Ghanaian Hip Hop artist M.anifest takes us on a nostalgic journey with a new freestyle, titled “50 YEARS.”
Referencing Hip Hop icons like 2pac, Nas, The Notorious B.I.G, The Fugees, LL Cool J and the Wu-Tang Clan to name a few, M.anifest cleverly weaves this ode to a genre that he himself has come to contribute significantly to. A certified wordsmith, his skill allows him to craft a worthy tribute to Hip Hop’s enduring legacy as it celebrates 50 years.
From the genre’s origins on Sedgwick Avenue to the influence it’s had in many parts of the world, spurring genres like Hip Life (Ghana), there’s no patch of Hip Hop uncovered by the rapper affectionately called ‘the god MC’ by his fans, particularly when viewed through the lens of his lived experience.
Whether tipping his hat to Obrafour’s classic album “Pae Mu Ka”, or legendary Hip Hop albums like Kanye West’s “College Dropout” and Jay-Z’s “The Blueprint”, he poignantly comments on a culture that has left an indelible mark from marginalized beginnings.
The current torchbearers are of course not left out of the MikeMillzOn’Em produced track. J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, A-Reece, Black Sherif, and Sampa The Great get honorable mentions as boundary pushers of the genre, emphatically suggesting that Hip Hop remains a vibrant and relevant force in contemporary music and perhaps in safe hands.
M.anifest’s commemoration of the 50th anniversary has gone beyond his music. This year, he has actively engaged in discussions in academia, with an appearance at Howard University as a special guest, where he shared his insights on Hip Hop’s evolution from an African perspective over the past five decades. In July 2023, he was in New York at Global Cognac giant Hennessy’s invitation, joining a roster of world-renowned rappers to celebrate one of Hip Hop’s greats, Nas.
About M.anifest:
M.anifest, born Kwame Ametepee Tsikata, is a renowned Ghanaian rapper and songwriter known for his distinctive hybrid style and thought-provoking lyrics. He began his career as an independent artist in the Minneapolis scene and continued making significant global footprints in music after returning to his homeland Ghana. Also known as the godMC, M.anifest has gained international recognition for his music and contributions to Hip Hop and popular African Music as a whole. M.anifest’s work reflects progressive takes on social issues, cultural identity, and the art of storytelling.
Renowned South African DJ and music producer, DJ Kaymoworld, just captivated fans worldwide with the official music video release of his chart-topping single, “Stecke.” Featuring “ Sosh Plata “ sensation Loatinover Pounds an artist on the rise, the video promises to be a visual masterpiece that will further elevate the song’s popularity.
Watch the video on Youtube
The official video for “Stecke” is expected to build upon the song’s success by offering viewers a visual experience that perfectly complements the track’s energetic vibes. Directed by Nate Thomas, the video promises to be a visual feast, featuring stunning cinematography and a captivating storyline that will leave fans in awe.
For live updates, follow DJ Kaymoworld on social media:
NotBenjamin and VegasXCesar are veterans of the South African underground hip hop scene in their own rights. Both rappers have both been pioneers of the “NEW WAVE” since the golden ages of soundcloud and they show no sign of slowing down as both rappers join forces to deliver a collaborative EP titled ZOO. Filled with underground sounds and new age bangers the project sees both artists bring their distinct sounds together in an organic and yet unorthodox collaboration with two singles released so far Who Dat featuring Kid X and Mad Max which was just released, we explore new levels of VEGASXCESAR’s talent as he displays his versatility over heavily produced NOTBENJAMIN’s Production and Beats.
Listen to MAD MAX on spotify now.
In their latest single Mad Max We hear NOTBENJAMIN deliver a menacing and yet bumpy hiphop beat which gave Vegas the platform to paint the picture of the Joburg Zoo referring to himself as Mad Max. The duo also just released the music video for the first single Who Dat with Kid X.
The EP Zoo is a sonic representation of Johannesburg’s underground scene, VEGASXCESAR set the stage with his contagious bars, catchy hooks and animal sounds with his adlibs, fully encapsulating the Zoon Element over energetic bass driven beats by NOTBENJAMIN.
