Hennessy Africa Cypher 2024: Showcasing Top African Hip Hop Talent
The Hennessy Africa Cypher 2024, an eagerly awaited event for hip-hop and rap aficionados, has been unveiled, sparking excitement across the continent. This year’s Cypher is an 8-minute exhibition of unique rap styles and creative wordplay, set against the backdrop of a Lagos train station in Nigeria. This choice of location mirrors Hennessy’s adventurous spirit and its history of bold activations in distinctive settings.
The Hennessy Africa Cypher 2024 spotlights six prominent artists from Africa’s vibrant rap scene: Maglera Doe Boy from South Africa, Didi B from Côte d’Ivoire, Young Lunya from Tanzania, Khaligraph Jones from Kenya, Ladipoe from Nigeria, and Sarkodie from Ghana. Each artist contributes their distinct style and lyrical expertise, crafting a rich mosaic of diverse sounds and perspectives.
– Maglera Doe Boy: The South African rapper delivers thought-provoking verses, following the success of his debut project “Diaspora” in 2022. This year, he also features on K.O’s new single ‘Let Me Cook,’ showcasing his lyrical prowess.
– Didi B: Representing Côte d’Ivoire, Didi B is the first Francophone artist to feature in the Cypher. Known for his ‘rap ivoire,’ he uses local creole to narrate the experiences of Ivorian youth. His album “Before Olympia” was released in February 2024.
– Ladipoe: The Nigerian rapper is celebrated for his intricate wordplay and metaphors. His latest track, ‘Hallelujah,’ featuring Rozzz & Morrelo, was released in April 2024.
– Sarkodie: Ghana’s most awarded hip hop artist and reigning Ghana Music Awards Artist of the Decade, Sarkodie released his “Championship Mixtape” in May 2024.
– Young Lunya: The Tanzanian artist, the first hip hop act from Tanzania signed to Sony Music Entertainment Africa, captivates audiences with his Kiswahili rap.
– Khaligraph Jones: The Kenyan rapper contributes his unique style and powerful lyrics to the Cypher, adding to the dynamic collaboration.
Julie Nollet, Hennessy’s Global Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized the brand’s dedication to the Cypher, stating, “As proved by this year’s six artists, the Cypher is about more than just music. It’s about poetry, community, inspiration, and creativity, fueling the dreams of those honing their craft. Hennessy has long been close to many forms of music, and it is only natural to celebrate African culture through a genre that embodies progress and open-mindedness.”
Hennessy has played a crucial role in promoting hip hop culture since the genre’s inception in the United States over 50 years ago. The brand has been referenced in over 4,000 tracks, making it the most mentioned brand in hip hop history. Songs like ‘Hennessy’ by 2Pac, ‘Hennessy n Buddah’ by Snoop Dogg, and ‘One Dance’ by Drake underscore the brand’s deep connection to the genre.
The Hennessy Africa Cypher 2024 transcends being just a musical event; it’s a celebration of talent, creativity, and African culture. By providing a platform for these exceptional artists, Hennessy continues to support and nurture the hip hop community, bridging generations and expanding into diverse musical genres each year.
