaxed” do you find most compelling?
A: Bringing the collaboration together by having PH, Dibi and J Molley in one song is definitely the best part of the release.
Q:How crucial do you believe the roles of producers and DJs are within hip hop culture?
A:Hip Hop began with Dj’s and Mc’s. I believe Dj’s are still a very important component of the hip hop movement, they still get music to the people. Producers came years after, but they elevated the genre to the quality product it is today.
Q: Which African artists are currently capturing your attention? And who in Africa would you like to work with in the future
A: Locally, I have got to say K Darrow. He has a lot of music in the vault. I think the quality of his music and his talent is on another level. When it comes to African music, I would love to work with Kabza De Small, Rema and Tems.
Q: From your perspective, which genre poses the greatest challenge during the music creation process?
A: Ironically hip hop is both the hardest for me to create and DJ. It’s more complicated and ranges in all BPMs( Beats Per Minute.). Hip Hop songs come with all types of tempos yet AmaPiano for example has only one tempo.
Q: Your versatility spans multiple genres. What kind of music can we anticipate from you as the year progresses?
A: The music will vary depending on what is on my playlist and what inspires me at the time but I am definitely looking forward to collaborations with other Eswatini artists, more features and possibly one or two singles.
Hennessy has a longstanding and significant relationship with hip hop culture, thus becoming an iconic brand within the hip hop community. In hip hop, Hennessey serves as a symbol of accomplishment and status due to the luxurious nature of the brand. Many hip hop heavyweights over the years including Tupac, Jay Z and Nas (who unveiled a special Hennessy Bottle last year in celebration of Hip Hop’s 50TH birthday) have mentioned hip hop in their songs. Taking it back to the Motherland, Africa, Hennessy is also a treasured brand in the African Hip Hop soil as African acts mention the brand in their songs as well. From Maglera mentioning drinking Hennessy with some robbers in Makazana (which he actually did and stirred up the social media streets in December), to Tshego curating a whole song about Hennessy and to Touchline & Ginger Trill’s song Hennessy in their joint project, Boyz in Da Hood, it becomes crystal clear that Hennessy has a symbiotic relationship with Hip Hop, even in Africa. (Pardon me, my references are rather all based on South African Hip Hop since I hail from the Kingdom of Eswatini, located in the Southern African region of Africa.)
In 2024, Hennessy continued to be Hip Hop’s beloved cognac brand as they unveiled the 2024 edition of the HENNESSY AFRICAN CYPHER featuring six African rap Gods and lyricists: Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa), Didi B (Ivory Coast) , Khaligraph Jones(Kenya), Sarkodie (Ghana) , Young Lunya (Tanzania) and Ladipoe(Nigeria) on the 26th of June 2024. The cypher is eight minutes of lyrical warfare between acts from across Africa and sees all MCs flaunt their lyrical dexterity over a punchy, heavy bass instrumental. Set in Lagos, Nigeria, the visual scene of the cypher is in a train station garlanded by Hennessy images on the wall staying true to Hennessy’s exploratory, dynamic and diverse brand personality.
Young Lunya kick starts the cypher with a verse that oozes self-assuredness and lyrical adeptness. In the verse, he amalgams cultural references with personal achievements and challenges other African rappers by staunchly claiming that he is not to be underestimated and he operates on a higher level, both creatively and intellectually. This is illustrated through key lines such as “Gifted like I’m Santa, Wise like Mkapa” where he uses a simile to depict his wisdom by seeing himself as a carbon copy of Benjamin Mkapa, a respected former president of Tanzania who was known for his wisdom, and “Muda we ka Vuna, you’ll get what you sowed”, Muda Wa KaVuna is harvest in Swahili thus Luna implies that hard work leads to rewards. What stands out the most with these references is how the Tanzanian uses his wordplay to highlight his cultural pride and indomitable spirit, making him a formidable force in Tanzania and African Hip Hop.
