Hip-hop lends itself to collaboration more than any other genre. You’re not likely to find a rock, pop or country song with four lead singers from different bands, a scenario commonplace in rap music.
An ideal example of this distinction is the phenomenon of the hip-hop cypher. The concept of the cypher was introduced by an Islamic-based organization, the Five Percent Nation, also known as the Nation of Gods and Earth, which was an offshoot of the Nation of Islam and formed in Harlem during the mid-1960s.
In the early days of hip-hop, it was used when a group of rappers, typically standing in a circle, would take turns exchanging verses for competition, practice or sheer entertainment. The cypher, despite what form it appears in, has been a permanent fixture within the culture.
Fast forward, what happens when the continent’s most prominent rappers team up and deliver bars together? The airwaves cannot contain it. That’s the story right now on the new “Hennessy Cypher Africa.”
The popular liquor brand Hennesy has brought together the dopest rappers on the continent and given them a beat to freestyle on. They all delivered on it, and fans cannot hold their praise. Our very own from East Africa, the legendary Octopizzo represented Kenya and did a fantastic job.
Other MCs were M.I., Vector, M.anifest, and A-Reece are just a few of the talented African musicians that Hennessy has recruited for the Hennessy Cypher Africa 2022. These musicians are from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa.
M.I fronted the Nigerian scene and did not disappoint. Vector also represented Nigeria. Octopizzo dropped bars for the Kenyan scene, while M.anifest represented Ghana. Each rapper was given one minute to do their thing. In our opinion, they all did a great job on it. What better way to close the year than this?
This showmanship continues Hennessy’s tradition of heralding musical talents, and punctuates their commitment to hip hop and urban culture.
The Hennessy Cypher has become an annual congress of emerging and established rappers, extemporaneously making great tracks together on a single beat and now one of the most anticipated annual releases for hip hop and rap fansin Africa. The Hennessy Cyphers which have now featured over 60 African Rappers since its kick off is undeniable evidence of Hennessy’s influence and support of rap and hip hop in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.
Hennessy has created a niche and a lasting impact in Nigeria and Africa`s pop culture through their stellar and consistent record, especially in the rap space. On top of the established acts, Hennessy continues to also provide emerging artists with a unique platform to showcase their talents, and strategic collaborations that sustain their relevance in hip hop culture conversations.
Watch the rappers put on exciting performances while the magic comes to life before your eyes on this latest installation.
