While 2019 wasn’t the most prolific year for North American hip-hop, African hip-hop thrived, marking one of the continent’s best years musically. A plethora of artists released outstanding records, making the competition fiercer than ever.
The year was filled with discussions, controversies, and memorable moments, from the Nigeria vs. South Africa debate to Paperman’s Top 50 African Rappers of All Time list. South African rapper AKA clashed with Nigeria’s entertainment industry over xenophobia accusations, Khuli Chana made a long-awaited return, Sarkodie became the first recipient of the BET Hip Hop Awards’ Best International Flow award, and Cassper Nyovest declared himself an all-time great.
Selecting the top tracks across Africa is no easy task, given the daily influx of new music. However, some songs simply stand out. In keeping with our tradition of celebrating African hip-hop heroes, here are our 20 favorite African hip-hop tracks of 2019.
1. Joey B feat. Kwesi Arthur and Sarkodie – “LA Familia”
- Release Date: July 25
- Producer: Nova
Joey B, one of Africa’s hardest-working rappers, delivered his first single of 2019, featuring Kwesi Arthur and Sarkodie. The trio reflects on their rise to fame in this standout track.
2. Ice Prince feat. M.I., Kwesta, Sarkodie, and Khaligraph Jones – “Feel Good” Remix
- Release Date: July 5
- Producer: WillisBeatz
Ice Prince brought together some of Africa’s finest for the remix of “Feel Good.” Though it didn’t reach projected heights, it remains one of 2019’s most memorable tracks.
3. Sarkodie – “Bleeding”
- EP: Alpha
- Release Date: July 18
- Producer: Atown TSB
A standout from Sarkodie’s Alpha EP, “Bleeding” showcases the Ghanaian rapper’s lyrical prowess over heavy bass.
4. Kwesi Arthur – “See No Evil”
- EP: Live From Nkrumah Krom Vol. II: Home Run
- Release Date: August 26
- Producer: M.O.G. Beatz
Kwesi Arthur’s uplifting track “See No Evil” was an instant favorite from his Home Run project.
5. Gigi Lamayne feat. Eminent Fam – “Koze Kube Nini”
- EP: Job Woods
- Release Date: July 26
Gigi Lamayne addresses domestic violence in this powerful track, delivering a much-needed message from one of Africa’s most underrated rappers.
6. AKA feat. YoungstaCPT – “Main Ou’s”
- Release Date: October 18
AKA silenced critics with this sharp, outlandish track featuring YoungstaCPT.
7. Shane Eagle feat. Nasty C – “Paris”
- EP: Dark Moon Flwr
- Release Date: October 11
- Producer: KKtha1st
“Paris” brings together two of Africa’s most promising young rappers, blending Shane Eagle’s reflective rhymes with Nasty C’s braggadocious lines.
8. Sarkodie feat. Ebony – “Odo”
- EP: Alpha
- Release Date: June 6
- Producer: Nova
This posthumous collaboration with Ebony Reign is a heartfelt duet and a standout from Sarkodie’s Alpha EP.
9. Kid Tini feat. Styles P and Stogie-T – “Get Money”
- Release Date: June 7
- Producer: Kreazoe
Kid Tini holds his own alongside Styles P and Stogie-T in this rap-heavy track.
10. UG’s Most Wanted – “Chapter One”
- Release Date: June 1
- Producer: Josh SB
This collaborative effort from Byg Ben, Tushi Polo, Tucker HD, J-Wats, and Play01 is a bold statement and a conversation starter.
11. K.O feat. Nandi Madida – “Say U Will”
- Album: PTY UnLTD
- Release Date: August 16
- Producer: K.O., Afrotraction & Surprise Simangaliso Ndimande
A sequel to their hit “Skhanda Love,” this track features Nandi Madida’s vocals and K.O.’s swagger.
12. Nadia Nakai – “Imma Boss”
- Album: Nadia Naked
- Release Date: May 17
- Producer: Playground Productions
Nadia Nakai’s anthemic track from her debut album is a celebration of success and self-confidence.
13. Blaqbonez – “Best Rapper In Africa”
- Release Date: July 30
- Producer: Alpha Ojini
Blaqbonez boldly declares himself the best rapper in Africa in this audacious track.
14. Duncan feat. Thee Legacy – “Sikelela”
- Album: Sikelela
- Release Date: April 5
Duncan addresses social issues like drug abuse and unemployment in this heartfelt single.
15. Beast feat. Sjava – “Hello”
- Release Date: April 25
Sjava’s contribution elevates this track into one of 2019’s most interesting songs.
16. Gemini Major feat. Nasty C and Tellaman – “Right Now”
- Release Date: June 14
- Producer: Leon Hlabathi & Gemini Major
This collaboration is one of the hardest African rap joints of 2019.
17. Big Trill – “Parte After Parte”
- Release Date: August 6
- Producer: Big Trill
Ugandan rapper Big Trill took 2019 by storm with this viral hit, which became a continental anthem.
18. Vector – “Judas The Rat” (M.I Abaga Diss)
- Release Date: October 11
- Producer: Sunny “Masterkraft” Nweke
Vector’s diss track against M.I Abaga was one of the most entertaining moments of 2019.
19. Kwesta feat. Rich Homie Quan – “Run It Up”
- Release Date: November 15
- Producer: Makwabeats
Kwesta reflects on his success in this slow burner featuring Rich Homie Quan.
20. M.I Abaga – “The Viper”
- Release Date: October 5
- Producer: M.I. Abaga
M.I Abaga’s response to Vector’s diss track marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s hip-hop scene.
