Ghana’s position as a musical giant on the African continent is not one anyone can dispute. The country’s contribution to the continent’s soundscape in the amplification and globalization of African music dates back decades.
From the success of Highlife, Hiplife, Reggae/Dancehall, and Gospel, the country has been home to artists who have represented the country and continent well over the years.
Osibisa, Alhaji K Frimpong, Reggie Rockstone, BukBak, Daddy Lumba, VIP, Tic-Tac, Akosua Agyapong, Akyeame to the days of Ofori Amponsah, Kwaben Kwabena, Efya, Stonebwoy, Bisa Kdei, Mzvee, Wendy Shay KiDi, Black Sherif, Amaarae, Gyakie and OliveTheBoy.
Sarkodie Shot by TheSeyram
While the country prides itself in its Highlife and singer-lead genres, it has also produced some of the continent’s finest wordsmiths in the game of Rap. The likes of Sarkodie, E.L, Okyeame Kwame, M.anifest, Kojo-Cue, Fokn Bois, Guru, Omar Sterling, Eno Barony, Kwesi Arthur, O’Kenneth, Jay Bahd, Akan, Lyrical Joe, Kirani Ayat and a host of others have consistently released rap songs and verses which have earned them the love and admiration of Ghanaians and both home and abroad.
Jay Bahd Picture by The Seyram
The popularity and global recognition of Ghanaian drill after the exploits of “The Asakaa Boy” and other players like Yaw Tog, Kofi Jamar, and many others, cement Ghana’s position as a hotspot for rap music on the continent. While Afrobeats music is on top of the continent’s music pool, there are still people pushing rap music and amplifying rap culture. In this article, we highlight some 15 exciting Ghanaian rappers to look out for.
Kweku Smoke
Scoring a hit song with Sarkodie on his single “Yedin”, Kweku Smoke has been actively pushing rap music since his debut year in the music industry. After a brief hiatus, he would return in 2021 and has been dropping projects ever since. In recent times, he has regained his major and seen an even greater increase in his popularity with his releases. Dropping two projects on the same day after dropping an EP earlier in 2023, he is arguably the hottest rapper in the country. His latest offering, “Born In Hell,” comes hot on the heels of the highly acclaimed “Kweku Jesus,” his second album in a single year. At this pace, his lyrics carry a quiet intensity, shaped by lived experiences, with a dexterity that feels effortless yet deeply intentional, offering more with each release.
Beeztrap KOTM
Beeztrap by Shot by TheSeyram
Burst onto the scene in 2022 with buzzing hits including “Distance Relationship,” and “Cinderella” featuring the Asakaa Boys. Beeztrap KOTM is currently living up to his name as the “King Of The Moment.” Beeztrap’s sound is a reflection of his lifestyle, effortlessly blending elements of Ghanaian heritage Hiplife, Drill and Hip-Hop. Beeztrap has kept his momentum, releasing bash tracks like “Fly Girl,” which later saw a remix featuring Oseikrom Sinkani and Gyakie. He goes on to gain a feature on Sarkodie’s “Amen” of his latest project “The Championship” EP.
Haeven
Haeven Submitted
Rejecting stereotypes and being a rule breaker, Haeven has always given rap enthusiasts something to talk about any time she has hopped on a beat to rap. Her flow and wordplay have made her a force to reckon with in the rap space. Yet, what truly sets her apart is her stagecraft. Haeven’s live performances are mesmerizing with effortless finesse. With a presence that’s both commanding and magnetic, she consistently becomes the crowd’s favorite – demonstrated at Kojo Cue’s “For My Brothers” Concert last year, 2023.
Koo Kusi
Koo Kusi Submitted
Kusi’s thematic rap style not only makes him exciting but a highly respected rapper among his peers. He does not shy away from adding his voice to some very important issues through his raps. His most recent work “Addicts Anonymous”, a collab project with RBD adds to his already rich discography.
Gonaboy
Gonaboy via his social media
A handful of talents have the pool power but Gonaboy is a street-certified rap dynamo. His explosive energy and unshakable self-belief are radiative in his music. Tracks like “Abom,” “Rasta Craze,” and “Abele” are just a glimpse into his expansive and dynamic catalogue, each one resonating with raw intensity. Gonaboy’s music isn’t just about flow, it commands attention and keeps the streets talking.
