A-Reece broke his social media silence recently to give props to rising SA rapper Loatinover Pounds, whose hit song ‘Sosh Plata Remix’ is making a huge impact on the airwaves all over the country and beyond.
The rapper who featured Pounds on the song ‘Live Once Interlude’ from his 2022 4/20 tape ‘The Burning Tree’ posted a screenshot of ‘Sosh Plata Remix’ which features Pretoria rapper 25k and and Thapelo Ghutra, racking over two hundred and fourty one thousand views on YouTube— on his Instagram story.
Reece captioned the IG story, ‘biggest SA hip hop song.’
Loatinover Pounds ha also been announced as the new Featured Artist for Rap Life Africa on Apple Music.
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Back in February, Chad Da Don dropped 23 alongside Jay Jody and Emtee. He’s back to share behind-the-scenes photos from the music video shoot.
Chad stands beside his compadres as they pose for several pictures, swag dripping as they build anticipation for the music video release. “23 visuals coming soon,” revealed Chad in an Instagram post.
We haven’t gotten much music from Da Don but hopefully that changes as the year progresses. In the meantime, get ready for the 23 visuals dropping soon!
2023 has earmarked the celebration of Hiphop at 50. The now global music genre started some 50 years ago. The Mainstream American media have continued to celebrate the fit by putting out various articles and media content to commemorate the major achievement.
In the spirit of sportsmanship, HiphopAfrica will like to know which Nigerian song got you hooked on the genre.
The majority of the new generational hip-hop fans will probably lean toward a more Gen Z-centric rap list, while some old heads will probably highlight stars like EedrisAbdulkareem, Eldee, Jahbless, Ronnie, and Dili. I. Jukson, Mams & Hart and a whole lot of others.
However, the likes of M.I., Ice Prince, mode9ine, Dagrin, Olamide, Sinzu, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Phyno and more were the ones who popularized the genre amongst people of diverse age groups.
I asked a few people which Nigerian Rap song or rapper got them to start paying more attention to the Nigerian rap scene and these were some of their reactions.
Hiphop Fan Opinions
I have always been a huge fan of Naeto C and a lover of rap music I started to pay more attention to the Nigerian rap scene after he listened to NaetoC’s “Ex-girlfriend“.
JamoTech in his response acclaim that the beginning for him was when he listened to M.I’sUnstoppable.
Moroba, a South African, could not pick one. For her, it dates back to 2013 when Ice Prince dropped “I Swear” with French Montana and then “NWord” remix with AKA. She also acclaims that M.I.’s “Superhuman” with HHP got her attention.
Nefy decided to acknowledge the Legendary Dagrin, his interest was discovered after he listened to the rapper’s “Pon Pon Pon“.
For Oladin, the first Nigerian rapper that had his attention was Vector and Olamide, when they released “Komole” and “Eni Duro” respectively.
David, a highly revered Hiphop head says the first rapper to get his attention was Eldee, however, he claims M.I. made him pay more attention to the Nigerian rap scene. Another Nigerian Hiphop supporter, Agees, was inducted into the Nigerian rap music scene by YBNL head honcho Olamide.
As for Feranmi, another great hip-hop enthusiast, Anoti by M.I. was what got him glued to the Nigerian hip-hop scene. While budding content creator, Character Chief, Olamide was the rapper that introduced him to the Nigerian Rap scene.
A whole lot of my respondents also started listening to rap music around the time ChocolateCity was hot and controlling the rap scene in Nigeria. While some others only caught up with the industry after the more relatable Olamide came into the industry.
Appreciations
However, we can not underestimate the roles played by all the hip-hop personalities, from the rappers, to the producer and even to those singers who lend their voices from time to time. This is without living out the Songwriters as well.
The role of the media can also not be underestimated. Although the Nigerian HipHop scene is not yet 50, however, the industry has transcended decades of individual contributions of hard work, dedication, self-development, selflessness, discipline, collaborations and even investments both financially and even in the form of time.
