Top 10 Rappers in Ghana – January 2024

Ghana is a country with a rich musical heritage and a vibrant rap scene. Rap music, or Hiplife as it is locally known, emerged in the mid-1990s as a fusion of hip hop and highlife, a traditional genre of Ghanaian music.

Since then, Ghanaian rappers have been making waves both locally and internationally, showcasing their lyrical skills, cultural diversity, and musical creativity.

In this blog post, we will rank the top 10 rappers in Ghana based on their popularity, influence, awards, and achievements. This list is not definitive, but rather a reflection of our personal opinion and preferences.

We hope you enjoy reading it and discover some new artists to add to your playlist.

Here are the top 10 rappers in Ghana as at January 2024:

1. Sarkodie

Sarkodie is arguably the most successful and influential rapper in Ghana and Africa. He has been active since 2007 and has released seven studio albums, two EPs, and over 100 singles.

He has won numerous awards, including the BET Award for Best International Act: Africa in 2012 and 2014, the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Hip Hop in 2014 and 2018, and the Vodafone Ghana Music Award for Artiste of the Decade in 2019.

He is also the founder of Sarkcess Music, his own record label and management company.

Sarkodie is known for his fast and versatile flow, his witty and clever wordplay, his incorporation of different languages (especially Twi), and his ability to rap over various beats, ranging from hip hop to afrobeat to dancehall. Some of his most popular songs include “Adonai”, “U Go Kill Me”, “Pain Killer”, “Lucky” and “Happy Day”.

2. M.anifest

M.anifest is a rapper, singer, and songwriter who has been active since 2005 and has released five studio albums, four EPs and several singles.

He has won several awards, including the Vodafone Ghana Music Award for Best Rapper of the Year in 2013 and 2017, the All Africa Music Award for Best Rap Act in 2016, and the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Collaboration in 2016.

M.anifest is known for his poetic and conscious lyrics, his smooth and eloquent flow, his incorporation of different languages (especially English and Twi), and his use of diverse musical influences, such as highlife, afrobeat, jazz, and soul.

Some of his most popular songs include “Makaa Maka”, “Someway Bi”, “God MC”, “Me Ne Woa” and “No Fear”.

3. Lyrical Joe

Lyrical Joe is a rising star in the Ghanaian rap scene, known for his fast-paced flow, intricate wordplay, and ability to blend English, Twi, and Ga.

He hails from Takoradi in the Western Region of Ghana and burst onto the scene with his viral hit “5th August” in 2020.

Since then, he has amassed a dedicated following and released several successful tracks, including “Betrayal” featuring Sarkodie, “HMMHM,” and “Enter” featuring Kuami Eugene.

Here are some key points about Lyrical Joe:

• Notable tracks: “5th August,” “Betrayal,” “HMMHM,” “Enter”
• Style: Fast-paced flow, intricate wordplay, a blend of English, Twi, and Ga
• Known for: Cultural references, personal stories, social commentary, positive energy, vibrant stage presence
• Achievements: Rising star, viral hit, collaborations with established artists

4. Medikal

Medikal is one of the leading rappers in Ghana’s new school generation. He started his career in 2012 and has released five studio albums, one EP and several singles. He has won several awards, including the Vodafone Ghana Music Award for Best Rapper of the Year in 2017 and 2019, and the 3Music Award for Hiplife/Hip Hop Act of the Year in 2020.

Medikal is known for his catchy hooks, his energetic delivery, his use of slang and street lingo, and his collaboration with various artists across genres. Some of his most popular songs include “Omo Ada”, “Ayekoo”, “La Hustle”, “How Much” and “Confirm”.

5. Kwesi Arthur

Kwesi Arthur is a rapper, singer and songwriter who rose to fame after releasing his debut EP Live from Nkrumah Krom in 2017.

He has since released two more EPs and several singles. He has been nominated for several awards, including the BET Award for Best International Act: Viewers’ Choice in 2018, the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Hip Hop in 2020, and the Vodafone Ghana Music Award for Best Rapper of the Year in 2018 and 2020.

