The Hennessy Cypher has quickly become a major testing ground to determine which country has the best rappers.
Initially starting in Nigeria in 2016, the Cypher was a way to promote the best rap talents in Nigeria.
By 2023, the Cypher expanded to other African countries, bringing in talents from Ghana, Kenya, South Africa and Tanzania.
And since its expansion, Ghana has dominated with its amazing talents.
Here are three talented rappers who have made Ghana proud at the Hennessy Africa Cypher since 2023.
M.anifest (2023)
The first ever, Africa Cypher consisted of acts like Octopizzo (Kenya), M.anifest(Ghana), MI Abaga (Nigeria) and Vector (Nigeria).
Although keenly contested, with MI Abaga and Vector putting on their best, Versatile lyricist M.anifest was widely praised for his flow and delivery on the beat.
Sarkodie (2024 Cypher)
In 2024, the Africa Cypher ‘tabled’ acts like Sarkodie (Ghana), Maglera Doe Boy (South Africa), Ladipoe (Nigeria), Kaligraph Jones (Kenya) and Didi B (Ivory Coast) and Young Lunya (Tanzania).
Although highly competitive, what made Sarkodie’s verse stand out wasn’t just his delivery and flow, but his lyrical content.
His verse was a critique of record labels and how they take advantage of artistes, sparking debates across Africa.
Once again, Ghana took the crown.
Africa goes ‘crazy’ over Joey B’s Hennessy Cypher verse
Joey B (2025 Cypher)
The 2025 edition, produced by South Africa’s Kabza De Small, featured an explosive lineup: Joey B (Ghana), Blaqbonez (Nigeria), Femi One (Kenya), Ms Banks (Nigeria), and Javia (Tanzania).
This, however, was no competition for Ghana’s Joey B, who was widely praised for his standout performance.
Fans across Africa, including numerous Nigerians, singled out Joey B’s verse for high praise, declaring it a powerful affirmation of Ghana’s dominance in African hip-hop.
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