Hip-Hop / Rap
Stories of the Streets
The Story of SA Hip-Hop
Early Days (1980s): Breakdancing and graffiti culture arrived first in Cape Town.
Localization (1990s-2000s): Groups like POC and Skwatta Kamp began rapping in local vernaculars, making the genre truly South African.
Mainstream Dominance (2010s-Present): Artists like AKA, Cassper Nyovest, and Nasty C turned SA Hip-Hop into a commercial juggernaut.
What Defines SA Hip-Hop
Language
Multilingual lyrics switching between English, Zulu, Xhosa, Tswana, and slang.
Beats
Production influenced by Kwaito, Trap, and traditional samples.
Storytelling
Narratives of struggle, ambition, and daily life.
Hip-Hop's Cultural Footprint
Hip-hop has given youth a platform to express their realities and aspirations.
It has created a massive industry of fashion, events, and media.
Artists Defining SA Hip-Hop
Kings and Queens of the mic.
AKA
Brought high production value and pop sensibilities to SA Hip-Hop.
Cassper Nyovest
First SA artist to fill up the Dome, known for his marketing genius.
Nasty C
International star signed to Def Jam, known for his lyrical prowess.
HHP
Pioneer of Motswako who paved the way for vernacular rap.
The Diversity Within SA Hip-Hop
Diverse styles from different regions.
Hip-Hop Success Stories
Breaking boundaries.
Fill Up The Dome
Cassper Nyovest's historic concert proved that local artists could sell out stadiums.