Rap and Hip-Hop music in Africa has witnessed significant growth over the years. Just as men have contributed to this burgeoning genre, women have also been instrumental in its evolution, and their contributions cannot be ignored.
In this article, we will shine a spotlight on some of the remarkable female rappers who are transforming the African rap scene.
Here are the top 10 female African rappers, based on a recently released list by the Recording Academy. This list highlights women from countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa, and more who are making waves in the rap industry.
Let’s dive right in.
Top 10 Female African Rappers
Eno Barony
No list would be complete without mentioning Ghana’s Queen of Rap Music, Eno Barony. It is no surprise that she has made it to the top 10 female African rappers. Eno Barony has consistently demonstrated her prowess as one of the best rappers on the continent.
Born Ruth Eno Adjoa Amankwah Nyame Adom, Eno Barony was raised in a religious household by missionary parents. She uses her music to convey the powerful message that women should not be silenced.
Although she had released other singles previously, Eno Barony gained widespread recognition with her version of ‘Tonga,’ a song originally by Joey B featuring Sarkodie, back in 2014.
When it comes to rap music in Ghana, Eno stands out as the only female rapper who can hold her own against the top male rappers in the country. She is a fearless artist who thrives on competing with her male counterparts.
Eno has collaborated with notable artists such as Strongman, Shatta Wale, Sarkodie, Stay Jay, FlowKing Stone, and Dr Cryme, among others.
In March 2021, she was named among the Top 30 Most Influential Women in Music by the 3Music Awards Women’s Brunch. Eno Barony has also received numerous award nominations, including the VGMA’s (now TGMA), 3Music Awards, and AFRIMMA’s, among many others.
The African rap scene is evolving, and these women are at the forefront, breaking barriers and setting new standards. Stay tuned as we continue to celebrate and support the incredible talent of female rappers in Africa.
In November 2020, she won the African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) award for Best Best Female Rap Act in Africa.
She won an award at the 2021 3Music Awards to become the first female artiste in Ghana to have won ‘Rapper of the Year’ award. She become the first Ghanaian female to be awarded Best Rapper at the VGMA beating the likes of Sarkodie, Amerado, Medikal, Strongman and Joey B in 2021
Rosa Ree
Rosa Ree who is a Tanzanian Hip-Hop sensation, is known for her energetic performances and bold lyrics found her way on the list of Africa’s top 10 female rappers.
The rapper and songwriter gained recognition in the African music scene for her unique style and outspoken personality. Rosa Ree’s music often addresses social issues and challenges stereotypes, earning her a dedicated fan base across the continent.
Her journey to the top as a music star began back in 2016 when she burst onto the Bongo Hip-Hop market with her hit song. “One Time.” The song got her a larger audience and big wings in the music industry started noticing her, the song also gave her the opportunity to collaborate with Kenyan rapper, Khaligraph Jones.
She continues to make waves with her music and contribute to the diversity of African hip hop.
Deela
Deela who hails from Lagos is a British-Nigerian rapper who also made it to the Top 10 Female African Rappers list based on her brazen assertive demeanour and clever lyrics which sets her entirely apart from her contemporaries.
She started making music during the pandemic lockdown, releasing singles such as the raging “Bitch Boi” and trap track “Rolling Stones.” Both tracks later appeared on her debut album, Done Deel. Deela’s most popular single, “Get A Grip,” shows the rapper is demanding autonomy while owning her promiscuity and single life.
She hit the ground running in 2024, releasing a collaboration with Somadina titled “Lagos” and a love-themed EP, Love Is Wicked.
Nadai Nakai
Also on the list is Nadai Nakai, who hails from both Zimbabwe and South Africa. She has been in the music scen for over a dacade and was the first female rapper to win the Mixtape 101 competition on the hip-hop show, “Shiz Niz.”.
Nakai relesed her first official single ‘Like Me’ back in 2013 under Sid Records. She continued to release a slew of singles, including “Naaa Meaan” (a collaboration with Casper Nyovest, a South African male rapper), which garnered over 1 million views. Her debut album, Nadai Naked, was an ode to women making liberating choices.
The following year, she was featured on the remix of Riky Rick song, Amantombazane amongst various South African acts. In June 2015, Nakai released her third single “Saka Wena” featuring rapper Ice Prince, following her second single, “Whatever” featuring DotCom and Psyfo.