Hello Hiphop Africa Lovers 😉. We are back again with another Friday off hot new hiphop releases across the motherland. This weekend we have heavy hitters and aspiring rap champions all releasing hard hitting and lyrically inclined songs to get your bumping and chilling whichever way you want to relax this weekend. We’ve scoured the musical landscape of the motherland to bring you the latest and best hiphop tracks that have just dropped. Whether you’re looking for some new bars to spit or hiphop songs to keep you jamming, we’ve got you covered.
This week our cover star is Nigerian Rap rave of the moment ODUMODUBLVCK as he gears up for the release of his Eziokwu Mixtape he dishes out a drill banger in Mc oluomo. South African Heavy weights Nasty C and Cassper Nyovest finally release their albums I love it Here & Solomon as they take a break from their continental tour.
As always our Fresh music Friday playlist is always diverse with features from every corner of the continent and this week we have Flenn from Algeria representing North Africa with his new single 2MNT, from East Africa we have Ssaru, Big Yasa and Boeyylee representing from Kenya, Aguero Banks and Badwolf represent African Giants Nigeria with Juls and Bosom P-Yung from Ghana representing West Africa and just like nasty C and Cassper Nyovest we have Ntatao and Spunky Galaxy representing South Africa
Fast rising Nigerian rapper and artist ODUMODUBLVCK (pronounced “O-doo-moh-doo-black”) returns with his latest single “MC OLUOMO” produced by Cross YDC. The fifth track taken from his highly anticipated EZIOKWUMixtape. This latest release showcases the breadth and depth of this exciting artist’s sonic footprint, pushing African music’s boundaries in the rap space with a Flamenco esque syncopated guitar over a skippy percussion.
Speaking on the single, ODUMODUBLVCK shares:
“MC OLUOMO IS NEXT. HIP HOP IS IN SAFE HANDS.”
ODUMODUBLVCK
Leaning into his own self-defined genre – okporoko rhythms (a form of Hip-Hop that takes influences from Grime, Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat, and Progressive R&B), the forthcoming mixtape meaning “The Truth” in his native language Igbo is all about quiet rebellion and shows ODUMODUBLVCK presenting himself as the truth in the Nigerian music industry.
Revealed earlier this month, the artwork painted by British-Nigerian designer and artist, Slawn is an original piece painted on canvas depicting ODUMODU in introspection, encapsulating a profound moment of self-validation. The image captures ODUMODU’s gaze turned inward, seeking affirmation from within, a realization that the wellspring of approval must come from himself alone. Multiple iterations of his persona coexist harmoniously in the portrayal, emphasizing that every facet is authentically him. This convergence serves as an embodiment of truth – the undeniable reality that regardless of the various facets, they all comprise the essence of ODUMODU.
Fresh off starring in the most recent NOCTA x Nike collaboration, the Nigerian drill scene’s most exciting and pioneering voice returned this Spring with the record breaking single “DECLAN RICE” (37.7M+ streams globally, Nigeria’s biggest all time week 1) which debuted at #27 Billboard U.S Afrobeats Songs chart and was used as the official announcement audio in the Arsenal Declan Rice announcement. His deep, intentional lyricism on earlier singles including “Picanto” and “DOG EAT DOG II” have garnered a swell of support from titles including Dazed, Crack, The Line of Best Fit, Wonderland, GUAP, Dotty and Remi Burgz on BBC 1xtra.
As visually thrilling as he is sonically, on most recent single “Firegun” featuring Fireboy DML (16M+ streams), ODUMODU brought us into his world and his love of crime noir. Depicting a dark and supernatural world referencing The Matrix and Bladerunner set in a grungy city occupied by beautiful vampires and other strange characters, Odumdu plays an operative on a mission to kill the bad B’s whereas Fireboy is the supervillain tasked with the objective of keeping the blood flowing.
Having one of South Africa’s most anticipated hip hop album since his debut album, rapper A-Reece is gearing up for the return of his popular tour set to be staged across the country and kicking off in Durban this September.
Having recently joined the world for the Hip Hop 50year celebration in New York, A-Reece took to social media to announce his upcoming tour to eager fans who have been patiently The Boy Doing Things to visit their hometown.
