Kenyan rappers have come along way since the days of Kalamashaka. The crew are considered the godfathers of rap music in Kenya, setting the foundation on which other rappers have built their career. In the process, a Kenyan hip-hop culture and community has emerged; cypher battles, dressing, art and spoken word. In the search for Kenya’s finest rappers, we talked to a sample group of producers, fans and the current rappers on who they think make it on the list. The results are in. We present to you the top 10 best Kenyan rappers of all time:
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10. Octopizzo
The Number Nane Boy is the self-proclaimed King of Swag. He has a song about to drill the point, in case there is doubt. Octopizzo, the most famous rapper out of Kibera, attracts passion on both ends – fans and haters. But irrespective of where you stand, you gotta recognize his hustle. Octopizzo (Henry Ohanga) is considered as one of the finest rappers and one of the very few that has grown his brand through enterprise (clothing & condom products) and community projects. He is the founder of YGB (Young Gifted and Black) and the CEO of Choclate City Tours. He is a father to two daughters.
9. Femi One
As one of the few female MCs, or as she refers herself ‘Femcee’, 20-year-old Shikow Femi One is a lyrical and witty rapper using humor and interesting wordplay. FemiOne uses swahili and sheng as the main languages in her music in ways that elevate her to the competitive level among male emcees/rappers. Shikow’s Trademark line, common in most of her records, clearly describes her wordplay style as she states that “Me ndio femione among ma-feminine…”
8. Juliani
Juliani hit the hip-hop scene in 2008 as a gospel rapper with his Mtaa Mentality album. Since then, he has dropped three more albums and won several local and international awards. What sets Juliani apart is his conscious lyrics which usually delve into social and political issues, blending unique flow with word play. Growing up in Dandora and Civoh, Juliani’s earlier contemporaries included hip-hop group Ukoo Fulani Mau Mau. He was the first artiste to launch an album on the streets of Nairobi, open to the public. He has received several corporate and NGO endorsements, making him one of the few rappers profiting from the trade. Juliani is part of the creative centre, Power254, and is expecting a child with actress Brenda Wairimu.
7. Xtatic
Rapper Xstatic has been rated the best female MCee in Kenya by our panel of experts. The mother of one was discovered on YouTube after she posted a prelude verse which caught the attention of Sony SA producers. She signed a contract with the recording company but was back in Kenya after a year under unclear circumstances. She is flawless when it comes to rapping in English and makes rapping look effortless. See below the track that captured our imagination.
6. Nyashinski
As one of the lyrically gifted trio of Kleptomaniacs, Nyashinski was on top of the game. That is until he left for the US and we haven’t heard much from him. Nyashinski, a Nairobi School alumni, was known for rhymes and punchlines. Check the verse below with Roba and Collo.
5. Rabbit
We know Kaka Sungura’s fans are convinced that Rabbit is the greatest rapper Kenya has ever seen, but our experts rank him at number 5. He refers himself as the Swahili Shakespeare probably because his lines are poetic and lyrical. Although he hasn’t been in the game for long compared to other MCs, he has 3 albums and 6 mixtapes to his name. He started off as a backup rapper for Chiwawa. His first hit (Orutu ya Masudi) was inspired by his grandfather – Masudi who used to play the flute. Rabbit, like Octopizzo, has an entrepreneurial mind. Through Kaka Empire, he runs a clothes company and a recording studio. Rabbit is respected for his work ethic, promoting upcoming MCs and is also acknowledged as the Kenyan with the highest number of YouTube views for a song (1.6 million).
4. Bamboo
The elder brother to Victoria Kimani and rapper Kimya has been in the game since the days of K-South flavor together with Abbas, albeit on and off. He has done a collabo with Akon. Bamboo’s laid back style, flow and storytelling skills has our panel rank him at number 4.
3. Khaligraph Jones
Khaligraph is that MC that is so unique that you really can’t categorize him. His story is as exceptional. In spite of dropping out of school after class 8, Khaligraph (Robert Ouko) raps fluently in English, with a weng to boot. He started practicing rapping in the house while at the same time working as a club bouncer. Khaligraph is one of the most versatile rappers in Kenya. He can rap slowly, fast, in ragga, change the flow all in one verse. Khaligraph is also an exceptional writer going by his songs.
2. Vigeti
If you don’t know Vigeti, you are not familiar with the roots of Kenya’s hip hop. Vigeti was a member of Kalamashaka. Their hit, Fanya Mambo, was the first song to be aired on Channel O and that was way back in the late 90s.
1. Abbas
Ladies and gentlemen…and the best rapper of all time in Kenya is ABBAS. A majority of our panel of experts agreed on the number one MC. Abbas was part of K-south flavour and has been the most consistent rapper. His longevity, wordplay, flow and storytelling talent earns him the ‘Best rapper in Kenya’.
Honorable mentions
Kitu Sewer
Chiwawa
Collo
UPDATE: Let us know your best Kenyan rappers in this poll