Maglera Doe Boy shows up for the South dressed in a pink two piece, sticking to his signature style and what he does best: painting a vivid and stark image of township life and its complexities. On the verse, he references revolutionary figures such as Tupac Shakur, Steve Biko and Nelson Mandela, making his cypher verse a vivid yet labyrinthine narrative filled with socio-political commentary and personal reflections. Lines like “Fresh up out the coliseum that the dunes with goons” and “Ghetto cataclysms in the algorithms’ ‘ depict the township life impeccably. His verse juxtaposes the struggles and resilience of township living with aspirations for freedom and success as seen on “Dreams of a free people, Yea the name says Mandela signs but if you pay me any mind I am synonym to Steve Biko”. The rapper also reminisces on his childhood in the township as seen on lines like “Momma used to borrow sugar for the tea, daddy say he used to steal sheep” he however compares it to his new found life “herd the whole game bopeep, and I’m at the beach tryna see seagulls, Hennessy for my enemies”. His verse to me, is an enthralling piece jam-packed with historical references that exquisitely capture the broad social issues he addresses. Although I must admit, the verse is too complex to digest in just one take, which could be the reason why it didn’t land on other individuals; however, his cadence was strikingly impressive and hard to miss.
The baton is passed onto Didi B from Ivory Coast who raps his whole verse in French and Ivorian slang, staying true to his culture. Whilst, I am unable to understand most of it, what I can discern from his delivery and tone, is that he asserts his place in African rap history and highlights his authenticity through the verse. What makes the verse and the moment even more perfect is that Didi B became the first Francophone and Ivorian rapper to be featured on this cypher, thus making history.
West Africa’s Hip Hop heavyweight, Sarkodie hailing from Ghana, comes through with an introspective verse reflecting on his journey to stardom. In the verse, the rapper underpins his resilience and liberation. Key bars such as “Came for the trenches my dream was to make it” and “I did this thing myself I never rock with majors” accentuate the Ghanaians self-made status and willpower. On the verse, he also shares some industry insight, highlighting how the music scene has changed over the years through lines like “it’s kinda strange how music has changed from how it was, if I need a verse from my bro couple calls but now I need to speak to some dude cause he’s the boss”, he also critiques the manipulative practices of record labels with “Throw a couple dollars then you caged in a zoo”. I personally believe that his verse is a testimony of his longevity and influence in African rap reinforced by his sharp social commentary and personal anecdotes. Although, I did find his verse to be somewhat underwhelming, which could be because of the high expectations I had of him or rather how he has nothing to prove as he has earned it all.
“We should shoot the next cypher in a church man, every single verse arriving in a hearse man”, Ladipoe bravely says in the opening of his cypher verse. The verse from the Nigerian, is surprisingly the most impressive verse for me and is my favourite . Admittedly, I knew nothing of him before the cypher but going forward I will be watching his career with close proximity. His verse is a tapestry of lyrical adroitness adorned by ingenious and intricate wordplay. With lines like “all these rappers sweet beef tasting like dessert man”, he highlights his grand lyricism and dismisses less substantial competition. His appetite for destruction and success in the African rap sport is evident as he provides insightful commentary on the music industry as seen on “still they base the general success on a popular dozen” where he critiques the narrow focus on upcoming artists. Throughout the verse, Ladipoe is viscerally energized, showing grand credence and ambition as seen on lines like “I’m so guilty holding onto these bars like life sentences, Realize perfection my art and arch nemesis” and “The dream is to stack these notes to falsettos”. From his verse alone, I can discern that Ladipoe is a rapper who raps for art and heavily creates from the depths of his soul as he addresses the superficiality of current music industry trends “Dem dey talk about streams but never come with the flows cause most of the competition displaying symptoms of menopause” which underscores his ardent allegiance to the craft whilst calling out other rappers for having no flows. What fascinated me about Ladipoe is his apparent appetite for success and the aggression he comes with in the game which will make him a force to be reckoned with in the African hip hop scene. The writing is on the wall, Ladipoe came for the kill.