Sharing his thoughts on the upcoming shows, rapper Reece had this to say
“I’m so excited to take my music to stages again and bring a live element for all my fans across the country. I have so much in store over the next weeks including a tease into my upcoming album – Paradise 2.”
A-Reece
The country wide circuit is aptly titled Reece-Effect and will see A-Reece with his Revenge Club Records talent visit Durban, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria with more dates and venues set to be announced in the coming weeks.
Having received a roaring response to his entry into the game both locally and globally; and maintaining an unmatched fan base; A-Reece continues to elevate his penmanship which has led to numerous nominations and wins at the South African Hip Hop Awards; along with nominations at the South African Music Awards.
A-Reece will host a star-studded line up and local artist in each city during the Reece-Effect tour. Fans can book their tickets to witness The Big Hearted Bad Guy live on stage here.
The Reece Effect kicks off on 23 September in Durban at Werehouse, tickets are available for purchase at R180 each from Webtickets, be sure to get yours today.
Cape Town, renowned for its breath-taking landscapes and vibrant culture, is also home to some of the most talented music artists and creatives in the world. Among these rising stars is the sensational Cape Town- based crew, TDF short for (The Don Family) the 11 man group comprises of 8 MCs and 3 producers Chxpter, Lucas Dior, PRODICLE, The DonFather, Gemini2Side, KING PABLO, Xavy, Big K, LazloBeatz ,4rnzic, and Colo-Floy who are set to take the music industry by storm with their debut mixtape, “TDF TAPE 1.” Packed with fresh beats, sharp lyrics, and a unique South African flair, this mixtape is sure to be a game-changer in the global music scene.
The tape “TDF TAPE 1” was made by 3 of the crew members PRODICLE, King Pablo and producer Gemini2Side is a testament to the crew’s dedication and innovation in music. The 3 track project blends elements of hip-hop and trap, the mixtape showcases TDF’s ability to push the boundaries of sound while staying true to their roots. Their lyrics are a reflection of life in Cape Town, touching on themes such as love, struggle, and the pursuit of dreams, making it relatable to a global audience.
The mixtape includes tracks that are destined to become anthems for the youth, such as First time, My Vibe and Get this money with its infectious beats and thought-provoking lyrics, “TDF Tape 1” is a must-listen for music enthusiasts and anyone looking for an authentic and refreshing sound.
Baby4ace, the rising star from the vibrant streets of Mushin, Lagos, is making waves with his latest EP, “Son Of Gaga.” His music is a unique blend of street wisdom and international exposure, reflecting his journey from the rough streets to the global stage. With infectious vibes and real talk, Baby4ace’s music is a testament to his growth as an artist. This edition of HipHop Africa’s Exclusive Interview as conducted by BigDan surfaces Baby4ace debut body of work. Baby4ace brings the essence of Mushin to every performance, infusing his set with high energy and unique sound. With his latest EP “Son Of Gaga,” he delivers a memorable experience that captivates audiences. He also comes with an engaging interview style, sharing insights into his music journey, inspirations, and aspirations. Baby4ace is all about the vibes and real talk, creating an unforgettable atmosphere for fans and interviewers alike.
Baby4ace “Son Of Gaga” Shoot
You’ve got a distinct stage name… What’s the idea behind the name “Baby4ace” with the number “4” in-between?
So the origin of how i got the name in the first place was when i was playing American Football in High School back in the United States of America and people thought i was a calm dude though i am huge in size but with a calm look, so they started calling me baby-face until i showed them some craziness on the pitch. About the spelling of my name, You got it right, the idea is to be distinct.
Congratulations on the release of your EP “Son Of Gaga”! Can you share with us the story behind the title and how it reflects the essence of your music?
Thank you. The story behind the title no be long thing at all, but for those who don’t know, the title was inspired by the relationship between my mum and I. Gaga is my mums’ alias and she inspires me a lot to put in work in life. For me, music is one of the easiest ways i express myself, so this EP is an outcome of combining both with my personal life experience.
Your EP seems to draw inspiration from the Mushin area of Lagos Nigeria. Could you elaborate on how the area influenced and shaped your sound and style throughout “Son Of Gaga”?