She also featured South African rapper, Casper Nyovest on her 1016 ‘Bragga” EP. At the 6th ceremony of AFRIMA, she took-home Best Female Artist award. She was awarded the most stylish performing artist at the 2020 SA Style Awards.
Lifesize Teddy
Lifesize Teddy, who is a Nigerian rapper under the ‘Marvin Records’ owned by Don Jazzy, the same record label that burst out the likes of Rema, Arya Starr among other great talents from Nigeria also made it to the list.
She began her music career by releasing two EP’s in four months in 2023 following years of undergoing artists development in the Marvid records Academy.
Her self-titled debut EP was led by the single “Hypnotic,” a flirty song of sexual freedom that merges hip-hop and Afrobeats. Her second EP, POISN, featured five songs with one featuring her fellow Mavins Records artist, Magixx.
She ended last year headlining different shows in Lagos’ Detty December and is a special guest on Ayra Starr World Tour.
SGaWD
SGaWD is a Nigerian hip-hop artist also making the list of top female rappers in Africa, he after quitting her career as a lawyer to chase music. And she is doing very great in the music business.
In 2021, the rapper released her first official EP, dubbed ‘Savage Bitch Juice” collaborating with fellow artiste Somadina on lead single “Pop S”. On the project she spoke out on ther romantic and sexual experiences with men on the second single titled “Rude”.
You guys can check her out on YouTube and on all digital streaming platforms her latest releases.
Candy Bleakz
Candy Bleakz is a Nigerian street pop singer, rapper, and songwriter. She is currently signed to Chocolate City Music and is famed for her 2022 hit single, Tikuku.
Born with her legal name Akiode Blessing Mariam, the rapper is very good when it comes to the fusion of Afrobeats, amapiano, and hip-hop, in her music.
Her musical journey began in 2019, and since then, she has rapidly built a loyal following within her community. One of her notable collaborations includes “Owo Osu,” where she teamed up with Zlatan and Naira Marley.
Her repertoire boasts hit tracks such as “Baba Nla,” “Kelegbe,” “Virus,” and “Kope,” showcasing her versatility and prowess in the music scene.
Sho Madjozi
Born with her legal name Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif, better known by her stage name Sho Madjozi, is a South African rapper, singer, songwriter, actress, and poet.
Sho Madjozi who was named as one of Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 for her contribution in the music and entertainment sector was born on 9 May, 1992, in Shirley Village, Elim, Limpopo, the daughter of Rosemary Phaweni and Marc Wegerif.
She released her first song, “Dumi Hi Phone,” in 2017 and dropped her genre-bending debut album the following year. Limpopo Champions League explores sounds from hip-hop to EDM.
She got her breakthrough following the release of her hit song ‘John Cena,’ a tribute to the wrestler and actor, which later earned her a BET award for the Best New International Act in 2019.
Femi One
Femi One, a notable Kenyan rapper and songwriter at the youthful age of 26, commands attention with her distinct style. While many African rappers opt for a more universal language, Femi One sets herself apart by predominantly delivering her verses in Swahili and Sheng, offering a unique flavor to her music.
Over the span of the last five years, Femi One has consistently dropped hit singles, leading up to the unveiling of her debut EP “XXV” in 2019.
Building upon this momentum, two years later, she presented her inaugural album titled “Greatness,” providing a deeper insight into her audacious persona. Tracks such as “Balance” showcase her sharp wit and clever wordplay, infused with subtle references that resonate with her audience.
Additionally, on “Greatness,” Femi One draws from her gospel roots, expressing gratitude to a higher power for her musical journey in tracks like “Adonai.”
Deto Black
Her most recent release, “B.A,” epitomizes pure Afrobeats essence, beckoning listeners to immerse themselves in its infectious rhythms and positive vibes, as though stepping into a virtual club with doors flung wide open.
Lagos-based rapper Deto Black is a multifaceted artist known for her work in modeling, acting, and photography, alongside her diverse music career spanning hip-hop, Afrobeats, rap, pop, and rock.
Her collaboration on “Body Count” with Odunsi the Engine, Amaarae, and Gigi Atlantis thrust her into the alté scene spotlight, where her sex-positive message resonated strongly.
In 2021, Deto released her debut EP, “Yung Everything,” showcasing her versatility. Following its success, she dropped singles like “Nu Bag” and “Just Like Deto.” Transitioning into 2024, she released “It’s A No From Me,” featuring Chi, with a visually stunning music video directed by alté artist Cruel Santino.
Deto Black continues to push creative boundaries, cementing her status as a dynamic force in the alté movement.
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