South African Rappers
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, Pro Kid, 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.
Top 21 South African Rappers
1. Nasty C
Debuting during the early 2010s, Nasty C would released several songs and mixtapes before dropping his freshman album, Bad Hair, in 2015. Ever since he has consistently been a standout artist in Africa’s hip-hop scene. Hits like “SMA,” “All In” with T.I., or “King” with ASAP Ferg, have proven his influence across the globe.
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2. Cassper Nyovest
Since his breakout album Tsholofelo in 2014, Cassper Nyovest has not let fans down. Classic after classic, Cassper’s catalog includes South African hip-hop’s best projects, Refiloe (2015), Thuto (2017), Sweet and Short (2018), and A.M.N (Any Minute Now) (2020). Being one of the most popular South African rappers, the Mafikeng native has been key to the growth of hip-hop in Africa.
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3. AKA
Making his introduction with his first album Altar Ego in 2011. Perfecting the art form of hip-hop as far back as the 2000s, AKA became a trailblazer and one of the most accomplish rappers from South Africa. His list of accomplishments include diamond and platinum selling albums, like Levels and Touch My Blood, and winning several awards. Despite his death, his legacy is carrying on.
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4. Kwesta
Kwesta has been a force in the South African hip hop scene since his debut. His 2016 album DaKAR II was a monumental success, featuring hits like “Ngud'” which have become anthems in South Africa and beyond. Kwesta’s ability to infuse local South African sounds with universal hip-hop beats has made his music resonate well across different audiences.
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5. Blxckie
Blxckie has rapidly ascended to prominence with his versatile style. Since debuting in the late 2010s, Blxckie’s style has consisted of elements of trap, hip-hop, and local South African musical influences. His breakthrough album B4Now and tracks like “Hold,” “Big Time Sh’lappa” and “Ye x4” have propelled him to the forefront of the new wave of South African hip-hop.
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6. Costa Titch
Costa Titch made an explosive entry into the South African music scene with his hit single “Nkalakatha” in 2019, redefining the boundaries of Amapiano and hip-hop. His music quickly earned him a spot among the top South African rappers. Before his unfortunate death he released numerous of hit songs, including “Big Flexa” and “Superstar.”
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7. K.O
A veteran in the game, K.O has been influential in shaping the landscape of the local hip-hop scene. Debuted in the late 2000s as part of the group Teargas, K.O ventured into a successful solo career with his debut album Skhanda Republic in 2014. K.O has delivered hits like “Caracara,” “Say You Will,” and “SETE” that have left an indelible mark on the industry.
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8. Emtee
Emtee has been impacting the South African hip-hop scene since he burst onto the scene with his hit single “Roll Up” in 2015. His classic debut album, Avery, would eventually pave the way for a successful career, which includes several of South Africa’s top hip-hop albums, Manando and Logan.
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9. Sho Madjozi
With a vibrant and colorful presence in the South African music scene, Sho Madjozi has brought listeners a blend of Tsonga culture and music with contemporary hip-hop and afro-pop sounds. Since her breakout hit “John Cena” in 2019, Sho Madjozi has become a success, especially with her lively persona and innovative music style.
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10. A-Reece
Since releasing his debut album Paradise in 2016, A-Reece has been on a climb into the realm of hip-hop prodigies. His following releases, P2: THE BIG HEARTED BAD GUY (2023), have further cemented his status as a leading voice among the new generation of South African rappers.
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11. Nadia Nakai
Since her debut in the 2010s, Nadia has broken barriers for female rappers, earning the nickname “Bragga” for her confident and assertive rap style. Her 2019 album Nadia Naked showcased her versatility as an artist, blending hip-hop with afrobeats and trap sounds. With hits like “Naaa Meaan” and “More Drugs,” Nakai has solidified her place in the music industry, recognized as one of the leading female voices in South African hip-hop.
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12. Priddy Ugly
Priddy Ugly stands out since stepping into the spotlight during the mid-2010s, with the project You Don’t Know Me Yet. The release of his album E.G.Y.P.T in 2017 further solidified his talent, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to pushing the boundaries of the genre. As of late, he just released his latest project, 2024’s DUST.
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13. Shane Eagle
Shane Eagle is a visionary in the South African rap scene. With the release of the classic Yellow in 2017, Eagle became one of the leading voices of his generation. Known for his refusal to conform to commercial trends, Shane Eagle’s music is a journey, toured through projects like Green, Dark Moon Flower, and Never Grow Up.
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14. Okmalumkoolkat
While going against the grain, Okmalumkoolkat styles of hip-hop, electronic music, and traditional Zulu influences have in everyone’s view. With his uniqueness, he came into the forefront with the hit “Gusheshe” and the critically acclaimed album Mlazi Milano in 2016.
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15. YoungstaCPT
Narrating the landscape of South Africa, YoungstaCPT made his introduction as a South African rapper during the mid-2010s. His 2019 album 3T (Things Take Time) became the album of the year, grabbing numerous accolades and praises from South African hip-hop fans.
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16. Gigi Lamayne
Being one of the leading ladies, Gigi Lamayne is known for her groundbreaking achievements. Breaking into the scene with a series of mixtapes and her debut album iGenesis in 2016, Lamayne has challenged gender stereotypes in a male-dominated industry, paving the way for female rappers in South Africa.
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17. Tshego
A little of R&B mixed in with a little of rap, Tshego has the caught eyes of music fans since his emergence during the 2010s. His versatility spans across a variety of genres, making him a standout artist. With the release of his hit singles like “No Ties,” “Hennessy,” and “Garden,” along with his debut album Pink Panther in 2019, has landed on the map, with 2022’s El Pantera put a stamp on his movement.
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18. Stogie T
Stogie T, formerly known as Tumi from the Volume, is a revered figure in the South African hip-hop scene. He has worked with a number hip-hop legends from the United States, including Dead Prez, Styles P, Immortal Technique, and others. Stogie T has solidified his position as a master wordsmith and a connoisseur of the hip-hop craft.
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19. Lucasrap$
Lucasraps has been making a name for himself since his breakthrough with the single “Ah ah ah ah.” Debuting during the late 2010s, Lucasraps has shown a promising potential to be one of the new leaders in the genre. Known for his versatility with hard-hitting trap anthems, Lucasraps has signaled a rising status and high expectations.
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20. KiD X
KiD X has been a voice in South African hip-hop for years as a veteran MC. Since debuting with the hit track “Pass ‘n Special” as part of the group Cashtime Fam, KiD X has carved out a successful solo career marked by a series of hit singles and albums, including his critically acclaimed 2018 album Thank Da King.
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21. Zakwe
Coming out of the Durban region, Zakwe is a veteran MC in the South African hip-hop scene. With multiple albums under his belt, Zakwe achieved the most success with the projects Cebisa (2018) and Zakwe & Duncan (2020), which produced hits like “Roots” and “Kapteni.”
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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
*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