Let me start with one of my lyrics “Mushin la wa wa awon giran lon gbe be” meaning Mushin is where we are and only the tough ones live there. Growing up in Mushin made me see life from the street perspective but combined with my international exposure i saw myself as a hybrid. And i needed people to know that, other than the general notion of Mushin being a rough area. The orientation from there is one of the best survival kits anyone can possess and it is not always about fight/violence but if you try test sha you go sure find out.
Stream “Son Of Gaga” EP on Spotify
Each track on the EP seems to have its own distinct flavour. What was your thought behind selecting and arranging the songs to create a cohesive listening experience?
Baby4ace “Son Of Gaga” EP Back Cover/Tracklist
Omo the process was fun but it was a combination of sleepless nights and dedication by me and my team. I had recorded so many tracks within a period of 3 months and we had to pick the few that made it to the EP from all of those. It wasn’t a walk in the park at all. All tracks were inspired by exactly what was going on in my life at the time i created them, so they are all unique. And that is one thing that makes this EP special.
“Son Of Gaga” undoubtedly showcases your growth as an artist. How do you feel you’ve evolved from your previous work, and what aspects of your artistry have you refined in this project?
I have always been a very creative music person but i experienced tremendous growth in the process of creating this body of work. I had experiences performing on stages in front of a small audience to performing in front of a large audience with a VIP crowd. Also, i learnt a lot about the music business and omo i no go lie e no easy but we’ve got to keep pushing and believing and we sure go come out tops.
Collaborations often bring fresh dynamics to music. Were there any artists or producers you worked with on this EP, and how did their contributions contribute to the overall vibe?
I worked with quite a number of people on this EP; Producers, A&Rs and My Manager. Hmm won kpo gaan. For example, Austin Sinister produced – Money on My Mind, Better Days & Won Wa Mi. Ibiga Beatz produced Bounce and Grace. The EP was A&R’d by PG Blao who happens also to be my Manager because I am being managed by Blao Family Entertainment and together we made this EP the gem it is.
Visual aesthetics can play a significant role in conveying your artistic message. Do you plan to complement more songs on the EP with music videos or visual content that align with the theme?
I have two videos out for the singles I released before the EP. Motilo and Won Wa Mi. Plans for other videos will be relayed when it’s time.
Mushin’s influence aside, “Son Of Gaga” still carries your unique voice. How do you balance paying homage to your inspiration while ensuring your own personality shines through?
it was not difficult for me to stand out cause i am who i am regardless of who is around. Mushin dey my body and i am proud of Mushin and i feel like i am an ambassador for my hood. If you see me as a great guy then you will see my hood as a great hood.
With the EP out now, fans are eager to know your favourite track and the story behind it. Could you give us a glimpse into your personal connection with one of the songs?
Asking me this type of question is unfair, it’s like telling me to mention my favourite child when i have kids. Not saying i have kids o, ehen ki e to ko ba mi. Its just an illustration.
As you continue to share your music, what emotions or reactions do you hope “Son Of Gaga” will evoke in your listeners?
Vibes and real talk. Because the energy was over the roof throughout the creation process. if you listen you sef go feel am. And I also need to add that I made this EP for the people of Mushin to know that they are special and thoroughbred. And they can make it regardless of what people say about the hood.
Looking ahead, what’s next for Baby4ace after the release of “Son Of Gaga”? Are there any upcoming projects or aspirations you’re excited to pursue in your music journey?
omo i no fit dey shalaye o, but on God evidence go soon show, Because i have a lot going on aside just promoting my EP. Una go hear from me soon. Just remember the name Baby4ace and keep streaming “Son of Gaga”.
Tiara Subban, professionally known as SAUWCY is a 26 year old Indian female rapper, singer and songwriter from South Africa. Sauwcy has taken the music industry by storm and her take on music is, above all, Raw & Unapologetic. Her presence and aggressive approach in rap and smooth sultry delivery on trap soul has attracted a diverse crowd and is rapidly becoming and undeniable force within the female rap game, moving swiftly in her own lane. Her career debuted in 2020 when she released a joint project with her long time friend Moneybadoo titled MK-ULTRA which had hit singles like “Lil Bih” featuring platinum selling artist Blxckie which catapulted the duo to becoming a street cult favourite in Johannesburg and cemented them within the industry.
