Top 10 Rappers in Nigeria 2024: See New List

Top 10 Rappers in Nigeria

Read on as we highlight these top 10 rappers in Nigerian who have shaped the sound of hip-hop, earning recognition both locally and internationally.

Remarkably, Nigeria’s music industry is one of Africa’s most vibrant, with Afrobeats dominating globally. However, Nigerian rap has also carved its own niche, blending local languages with English to address cultural, political, and social themes.

Read on as we highlight these top 10 Nigerian rappers who have shaped the sound of hip-hop, earning recognition both locally and internationally.

M.I ABAGA

M.I ABAGA whose full name is Jude Abaga, was born on October 4, 1981, making him 43 years old in 2024. He hails from Taraba State, Nigeria, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential rappers in Africa. M.I. began his journey into music during his time in the U.S., where he attended Calvin College, Michigan. It was there that he was introduced to hip-hop culture and started experimenting with rapping.

Notably, M.I officially burst onto the Nigerian music scene in 2006, but it was the release of his debut album, Talk About It (2008), that catapulted him to fame. The album featured hits like “Safe” and introduced a new level of lyricism and production quality to Nigerian rap. Over the years, M.I has released several successful projects, including MI2: The Movie (2010), The Chairman (2014), and A Study on Self Worth: Yxng Dxnzl (2018), all of which showcased his growth as an artist and cemented his legacy.

M.I has won numerous awards, including multiple Headies and BET Award nominations. His international recognition helped elevate Nigerian hip-hop on a global scale.

 OLAMIDE

 Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide Baddo, was born on March 15, 1989, in Bariga, Lagos State, Nigeria. As of 2024, he is 35 years old. He hails from Ogun State Nigeria and is widely regarded as one of the most influential rappers in Africa.

Olamide started rapping in his teenage years, drawing inspiration from his surroundings and local culture. He officially burst onto the music scene in 2010 with his debut single “Eni Duro,” which quickly earned him recognition as a force in the Nigerian rap scene. Olamide’s love for music began early, but his big break came in 2011 when he released his debut album, Rapsodi. The album was well-received, but it was his second album, YBNL (2012), that solidified his status as a top rapper. The album produced hits like “Voice of the Street,” “First of All,” and “Stupid Love,” making Olamide a household name in Nigerian hip-hop.

What truly made Olamide a top rapper is his ability to consistently drop hit songs that resonate with a wide audience. His unique style blends Yoruba language with English, effortlessly weaving cultural references into catchy, street-smart lyrics. Olamide’s consistency is key to his success. He has released numerous albums, with each one charting highly and earning him awards. Albums like Street OT (2014), Eyan Mayweather (2015), and The Glory (2016) demonstrate his ability to dominate the charts year after year. Olamide remains one of Nigeria’s most influential rappers, both as an artist and as a leader in the industry.

VECTOR

Olanrewaju Ogunmefun, popularly known as Vector, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter, and record producer. Born on August 7, 1984, in Lagos State, Nigeria. As of 2024, he is 40 years old. He hails from Ogun State Nigeria and grew up in Lagos and began showing interest in music at a young age, participating in rap battles and ciphers during his high school years.

Notably, Vector began his professional music career in 2008 with YSG Entertainment. He gained recognition in 2010 with his Debut Album State of Surprise, featuring the hit single “Kilode.” His second album, The Second Coming (2012), further established him in the Nigerian rap scene, with the chart-topping single “Angeli” featuring 9ice introducing him to a wider audience. Vector has released several successful projects, including Lafiaji (2016) and Teslim: The Energy Still Lives in Me (2022), which have been critically acclaimed. His contributions to rap have earned him multiple awards, including The Headies and Nigerian Entertainment Awards.

PHYNO

Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, better known by his stage name Phyno, is one of Nigeria’s most prominent rappers, singers, and record producers. Born on October 9, 1986, in Enugu State, Nigeria. As of 2024, He is 38 years old. Although Phyno was born and raised in Enugu, he hails from Anambra State. Growing up in a musically inclined environment, he developed an interest in music early on, particularly in music production.

Notably, Phyno initially started his career as a music producer in 2003, working behind the scenes before moving into rap. He produced tracks for well-known Nigerian artists like Flavour, Timaya, and J Martins. His background as a producer provided him with a deep understanding of beats and sound engineering, which later helped him when he transitioned to rapping. Phyno began rapping professionally in 2010, and by 2012, he had gained significant recognition in the Nigerian music industry. He rose to fame with his debut album “No Guts No Glory” (2014), which featured the hit singles “Man of the Year,” “Ghost Mode” (featuring Olamide), “Parcel,” and “Alobam.”

Phyno has won major awards, including The Headies for Best Rap Single in 2013 and multiple City People Entertainment Awards. He’s also received MTV Africa Music Award nominations and is consistently recognized as one of Nigeria’s top rappers.

FALZ

 Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and actor. Born on October 27, 1990, in Lagos, Nigeria. He is 34 years old. Falz is the son of prominent Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist Femi Falana. He combines humor, social commentary, and conscious lyrics in his music, making him a standout artist in the Nigerian music scene.

Notably, Falz was born and raised in Lagos and comes from a family deeply rooted in social justice. He attended St. Leo’s Catholic Primary School in Lagos and later proceeded to Olashore International School. He went on to study Law at the University of Reading in the UK and became a certified barrister after attending the Nigerian Law School.