Kenyan rapper Khaligraph Jones concludes the cypher with a verse that displays tenacity and skill. However, I felt his contribution to the Cypher was underwhelming, this could particularly be due to the high standard set by Nigerian rapper Ladipoe , who comes before Khaligraph. Even though his lyrical content was rather impressive, I believe that his delivery and cadence could’ve been much better. Khali used his verse to emphasize the strength of East African music despite it getting less attention compared to the West as seen on bars like “West African music’s popping and I’m a fan but y’all better realize that East got a better grind.” Having dealt with industry gatekeepers in my own country, I deeply resonate with bars like “Gate keepers tryna keep hip hop silent but we make noise so now they are like a pissed off parent.” This line serves as a powerful declaration that HIP HOP is not DEAD, which is the undeniable truth. The Great Khali , ends his verse on a highly confident note through lines like “My competition getting trampled with my elephant feet, y’all niggas is good but ain’t nobody better than me ” underscoring his dominance and power in the rap game, effortlessly crushing his rivals with his sheer force and skill.
Although the Hennessy African Cypher continues to be an imperative cultural movement for African Hip Hop cats, I have a few concerns of my own. One notable concern was the lack of female representation in this year’s cypher. It was disappointing, especially considering the significant contributions and strides female artists are making in African hip hop across the continent. There are phenomenal women in the African hip hop scene who are not only pushing boundaries but also reshaping the narrative of the genre. Artists like Zulu Mecca, NyotaParker, SGaWD, Dee Koala, Venusraps, Oriiginelle, Rouge, and Nadia Nakai are just a few examples of the talent that could have been showcased in such a prestigious platform. Their absence highlights a missed opportunity to spotlight the diversity and dynamism that female rappers bring to the African hip hop landscape. I remain optimistic that future editions of the Hennessy Cypher will prioritize inclusivity and provide a platform for more African Queens to shine alongside their male counterparts.Additionally, I was rather disenchanted by the minimal representation of Southern African Hip Hop acts with only one country from Southern Africa being spotlighted i.e., South Africa through Maglera Doe Boy while there was more representation of West African and East African Zones. I powerfully believe that the Hennessy team should take into consideration other Southern African countries such as Zimbabwe,Botswana, Eswatini and Mozambique just to name a few as these countries also have dynamic hip hop scenes. I believe that the inclusion and spotlighting of rappers from these countries in the near future will give Hennessy the cultural diversity needed and holistically showcase the vibrant hip hop scene in Africa.
Emerging rap sensation OBUDUBOI is back with a powerful new track, “123,” that effortlessly captures his unique momentum and showcases his distinct sound, a blend of Hiphop And Afrobeats. Seamlessly blending his hard-hitting rap lyrics with Afrobeats and Afroswing inspired instrumentals, OBUDUBOI creates an irresistible blend of rhythms that is set to captivate listeners worldwide.
“123” is more than just a song; it’s a powerful track that captures OBUDUBOI’s artistic evolution and highlights his lyrical prowess and deep connection to his cultural roots, creating a sound that is both fresh and familiar. With a pulsating beat and infectious energy, “123” is poised to become a staple on playlists everywhere.
About OBUDUBOI
Obuduboi, an ambitious entrepreneur, rapper, and trap star from Obudu in Cross River State, Nigeria, is making waves in the music scene. Born and raised in the bustling city of Onitsha, Anambra State, where business acumen is a way of life, Obuduboi combines his entrepreneurial spirit with his passion for music. He is the founder of the independent fashion brand, Husslecraft Luxury, which showcases his creative flair and dedication to making it out of the ghetto.
As the self-proclaimed “Voice of Obudu,” Obuduboi channels his experiences and dreams into his music, earning recognition and respect. His popular release, “” has resonated with listeners, capturing the essence of his journey and aspirations. With his tenacity and talent, Obuduboi is steadily rising from the trenches to global recognition, inspiring many along the way.
What’s Next for OBUDUBOI?
With the release of ‘123,’ OBUDUBOI is set to continue his upward trajectory in the music industry. His unique blend of Afrobeat and rap, coupled with his compelling storytelling, sets him apart from his peers. Fans can expect more groundbreaking music and electrifying performances from this talented artist.
As OBUDUBOI’s star continues to rise, ‘123’ serves as a reminder of his relentless drive and artistic vision. It’s a track that not only solidifies his place in the Afro-rap scene but also promises even greater things to come.
