South African Rappers

Map and List of the Top South Africa Hip Hop Artists

While the genre of Afrobeat and Afropop dominates the continent of Africa, through all the attention and spotlight that has been placed on one of the world’s fastest growing genres, South African rappers have created one of Africa’s top rap and hip-hop scenes through a growing lineup of rappers from South Africa.

Going back to the 1990s, and possibly into the late 1980s, South African hip hop artists began to emerge and start the construction of South African rap and hip hop music. Groups like Prophets of Da City are some of the first artists who began the development of rap and hip hop in South Africa during the 1990s. The growth of hip hop continued during the late 1990s and 2000s with the likes of Brasse Vannie Kaap, Hip Hop Pantsula, and Pitch Black Afro, along with several others.

Even though today’s South African rappers can be considered as some of Africa’s top rappers, it took years for the development of hip hop music in South Africa, and also in Africa.  Still in its developmental stages, South African hip hop may not be as active or have a large enough presence for relevancy as other countries that have produced international rap stars, but without a doubt South Africa is home to several of Africa’s number one rap artists.




Map of South African Rappers

Mapping South Africa’s best rap and hip-hop artists, designed to give fans a tour and a guide through the landscape of South African hip-hop scene. By pinpointing the country’s top rappers, view the origins of the country’s most talented, and also cultural hotspots that has lead to the growth of hip-hop music in South Africa.

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Today’s Top South African Rappers

Today, the South African rap scene is thriving and at its highest peak with dozens of rappers from across South Africa contributing. The reach that rappers like Nasty C have obtained, becoming globally known through hits like “SMA” and collaborations with artists like A$AP Ferg, T.I., and others. The blending of African culture and hip-hop with Cassper Nyovest, Kwesta, Sho Madjozi, and others implementing kwaito, Motswako, or Tsonga heritage and styles into their music.

A music scene that consists of hitmakers like Blxckie, proven through one of African hip-hop most notable hits, “Big Time Sh’lappa,” or Emtee with one of the hottest tracks, “Roll Up.” A lineup of fallen MCs whose talent has provided the opportunity to continue their legacy, like AKA and Costa Titch. Africa’s top women in hip-hop, lead by the colorful Sho Madjozi and the fearless Nadia Nakai and Gigi Lamayne.

With veterans like K.O and KiD X, or the emergence of artists during the mid and late 2010s, like A-Reece, Priddy Ugly, Shane Eagle, Okmalumkoolkat, and others, South African hip-hop has gravitated to a level that has never been seen. Beginning its foundation during the start of the 1990s, the hip-hop scene within southern Africa has now produced some of the best global talent of rappers in music.




Top 20 South African Rappers

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1. Nasty C 
Follow on Instagram: @Nasty C and watch on YouTube: Nasty C

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2. Cassper Nyovest 
Follow on Instagram: @Cassper Nyovest and watch on YouTube: Cassper Nyovest

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3. AKA 
Follow on Instagram: @AKA and watch on YouTube: AKA

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4. Kwesta
Follow on Instagram: @Kwesta and watch on YouTube: Kwesta

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5. Blxckie
Follow on Instagram: @Blxckie and watch on YouTube: Blxckie

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6. Costa Titch
Follow on Instagram: @Costa Titch and watch on YouTube: Costa Titch

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7. K.O
Follow on Instagram: @K.O and watch on YouTube: K.O

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8. Emtee
Follow on Instagram: @Emtee and watch on YouTube: Emtee

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9. Sho Madjozi
Follow on Instagram: @Sho Madjozi and watch on YouTube: Sho Madjozi

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10. A-Reece
Follow on Instagram: @A-Reece and watch on YouTube: A-Reece

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11. Nadia Nakai 
Follow on Instagram: @Nadia Nakai and watch on YouTube: Nadia Nakai

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12. Priddy Ugly
Follow on Instagram: @Priddy Ugly and watch on YouTube: Priddy Ugly

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13. Shane Eagle
Follow on Instagram: @Shane Eagle and watch on YouTube: Shane Eagle

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14. Okmalumkoolkat
Follow on Instagram: @Okmalumkoolkat and watch on YouTube: Okmalumkoolkat

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15. YoungstaCPT
Follow on Instagram: @YoungstaCPT and watch on YouTube: YoungstaCPT

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16. Gigi Lamayne
Follow on Instagram: @Gigi Lamayne and watch on YouTube: Gigi Lamayne

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17. Tshego 
Follow on Instagram: @Tshego and watch on YouTube: Tshego

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18. Stogie T
Follow on Instagram: @Stogie T and watch more on YouTube: Stogie T

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19. Lucasrap$ 
Follow on Instagram: @Lucasrap$ and watch on Youtube: Lucasrap$

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20. KiD X
Follow on Instagram: @KiD X and watch on Youtube: KiD X




South Africa Hip Hop Related Topics:

1 Top South African R&B Artists

2 Top 10 Zambian Rappers

3 Top 12 Zimbabwean Rappers

4 South African House Music: Top Amapiano Artists and DJs

5 Top 12 South African Fashion Brands

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*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 info@kltvltz.com




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