17 Top Female Rappers in Africa to Include in Your Playlist

For a long time the African music scene has been male-dominated; however, top female rappers in Africa are changing this narrative at a very fast pace. These ladies are not only captivating fans with their amazing voices and rap flows but also inspiring a generation of young girls who will grow up knowing they can achieve anything they dream of as long as they put in the effort needed.

This Easter holiday take a moment to listen to these incredible women who have climbed to stardom and gained respect for being mistresses of their arts.

Who Is the Best Female Rapper in Africa? 

Here are 17 of the most talented African female rappers who should be on your playlist.

1. Yolandi Visser (South Africa)

Born Anri du Toit, Yolandi Visser is one of the top female rappers in Africa you should listen to their music. The South African has been in the music industry for several years and has released various hit songs such as Ugly Boy, We Have Candy, Land of Honey and Die Antwoord.

2. Sho Madjozi (South Africa)

Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif, popularly known as Sho Madjozi, has been in the music industry for a long time now. She rose to fame after her collabo with Okmalumkoolkat on the track Ngiyashisa became a hit, especially in South Africa. She has never looked back since then and has since released several big hits, including John Cena, Chale, Huku, Jamani and Stepping Good.

Apart from being a rapper, Sho Madjozi is also a singer, songwriter, actress and poet. For her contribution in the music and entertainment sector, the South African musician was named as one of Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30.

3. Eva Alordiah (Nigeria)

Any proper list of top female rappers in Africa would be incomplete without including the talented Eva Alordiah. The Nigerian has been in the music industry since her breakout in 2011 and has released several quality songs. During the 2010s, she led the charge among African female rappers. Her use of patois in her dancehall-like hits creates a foreign but familiar sound that is now associated with her. Some of her songs include High, War Coming, Deaf and Mbali.

4. Nadia Nakai (South Africa)

Nadia Nakai is a name many rap fans are very familiar with. She released her debut studio album Nadia Naked in 2019 and it was well received by hip hop fans. Apart from being a rapper, she is also a television personality and has co-hosted the popular MTV Base Hip Hop Show Yo! MTV Raps. Nadia was the girlfriend of the late South African rapper AKA.

5. Eno Barony (Ghana)

Ghana has some of the finest male rappers and the females have not been left behind. As Sarkodie is making waves as the best male rapper in Africa, Eno Barony is playing a significant role as one of the top female rappers in Africa. The Accra-born rapper shot into the limelight in 2014 after releasing her debut single, “Wats Ma Name” and also “Tonga”, which is the remix of the track “Tonga” done by Sarkodie and Joey B.

6. Lifesize Teddy (Nigeria)

A 23-year-old from Nigeria, Lifesize Teddy has taken Africa’s hip-hop scene by a storm. She is talented and you can see that by listening to her debut EP which comprises of five tracks. Some of her hits include Addicted, Prophecy, BBA, John Wick, Air and Butterflies. Apart from being a rapper, she is also a songwriter.

7. Rosa Ree (Tanzania)

The Recording Academy recently named Rosa Ree as one of the top female rappers in Africa making waves in the music industry. This recognition coincided with the Academy’s celebration of Women’s History Month and it’s a big win for Ree whose journey to the top started in 2016 after she burst to the hip-hop scene after releasing the hit song ‘One Time’. Ree has since released several songs, including Kamzozo, Mama Omollo, Nguvu Za Kiume and Awuoh.

8. Femi One (Kenya)

Femi One, a seasoned artist in Kenyan hip-hop, serves as an inspiration for upcoming female rappers.  She is among the best female rappers in Africa. Distinguished by her formidable voice and uncompromising demeanour, she addresses societal concerns such as gender disparity with unwavering candour.  Songs like “Utawezana” demonstrate her musical wit.

9. Boity Thulo (South Africa)

Boity Thulo is a multidimensional South African performer who excels in music, television, and business, not just rapping.  Her raps, touch on themes of female empowerment and self-love, often combining vulnerability with confidence.  Songs like “Baddest Female” further accentuate her aggressive character.

10. Bomb$hell Grenade (Zambia)

This rapper from Zabia doesn’t mind breaking rules.  The lively lyrics and quick flow of Bomb$hell Grenade challenge conventional norms while embracing individualism.  Songs like “Pride Isn’t Work” and “Shakara No Be Work” highlight her unabashed approach.

11. Ivorian Doll (Ivory Coast)

Ivorian Doll offers a distinct viewpoint to the music scene, having grown up in London despite being born in Ivory Coast.  Her drill tracks are intense and unfiltered; they frequently contain social commentary and anecdotes from her life.  Songs such as “Rumours” highlight her streetwise demeanour and narrative skills.

12. Moozlie (South Africa)

Moozlie is a talented performer known for her ability to seamlessly combine pop and soul influences with hip-hop. Songs with memorable hooks, such as “Vukile” (“Wake Up”), highlight her lighthearted approach.

13. Muthoni the Drummer Queen (Kenya)

Muthoni the Drummer Queen is a true hip-hop pioneer from Kenya who does more than just rap.  No wonder she is among the all-time best female rappers in Africa. Her songs address topics like female equality and governmental corruption while including spoken word components.  “They Don’t Know” is one of her fiercely political songs.

14. Moonaya (Senegal)

This Senegalese-Beninese talent is known for her soulful voice and reflective lyrics.  Moonaya approaches subjects of mental health and self-discovery with refreshing candour.  Songs like “Numb” highlight her vulnerable and introspective approach.

15. Stella Mwangi (STL) (Kenya)

Stella Mwangi alias STL is among the best female rappers in Africa. The Denmark-based Kenyan hip-hop artist is renowned for her infectious hooks and fluid English and Swahili language skills.  Songs like “Utaachwa” (which means “You’ll Be Left Behind”) highlight her talent for storytelling and her realistic lyrics.

16. Gigi Lamayne (South Africa)

South African rapper Gigi Lamayne exudes raw energy and powerful lyrics. She is an eclectic performer and she has elevated South Africa’s hip hop to a whole new level.

17. Ami Yerewolo (Mali)

Ami Yerewolo is a Malian rapper whose fame is courtesy of his lively and culturally diverse soundscape. He fuses contemporary hip-hop beats with traditional Malian music.  Her innovative music and ethnic pride are evident in tracks like “Doni”.

Who Is the Best Female Rapper in Kenya?

• Stella Mwangi (STL)
• Fena Gitu
• Muthoni Drummer Queen (MDQ)
• Nazizi
• Sosuun
• Notiflow
• Femi One
• Ssaru

Who Is the Most Popular Rapper in Africa?

• Sarkodie (Ghana)
• M.I Abaga (Nigeria)
• Cassper Nyovest (South Africa)
• Olamide (Nigeria)
• Stogie T (South Africa)
• M.anifest
• Phyno