We at notjustOk.com are officially wrapping up #TheList2016, and the year 2016 as a whole, with what has historically been the biggest and most controversial of them all; The 10 Hottest Rappers In Africa!

#TheList takes into account the rappers with the hottest songs, endorsements, tours, record deals, mega moves on the local and international scene, the award winners, and in general, the people we’ve vibed to for the past 12 months.

This is, without question, the most comprehensive and competitive list yet, as it covers as much of Africa as we could possibly cover, without necessarily pandering to demographics.

We look forward to more African rappers making major mainstream moves and, far more importantly, releasing quality music, EPs, Mixtapes and albums in 2017!

 

10. E.L (Ghana)

You gotta give it to E.L for his consistency with the B.A.R series in recent years. The Ghanaian rapper makes his first appearance on #TheList, after grabbing a “Worthy Mention” in 2015, thanks to a stellar 2016, culminating in the release of the Free Album, B.A.R III (The Lomi Era).

E.L received the “Artiste of the Year” Award at the Vodafone Ghana Music Awards 2016.

9. eMTee (South Africa)

eMTee is one of several South African rappers to burst onto the scene in the last year or so. While “Roll Up” was a hit in South Africa in 2015, his first continental break came with “Roll Up (ReUp)” featuring AKA and Wizkid.

eMTee‘s debut album “Avery” and the song “Roll Up” have earned the kid several major awards in 2016, including a BET Award nomination.

8. Falz (Nigeria)

Falz moves up a notch from his #9 spot on last year’s list, due to another top performance this year. His late 2015 album, Stories That Touch, is still enjoying loads of attention as he systematically releases videos off the jump. “Chardonnay Music” is as smooth as it gets, and “Bahd Baddo Baddest” is one of the hottest Hip-Hop songs of 2016.

Falz won the International Viewers Choice Award at the BET Awards 2016. He also walked home with a “Best Music Video” award for “Soldier” (featuring Simi) at the just-concluded #Headies2016.

7. Sarkodie (Ghana)

It’s really not an African rap list if the golden boy of Ghanaian hip-hop isn’t on it. Sarkodie, yet again, delivered solid tunes all through the year. While there’s no stand-out hit like he’s done in previous years, the rapper has definitely made his presence felt with the quality of songs and collaborations he’s been on.

6. M.I Abaga (Nigeria)

M.I Abaga has officially become an “egbon” of Nigerian Hip-Hop. The legend doesn’t just put out content for the fun of it. He takes his sweet time, and then dishes out the sort of music that gets listeners thinking, not just dancing.

In 2016, M.I continued his admirable habit of putting people on, by introducing Nigeria and Africa in general to Kenyan rapper Khaligraph Jones, as well as other cats like Poe and CKay, on iLLegal Music 3 (The Finale).

The iLLegal Music series may be over, but its legacy will live on forever in the lives and careers of the likes of Wizkid, Ice Prince, SDC, Poe and many others.