Falz started his musical career while still in secondary school, forming a group called “The School Boys” with his friends. However, his professional music career took off in 2009 when he released his mixtape Shakara: The Mixtape. His big break came in 2014 with the release of his debut album “Wazup Guy”, which showcased his unique style of blending comic storytelling with rap.

Falz is celebrated not only for his music but also for his bold stance on social issues. His ability to mix humor with serious topics, while still delivering catchy tunes, has earned him a special place in Nigerian entertainment.

 REMINISCE

Reminisce, whose real name is Remilekun Abdulkalid Safaru, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter known for his unique style that blends hip-hop with traditional Yoruba music. Born on January 26, 1981, in Kaduna, Nigeria.  Reminisce grew up in Lagos and became influential in the Nigerian hip-hop scene. As of 2024,He is 34 years old.

Remarkably, Reminisce started his music career in the early 2000s but gained significant recognition with his debut album “Book of Rap Stories” in 2012. The album featured hit singles like “Kako Bi Chicken” and “If E Be,” showcasing his ability to blend English and Yoruba in his lyrics. His music is characterized by a fusion of hip-hop beats with traditional Yoruba sounds, making him a standout artist in the Nigerian rap scene. Over the years, Reminisce has collaborated with various Nigerian artists, including Olamide, Phyno, and Wizkid. His sophomore album, “Alaga Ibile,” released in 2013, further solidified his place in the industry and included popular tracks like “Tesojue” and “Oba.

Reminisce has ventured into business, founding his record label, LRR Records (Les Roses Rouges), which has signed various talented artists. His impact on Nigerian hip-hop has made him one of the most respected figures in the industry.

BLAQBONEZ

Blaqbonez, born Emeka Akumefule on January 29, 1996, is a Nigerian rapper and singer known for his distinctive style and lyrical prowess. Hailing from Lagos State, he has gained prominence in the Nigerian music scene for his unique blend of hip-hop and Afrobeats.

Remarkably, Blaqbonez was raised in a musical family and developed an interest in music at an early age. He attended the University of Lagos, where he studied Mass Communication. During his time at university, he began to pursue a career in music, participating in rap battles and performing at various events. Blaqbonez gained significant recognition in 2018 with the release of his project “Bad Boy Blaq,” which featured hit tracks like “Mamiwota.” His witty lyrics and catchy hooks quickly garnered him a fanbase. In 2020, Blaqbonez released the single “Haba,” which further solidified his place in the Nigerian music industry. His 2021 album “Sex Over Love” showcased his versatility, blending various genres and themes while receiving critical acclaim.

Blaqbonez has been nominated for and won several awards in the Nigerian music industry. He is recognized as one of the leading voices of the new generation of Nigerian rappers and has garnered respect from both fans and fellow artists.

YCEE

Ycee, whose full name is Oludemilade Martin Alejo, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter known for his unique blend of hip-hop, Afrobeats, and trap music. He was born on January 29, 1996, in Lagos State, Nigeria.

Notably, Ycee grew up in Lagos, where he developed a passion for music at an early age. He attended Babington Macaulay Junior Secondary School and later graduated from University of Lagos, where he studied Marine Biology. While in university, he began to focus more on his music career, recording and releasing songs online. Ycee gained significant recognition in 2015 with his hit single “Omo Alhaji,” which showcased his catchy melodies and vibrant style. The song became a street anthem and helped him establish a solid fanbase. In 2016, he released “Jagaban,” which further solidified his presence in the Nigerian music scene.

Ycee has received several nominations and awards for his contributions to the music industry, including THE HEADIES Award for Rookie of the Year in 2016. His innovative sound and lyrical creativity have earned him a spot among the rising stars of Nigerian music.

ZORO

Zoro, whose real name is Zoro Swag, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter known for his unique blend of hip-hop and indigenous sounds. Born on November 24, 1990, in Owerri, the capital of Imo State, Nigeria, Zoro has become a prominent figure in the Nigerian music scene.

Notably, Zoro grew up in Owerri, where he developed a passion for music at an early age. He attended Imo State University, where he studied Public Administration. Zoro’s professional music career began in the early 2010s. He gained significant recognition with his 2016 hit single “Ogene,” which celebrated Igbo culture and featured traditional instruments. In 2017, Zoro released the single “Kulture,” which further established his presence in the Nigerian music industry. Zoro is known for his storytelling ability and his use of the Igbo language in his lyrics, making his music relatable to a wide audience.

Over the years, Zoro has collaborated with several prominent Nigerian artists, including Phyno, Olamide, and Kcee. He has been recognized for his contributions to the music industry, earning nominations at various award shows, including the Headies.

ICE PRINCE

Ice Prince, whose full name is Panshak Henri Solomon, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter, and actor known for his significant contributions to the Nigerian music industry. He was born on October 30, 1986, in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, but he grew up in Abuja.

Notably, Ice Prince was raised in a music-loving family and developed an interest in music from a young age. He attended St. Murumba College in Jos and later studied at the University of Jos. During his time at university, he began to pursue a career in music, performing at local shows and events. Ice Prince’s career began to take off in the early 2010s when he signed with Chocolate City, one of Nigeria’s leading record labels. His big break came in 2011 with the release of his hit single “Oleku,” which became a massive success and earned him widespread recognition.

Over the years, Ice Prince has received numerous awards and nominations for his work, including the 2013 Headies Award for Best Rap Album and the 2013 MTV Africa Music Award for Best Hip Hop. His contributions to the music industry have made him a respected figure among his peers.