In recent years, the hip-hop scene in Africa has witnessed the rise of several female talents who are challenging this male-dominated genre. Although female hip-hop artists are underrepresented, their emergence has brought a fresh perspective to the industry. Similar to their male counterparts, these female artists address social and political issues and have even empowered women through their lyrics and their presence on the scene.

Over the years, African hip-hop has evolved from the adopted American style to a more culture-driven approach, incorporating local languages, experiences, and social commentary. With the genre's versatility and widespread acceptance, women have found the courage to take the stage from the onset of the genre.

The 2000s saw the emergence of female artists in the African hip-hop scene as they racked numbers and attracted fans with their spectacular lyrical lines and rhymes.

Some of the notable female hip-hop artists are:

Born Anthonia Yetunde Alabi, is considered the first woman in the Nigerian hip-hop scene. Signed to Eldee’s Trybe Records, she moved on to Storm Records where she gained popularity after the release of her 2001 debut album FIRST LADY. Sasha went on to dominate the female rap scene, prompting the rise of other female artists in the industry.

Nominated for the Best Upcoming Artiste in 2004, she won the Best Female Artist award in the 2009 Women in Video Entertainment award in the UK for her song “Adara” and the MTV African Music Awards in 2010 for her song “Herself.” Also, in 2009, she earned a dual nomination in the Sound city Music Video Awards for Best Female Video and Best Cinematography for her song “Only Me.”

After an illustrious career, Sasha P. announced in 2013 that she would be stepping away from the spotlight to focus on her fashion business.

Born Fatou Diatta in Dakar, Senegal, Sister FA has made an indelible mark on the Senegalese hip-hop scene.

Widely known as an anti-FGM activist, Sister FA came into prominence in the 2000s after the release of her demo tape. Her lyrics are cause-oriented and are dedicated to the eradication of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), child marriage, and social injustices women face. These lyrics are often sung in Senegalese local languages to ensure the message reaches the uneducated communities.

In 2005, she released her first album "Hip Hop Yaw Law Fal," followed by her international debut album "Sarabah: The Flipside of Paradise" in 2009. Sister FA achieved international recognition in 2011 after the release of her documentary "Sarabah," which premiered at the Human Rights Festival.

Weird MC was a popular Nigerian-British rapper in the 2000s.

Born Shola Idowu, Weird MC was part of a short-term campus hip-hop group called the “Weirdos.” She started her career in the early 90s, competed in several music battles, and toured with the British EDM DJ/Producer P Tee Money in 1990.

After her return to Nigeria in 1996, she released her very first hip-hop album “Simply Weird” which won the very first award for Best Hip-Hop Album.

In 2006, Weird MC earned immense popularity after the release of the monster hit “Ijoya” from After Da Storm. The track earned her an AMEN award for Most Pop Song, and a Channel O Music Video Award for Best Special Effect. Furthermore, in 2010, she participated in the widely watched TV show, Gulder Ultimate Search, showcasing her versatility and appeal beyond the music industry.

Nadia Nakai has become a household name in the South African hip-hop scene. Rising in prominence in 2013 with the release of her first official single ‘Like Me,’ Nadia Nakai has collaborated with some of the biggest names in African hip hop, including Cassper Nyovest, Ice Prince, Emtee, and Kwesta.

In an interview, Nadia revealed that Kenyan female hip-hop artist Nazizi who she met during a hip-hop festival in Kenya, was her inspiration to start a rap career.

Nadia released her debut album "Nadia Naked" in 2016. The album was widely accepted and was nominated for the Album of the Year.

The same year, she won her first award as the Artist of the Year at the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards in 2016. In 2019, she also won the Best Female Artist at the South African Music Awards and the Best Female Artist in Southern Africa at the All African Music Awards.

Over the years, Nadia has earned several nominations for several music awards. More recently, she won the Hip Hop Artist of the Year at the Basadi Music Award, an award that celebrates women in the South African music industry.

Originally born in Uganda before moving abroad to Australia, Kween G is an influential female rapper, activist, and community advocate. She started her career in the late 90s with the hip-hop outfit KillaQueenz.

Known for their energetic performances and conscious lyrics, the duo released several tracks and their album “Sisterhood” in 2009. The facts surrounding the disbandment of the duo are not widely known but they were active until the early 2010s.

Kween G is known for her powerful lyrics that often address issues such as social justice, gender equality, and the struggles of women in different communities.

In 2010, Kween G was nominated “Citizen of the Year” by the Marrickville council for her essential community work. In 2013, she participated as a mentor in the 12-week program “Lady Beats”, arming young women with the necessary equipment to pursue a music career. Kween G has maintained a sustainable career, maintaining her stand on women's inclusion in the industry and releasing popular tracks like the 2014 “Speak Up” track, “Something in your Eyes” and “Love for my sisters”, both in 2021.

In addition to the above-listed female rappers, there are other talented women who have made their mark on the African hip-hop scene. Honorable mentions include Gigi Lamayne (South Africa), Eno Barony (Ghana), Femi One (Kenya), Mo’Cheddah (Nigeria), Rosa Ree (Tanzania), Eva Alordiah (Nigeria), Deto Black (Nigeria), Moona (Benin/Senegal), Candy Bleakz (Nigeria), Ugoccie (Nigeria), Abena Rockstar (Ghana), Reespect (Nigeria), Elizabeth Ventura (Angola), Ami Yerewolo (Mali), ZuluMecca (South Africa), Pongo (Angola), Odeneho Canella (Ghana), Cleo Ice Queen (Zambia), and many others.

The hip-hop scene in Africa has witnessed the rise of several female talents who are challenging this male-dominated genre and making a difference.

African Female Hip-Hop Pioneers

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