A whole lot of value has been created from Hiphop. Family histories have been changed for good, individuals have learnt to be better, broken hearts have been mended and a whole lot of other values have been created.
2023 holds a lot of promises with the likes of AQ, Dremo, OdumoduBlvck, FreshL, Olamide and a host of others gearing to drop new projects we can only expect the best and look forward to what they have coming.
The importance of the industry cannot be underestimated, which is why we at HiphopAfrica are looking to know “Which rapper or rap song got you to pay more attention to the Nigerian rap scene?”
One thing for sure is, Blaqbonez has never sounded like a feature on any song, the genius rapper always owns every beat. Blaqbonez on Cinderella Girl with Legendary Hollywood rapper Ludacris, he ate and left no crumbs.
The song which was recorded a while ago surprisingly sees Blaqbonez calling for Cinderella girl, we all thought the rap genius said “Fuck Cinderella” a while ago. Well, what do we know?
The delivery of both rappers on this record shows that they are like a pair made in heaven. Ludacris definitely still has the beast in him, his raps and flow are still unprecedented.
We look forward to seeing Cinderella Girl top the charts and do great things for the culture.
Shawn Houdini, an acclaimed Kenyan rapper, recently collaborated with artist Bueno on his latest single titled Golden Eye.
The trap hit is majorly themed in the Kenyan urban experience. It explores various topics that resonate with the young hip-hop audience. From street life to elegance, The Jam explores it all.
Golden Eye is nuanced to symbolize the constant need to stay alert and be aware of situations in your surroundings. You never know the consequences of being caught slippin’.
Shawn Houdini is a clever rapper with the bars and punchlines, able to twist his messaging into the lyrics. Rapping mainly in Swahili, he weaves meaning into the song creatively, making it easy to understand. Listeners must stay sharp to avoid the bars from going over their heads.
Bueno, on the other hand, is elegant with the bars. Dubbed Kenya’s Central Cee, you will be forgiven for thinking he comes straight out of London. His drill style blends perfectly with the beat to produce the head-nodding tune.
Check out the song below and explore more of these fantastic rappers’ catalogues. Let us know if it is a hit or a miss in the comments.
Produced by @Tyrantcgm
Mixed and mastered by @odzzmusic
Video Credits Production company: Pressure Szn Pictures
The year 2023 has seen a turnaround for good in the Nigerian rap industry, while this change can be said to have been born out of talent, investments and delivery, one major contributor that should not be overlooked is collaboration.
Since the year started we have witnessed rappers collaborate among themselves and even with other industry players such as those on the Afro-R&B and the more cultural afrobeat scene.
The reactions most of this record has enjoyed have mostly been positive and overwhelming.
This success has created a need for more collaboration and inclusion in the rap scene, hence the question “Do you think collaboration will revive the Nigerian Rap Scene?”
With what we have witnessed so far in the year where HipHop turns 50, we can all say “Collaboration is a major too for the change we strongly desire in the Nigerian Rap scene.”
Olamide and Phyno utilized the power of collaboration for years and it worked every single time they did. We’ve seen Reminisce score hits using the same formula, hence it is a tool that works.
With the success of OdumoduBlvck, Blaqbonez on Hallelujah, Zlatan with Oganigwe, AQ and Bonez with Family, and a whole lot of other collaborations that included Hiphop this year, we can all say collaboration is that tool we need more in the Nigerian rap scene.
This however brings us to the question “Which Rappers will you love to see Collaborate in 2023?”
One of the most respected emcees to come out of Cape Town, YoungstaCpt is back with a visual treatment for his latest release, the BOK Freestyle.
As Mass Country steadily approaches platinum status, having been certified gold over a month ago, the project continues to get recognition, most recently at the Metro FM Music Awards where the late AKA was honored with 4 out of 6 awards.