Kwesi Arthur is known for his smooth and melodic flow, his inspirational and motivational lyrics, his fusion of rap and singing, and his experimentation with different sounds, such as afrobeat, trap, drill and R&B. Some of his most popular songs include “Grind Day”, “Woara”, “Nobody”, “Baajo” and “Sore”.

6. Amerado

Amerado is a rising star in the Ghanaian rap scene. His storytelling skills, lyrical talent, and versatility make him a captivating artist to watch.

He’s definitely one to add to your playlist if you’re looking for Ghanaian rap with depth, humor, and genuine personality.

Known for:

• Storytelling: Amerado excels at weaving vivid narratives in his rap, drawing listeners into his world with intricate details and relatable experiences. Tracks like “Obidi” and “Me Ho Nso Me Do” showcase his ability to captivate with words.
• Lyrical prowess: Amerado is a skilled lyricist, known for his clever wordplay, punchlines, and ability to rap seamlessly in English and Twi. His wordplay adds depth and humor to his music, making him a joy to listen to.
• Versatility: While Amerado shines in storytelling and lyrical dexterity, he’s also a versatile artist who dabbles in different styles. From conscious rap tracks like “Yeete Nsem” to the more chill and introspective tone of “Tioo Much,” he demonstrates his ability to adapt and explore.
• Personality: Amerado’s genuine and down-to-earth personality endears him to fans. He engages with his audience online and often participates in rap battles, showcasing his humor and wit.

7. Strongman

Strongman is a rapper who started his career in 2012 and has released two studio albums, one EP and several singles. He has won several awards, including the Ghana Music Award SA for Best Rapper of the Year in 2018, and the 3Music Award for Hiplife/Hip Hop Act of the Year in 2021.

Strongman is known for his lyrical prowess, his fast and technical flow, his use of metaphors and punchlines, and his ability to rap over different beats, such as hip hop, afrobeat and highlife. Some of his most popular songs include “Transformer”, “Baby Girl”, “Don’t Try”, “Bossu” and “Awuraba”.

8. Yaw Tog

Yaw Tog is a rapper who burst onto the scene in 2020 with his viral song “Sore”, which featured fellow rappers O’Kenneth, City Boy, Reggie and Jay Bahd.

The song became a hit in Ghana and abroad, especially after British rapper Stormzy remixed it. Yaw Tog later released his debut EP Time in 2021.

Yaw Tog is known for his hard-hitting and aggressive flow, his use of the Asakaa or Kumerica drill style, his incorporation of Twi and English, and his representation of the youth culture and lifestyle in Ghana.

Some of his most popular songs include “Sore”, “Sore Remix”, “Y33gye” and “Africa”.

9. Kofi Mole

Kofi Mole is a rapper and singer who started his career in 2018 and has released one studio album, one EP and several singles.

He has won several awards, including the Vodafone Ghana Music Award for Hip Hop Song of the Year in 2019, and the 3Music Award for Next Rated Act in 2019.

Kofi Mole is known for his catchy and playful lyrics, his energetic and charismatic delivery, his fusion of rap and singing, and his collaboration with various artists across genres. Some of his most popular songs include “Mensah”, “Don’t Be Late”, “Aposor Love”, “Yabre” and “Makoma”.

10. Eno Barony

Eno Barony is a rapper who started her career in 2014 and has released two studio albums, one EP and several singles. She has won several awards, including the AFRIMMA Award for Best Female Rap Act in 2020, and the Ghana Music Award USA for Best Female Rapper of the Year in 2020.

Eno Barony is known for her fierce and confident lyrics, her powerful and commanding flow, her use of Twi and English languages, and her ability to rap over different beats, such as hip hop, afrobeat and dancehall. Some of her most popular songs include “King Of Queens”, “Heavy Load”, “Force Dem To Play Nonsense”, “Enough Is Enough” and “Ay3 Ka”.

Source: AfroYard.net