Evolution of African Rap (2004 – 2024)
The early 2000’s witnessed the explosive birth of African Rap, drawing its power from the golden era of hip-hop across the Atlantic. Pioneers like Eedris Abdulkareem emerged with raw and unapologetic street anthems like ‘Jagga Jagga’ which resonated with a generation hungry for change. The lyrics addressed corruption, poverty and injustice with unsugarcoated truth that struck at the heart of Africa’s struggles, earning rap a devoted following and continual airplay in the continent.
As the genre evolved, so did its sound, with artists like Dagrin, Olamide and Kuli Chana infusing it with pure African flavor through infectious rhymes in native tongues. The digital revolution of the late 2000’s and early 2010’s propelled a new wave of rappers like Sarkodie and M.I Abaga who effortlessly blended hip-hop’s raw energy with Afrobeats energetic rhythms. Tracks such as Khuli Chana’s “Tswa Daar” and Sarkodie’s “Illuminati” became genre-bending bangers, marking a period of reinvention for African Rap. Uniquely African, yet undeniably global: African Rap was an evolution unfolding, one beat at a time, and the world was paying attention.
In the early days of African Rap, the emphasis was often on storytelling, social commentary, and lyricism, with beats that incorporated elements of traditional percussion and melodies. This carried on beautifully with rappers like MI and Falz through songs like ‘Wild Wild West’ in 2009 and albums like ‘Moral Instruction’ in 2019. Unsurprisingly, the 2020’s have seen a drastic change in the flow and delivery of what we know today as African Rap, influenced by the emergence of drill music and its dark, aggressive beats, heavy basslines, eerie melodies, and rapid-fire flows. Tracks like “Sore” and Odumodublvck’s ontheradar freestyle featured in the video below are testament to this. Many African Rap artists, including Nasty C, arguably Africa’s biggest rap star, have embraced elements of drill. Once again taking a sound born on distant streets and weaving it with their indigenous essence to make a sound that is both universal yet deeply personal.
Today, African Rap is a genre that pulsates with the continent’s energetic spirit, refusing to be silent. From the streets to the global stage, African rap has carved its own path, and it doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. Our latest Youtube video takes you on a 20-year journey through the sounds of African rap, showcasing how the movement transformed from its early days to the global phenomenon it is today, watch here:
