Kenyan Rappers
Top Rappers from Kenya
The music landscape in Kenya, specifically the rap genre, has seen substantial growth with an increasing number of top-tier Kenyan rappers making their mark. The Kenyan entertainment sector is not only dominant in East Africa but also holds a significant position across the entire continent, becoming leaders Africa’s growing hip-hop scene. This is evident through the numerous African stars and celebrities who have gained worldwide recognition for their contributions to Afro music.
Ricky Oyaro is acknowledged for pioneering hip hop music in Kenya, with the early 1990s marking the real inception of Kenyan rap. The initial wave of well-known rappers from Kenya during the 1990s included individuals such as Hardstone, Poxi Presha, Kalamashaka, K-South, Abbas Kubaff, and several others.
While the 1990s was the true beginning for the Kenyan hip hop, the 2000s was the era that Kenyan rap music became truly established. This era was led by Kenyan rappers like GidiGidi MajiMaji, E-Sir, Necessary Noize, Longombas, Kleptomaniax, Nonini, Jimwat, Camp Mulla, Juacali, P-Unit, Pilipili, and a handful of others that helped solidify the genre as a true movement and a main attraction within entertainment of Kenya.
Despite being a vast East African nation with over 50 million residents, Kenyan hip hop’s core has consistently been in Nairobi. It could be argued that Nairobi serves as the hub for Kenya’s entertainment and nightlife, marked by numerous clubs for both natives and tourists over the years. The renowned Florida 2000 nightclub, also referred to as F2, is one such place. Operating from the 1980s until the 2010s, Florida 2000 was a popular venue for aspiring Kenyan rappers to display their capabilities. It played a significant part in assisting Kenyan rap artists in carving their niche in the local hip hop community.
Kenyan rappers have all the necessary elements to thrive in the music industry and maintain their significance in the global hip-hop scene, thanks to premium production from producers such as Ogopa Deejays, Tedd Josiah, and Clemo, as well as top-notch recording studios and a vibrant nightlife scene that ranks among Africa’s best.
Prominent rap artists and icons of Kenyan music such as Octopizzo, Khaligraph Jones, Darassa, King Kaka, and Mejja Genge, along with Africa’s premier female MCs like Femi One, Ssaru, Maandy, or Wangechi, place Kenya in an excellent position to propel African rap music to the international hip-hop community’s attention.
Top 25 Kenyan Rappers
1. Octopizzo
Follow on Instagram: @Octopizzo and watch on Youtube: Octopizzo
2. Khaligraph Jones
Follow on Instagram: @Khaligraph Jones and watch on Youtube: Khaligraph Jones
3. Darassa
Follow on Instagram: @Darassa and watch on Youtube: Darassa
4. King Kaka
Follow on Instagram: @King Kaka and watch on Youtube: King Kaka
5. Mejja Genge
Follow on Instagram: @Mejja Genge and watch on Youtube: Mejja Genge
6. Trio Mio
Follow on Instagram: @Trio Mio and watch on Youtube: Trio Mio
7. Femi One
Follow on Instagram: @Femi One and watch on Youtube: Femi One
8. Wakadinali
Follow on Instagram: @Wakadinali and watch on Youtube: Wakadinali
9. Boutross
Follow on Instagram: @Boutross and watch on Youtube: Boutross
10. Breeder LW
Follow on Instagram: @Breeder LW and watch on Youtube: Breeder LW
11. Ssaru
Follow on Instagram: @Ssaru and watch on Youtube: Ssaru
12. Buruklyn Boyz
Follow on Instagram: @Buruklyn Boyz and watch on Youtube: Buruklyn Boyz
13. Rekles
Follow on Instagram: @Rekles and watch on Youtube: Rekles
14. BOONDOCKS GANG
Follow on Instagram: @BOONDOCKS GANG and watch on Youtube: BOONDOCKS GANG
15. Chris Kaiga
Follow on Instagram: @Chris Kaiga and watch on Youtube: Chris Kaiga
16. Maandy
Follow on Instagram: @Maandy and watch on Youtube: Maandy
17. Mbogi Genje
Follow on Instagram: @Mbogi Genje and watch on Youtube: Mbogi Genje
18. Ochungulo Family
follow on Instagram: @Ochungulo Family and watch on Youtube: Ochungulo Family
19. SEWERSYDAA MKADINALI
follow on Instagram: @SEWERSYDAA and watch on Youtube: SEWERSYDAA
20. Benzema
follow on Instagram: @Benzema and watch on Youtube: Benzema
21. Wangechi
Follow on Instagram: @Wangechi and watch on Youtube: Wangechi
22. Kahu$h
Follow on Instagram: @Kahu$h and watch on Youtube: Kahu$h
23. Kappy
Follow on Instagram: @Kappy and watch on Youtube: Kappy
24. Barak Jacuzzi
follow on Instagram: @Barak Jacuzzi and watch on Youtube: Barak Jacuzzi
25. Mastar VK
follow on Instagram: @Mastar VK and watch on Youtube: Mastar VK
Honorable Mention Rappers from Kenya
– Joefes Instagram: @Joefes and Youtube: Joefes
– WAKALI WAO Instagram: @WAKALI WAO and Youtube: WAKALI WAO
– Dyana Cods Instagram: @Dyana Cods and Youtube: Dyana Cods
– SilversTone Barz Instagram: @SilversTone Barz and Youtube: SilversTone Barz
– Steph Kapela Instagram: @Steph Kapela and Youtube: Steph Kapela
– Jovie Jovv Instagram: @Jovie Jovv and Youtube: Jovie Jovv
– Virusi Mbaya Instagram: @Virusi Mbaya and Youtube: Virusi Mbaya
– Elisha Elai Instagram: @Elisha Elai and Youtube: Elisha Elai
– Groovy Jo Instagram: @Groovy Jo and Youtube: Groovy Jo
Kenya Rappers Related Topics:
1 Top 20 Kenyan Afro Pop Artists
2 Top 20 Tanzanian Rappers
3 Top 15 Nigerian Rappers
4 Top Ghanaian Rappers
5 Top 5 Kenyan Fashion Brands
*Unofficial Order. The more popular artists that have a combination of the most followers, streams, views, and most recent releases are near the top.
*If any artists are missing from the list email media@kulturevulturez.com