YoungstaCpt keeps the Supa Mega’s name and legacy alive with a remix of the already gold-certified Mbuzi Freestyle. While only released this past week, the BOK Freestyle has already set the streets ablaze and the Kaapstad Naaier returns with a music video to keep the fire burning.
Cpt raps in a pen surrounded by goats as he performs the song in honor of AKA.
The symbolism of the goats is synonymous with the words “Bok” and “Mbuzi” which mean “goat” in Afrikaans and isiZulu respectively. It also plays on the title of “greatest of all time,” which many people, YoungstaCpt included, believed AKA was and still is.
Sipho The Gift and Mark Akol recently teamed up to bring us a fiery EP titled Days Before The Heist.
Sitting at just 3 tracks long (or short if you’re like some of us who wanted more), the plot is set with Mayday where Mark and Sipho trade come-up stories while “on a mission to get a hundred bands.”
The songs are inspired by a robbery plot where the duo scheme to secure large sums of money and assassinate their adversaries before making a run for it.
The project transitions to Smoke, Mark and Sipho are more determined than ever to get what’s theirs and recruit Flow Jones Jr. to obliterate the so-called competition.
The scene ends with Bad Guy where the duo continues to rampage through the game, finessing the ladies while poking fun at their opponents. They call on Sandrahhh who does an impressive clean sweep before making their exit.
Global streaming platform Spotify recently released the list of Radar Africa artists class of 2023. The all-female list featured Kenya’s Xeniah Manasseh, a fast-rising rnb and hip-hop artist.
The programme intends to shine a spotlight on emerging artists on the continent.
This year’s lineup joins alumnae who include Ayra Starr, DBN Gogo, Black Sherif, Victony, BNXN and Buruklyn Boyz. The rising stars gained exposure to new audiences as a result of the programme.
The 26-year-old Kenyan singer Xenia Manasseh has an impressive track record. Some highlights are being credited for a Teyana Taylor song and singing backup for Gloria Estephan. She was also selected to be part of Mr Eazi’s emPawa music program.
Xeniah has been drawn to music from a young age. She fully committed to making music after joining the Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Xeniah Manasseh performing on stage at different events.
The rising star finally moved to Kenya, storming the music scene. She has released a number of projects, including her debut EP Falling Apart. Her various dope collaborations of hit songs have made her presence felt on the scene.
A personal favourite is portion where the star collaborated with Ukweli and Hiribae. Her mellow vocals perfectly blend sonically to capture your attention instantly. Hiphop and Rnb primarily influence Xenia’s music and influences from Jazz and other musical genres.
Since its launch in 2020, Spotify’s Radar programme has continued to elevate artists. It helps rising talent at all stages of their development and strengthening their connection to audiences.
It features the best artists that the African continent has to offer.
Victor Okpala, Spotify’s Artist and Label Partnerships Manager in West Africa described the initiative with the following comments:
“As the music industry continues to evolve, it’s essential to find new ways to support emerging talent and offer them a fair chance at success both on and off the platform. So we are thrilled to welcome Xenia Manasseh, Bloody Civilian, Ria Sean, Tyla, and Baaba J to the RADAR programme.These artists represent the diversity and vibrancy of the African music scene and we are excited to support them as they continue to grow their careers,”
Check out the Radar Africa playlist above and let us know your favorite jams in the comments.
Zimbabwean rapper, Kay Flow, has just released a new single titled Sei Sei and is back with accompanying visuals.
Sei Sei follows his hit song, Mfana Wepa Jecha released a couple of months ago to positive reviews and is currently sitting on over 30 thousand YouTube views. It looks like his latest music video may just follow suit.
Directed by Blu Mordechai, Kay Flow performs his song in a dusty Zengeza neighborhood, where his team stands beside him and brings a vibrant energy to show their support.
The music video has garnered just over 14 thousand YouTube views post-release and Kay Flow’s listenership appears to be growing at a steady pace. Let’s keep it going!