Xlimkid
Xlimkid by The Seyram
Employing a melodic rap style, Xlimkid gained recognition off the back of his collaboration project “Pain In Glory” with O’Kenneth. The lead single off the project “Lonely Road” charted on multiple platforms and earned Xlim co-signs from industry heavyweights. He recently dropped the remix to his song “Valley of Trappers” with Sarkodie.
RBD
RBD Submitted
With raps as cold as his sub-zero imagery, RBD is steadily building a name for himself as far as rap music is concerned in the country. His chilling lyricism is what makes him one of the most refreshing acts to listen to. A lawyer by trade, he channels a darker persona when he steps into the booth, describing himself as a “nightmarish creature.” His recent release, “Addicts Anonymous,” a joint project with fellow rapper Kookusi, has been on heavy rotation nationwide. The project has gone on to display his knack for blending raw emotion with masterful wordplay while he proves he’s more than just another name in the game.
Kojo Trip
Kojo Trip by MCB Studios
Kojo Trip burst onto the scene with his debut project “Life’s A Trip” (LAT) in 2019, quickly earning attention as a promising young artist. He kept the momentum going with his second project, “The LUMBERJACK LP,” released later that year, along with two joint EPs. After taking a hiatus, Trip returned this year, 2024 with an explosive range and creative evolution ready for an exciting new chapter in his career.
Elsie Raad
Elsie Raad by Solomon Agyei
Elsie Raad is a dynamic figure in the Hip Hop and Trap music scenes. She continues to make a name for herself in the business with her catchy lyrics and sounds. In a space dominated by men, Elsie is one of the few women of her generation breaking barriers.
Kwesi Amewuga
Kwesi Amewuga via Instagram
Comical in his raps and delivery, Amewuga caught the attention of listeners with his freestyles on social media. He would build on the momentum with singles and eventually end up winning Unsung Artist Of The Year at the 2024 TGMA.
Romeo Swagg
Romeo Swagg Submitted
Romeo’s ability to transition between genres makes him an exciting artist to hear on any song. His ability to find pockets within a beat and blending both Ga and English has won the hearts of many. He is one of the artists who are much synonymous to street music as his style resonates to people on multiple fronts. For most artists who look forward to telling their stories on a big stage, Romeo is putting his heart to the pen and embodying every piece of his journey through his music.
Queen Drie
Queen Drie by Joe Mutsinzi
For Queen Drie, who’s currently understudying in Chicago, USA, music is as vast and distinct as the universe itself. Her raps are fueled by evolution and freedom, with empowerment at the heart of her work. This drive is evident in her catalogue where she celebrates independence with infectious energy. Early this year, Queen Drie made history by winning the “Afro Artist of the Year” Award at the 312 Music Awards, in Chicago.
Marince Omario
Marince Omario by Oga Tuzee
A genre-bending rapper who has been charting a path for himself within the music space. Albeit rapping in Ga, Marince’s sound is as eclectic as it is authentic. His choice to rap in Ga isn’t just a nod to his roots but a demonstration of his authenticity. While his consistency is laudable as an independent act, his discography is extensive; having released projects like “Oblitey” and “Tsotsoo” (2020), “Ju Leebi” (2022) which garnered some good stripes, and “Dilemma” (2023), Marince continues to establish his gritty storytelling with genre-bending style.
Tradey
Tradey via Instagram
Tradey is a multi-hyphenate talent whose skills go beyond just rapping, he’s also a sharp producer with an ear for unique sounds. While rap is at the core of his music, he doesn’t shun away from exploring the AfroFusion landscape. Since 2019, Tradey has been on a steady climb and 2023 saw him drop the double-track single “Fortune Favors the Bold,” keeping his momentum strong. Tradey is huge on clever rhymes, flow and delivery with finesse typically on full display in his recent feature on E.L’s “IDGAF” from the B.A.R 7 project.
Dikoo
Dikoo from X Profile
Having been influenced by the acclaimed Asakaa sound, Dikoo is one of the incredible talents who continue to carry the mantle. Dikoo is not your typical rhythmic rapper with tough verses but his style is just as vibrant as the space.