“I’ve always said I’m not a one dimensional artist and this EP is a clear depiction of that both sonically and visually.”
SAUWCY
Sauwcy is back and better and now on a completely solo path with an EP called “Welcome To The Sauwce Pot.” The EP was inspired by the urge to show off everything she is musically, from being very well known in the “Trap” space as the HARDEST FEMALE RAPPER within the South African music industry,y this time she really wanted to put out music that represents all that she is, which is beyond just trap. The EP is also features the heavy hitters of this generation of SA music and hip hop industry starting with Roiii who’s rise to fame has been from his hit record La Vida Loca from KO’s Shanda World label also featuring another well known artist Rowlene who we haven’t heard on a feature since her amazing work with Nasty C on the hit record SMA, the two combine their melodic powers to give you a track title “Ride My Wave,” which is the leadsingleto the EP. The EP ends off with the remix to Sauwcy’s lead single HTO and features 2 of today’s best female rappers in Southern Africa, Anele Zondo who goes by her new stage name Ney The Bae and Kikky Badass who’s easily Zimbabwe’s number 1 hip hop artist to date.
I’ve tapped into a softer side on this EP and I think my range will be appreciated. This is me welcoming you into my world of sonics. Don’t look for any structure, this project is all ME, unapologetically unconfined. Sort of an unleashing.
SAUWCY
This project came together quite organically, she started the process at the beginning of 2022 and had no idea where or how it was gonna go, all she knew was that she wanted to create music that gives you all of her and her capabilities. The overall message of the tape goes beyond just women empowerment or the typical girl love story but Sauwcy has taken this moment as an opportunity to preach body positivity and bring back confidence of being true to your nature to all females.
“Welcome To The Sauwce Pot” will be Sauwcy’s only release for this year, possibly leading up to a full & structured body of work for next year. SAUWCY is definitely one to watch as she has begun changing the basic expectation of South African females in Hiphop.
The BET Hip-Hop Awards which began in 2006, has served as a global celebration of hip-hop culture and creativity showcasing hip-hop performers, producers, and music video directors. In recent years, the global influence of African music has reached new heights, with artists from the continent making waves on the international stage. This trend has extended to hip-hop, where African artists are gaining recognition for their talent, unique styles, and contributions. The BET Hip-Hop Awards, a prestigious event in the music industry hosted annually by Black Entertainment Television (BET), has taken notice of this remarkable talent, with several African artists receiving nominations and making a significant impact on the global hip-hop scene. The BET Hip-Hop Awards have featured numerous African artists the likes of Burna Boy, Wizkid, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy, and Davido in various categories, showcasing their versatility and talent. Artists from across the continent have received nominations in categories like “Best International Flow,” “Best Collaboration,” and “Best Hip-Hop Video.”
The 2023 nominations have been released and yet again feature hardworking, budding, and promising African talents. Burna Boy leads the way with 7 nominations, the highest number of nominations an African artist has ever garnered at the BET hip-hop awards. Here is a list of the seven nominations for Burna Boy at the BET hip-hop awards.
Hip Hop Song of the Year
Best Live Performer
Lyricist of the Year
Hustler of the Year
Hip Hop Artist of the Year
Hip Hop Video of the Year
BET Hip Hop Award for Best Collaboration.
Alongside the African giant stands Sampa the Great (Zambia), Black Sherif (Ghana), the late AKA, and K.O both from South Africa who have all been nominated in the Best International Flow category. African hip-hop continues to evolve and gain recognition on the global stage, the BET Hip-Hop Awards play a crucial role in amplifying these artists’ voices and stories. These nominations not only acknowledge their talent but also inspire a new generation of African artists to dream big and pursue their passion for hip-hop. The presence of African artists at the BET Hip-Hop Awards is a testament to the genre’s global reach and influence. It showcases the richness and diversity of African hip-hop and its ability to resonate with audiences around the world. As African artists continue to break barriers and push boundaries, they are poised to leave an indelible mark on the global hip-hop landscape, proving that the future of hip-hop is indeed a global one. This year’s BET hip-hop awards will air on Oct 3, 2023, and premier on Oct 10, 2023, on the BET website.
