Hennessy Cypher 2024 Showcases Top African Hip-Hop Talent | Watch Video
The highly anticipated Hennessy Africa Cypher 2024 has been released, highlighting some of the most talented hip-hop artists from across the continent in an 8-minute showcase of exceptional rap styles and intricate wordplay.
Set in Lagos, Nigeria – a hub for extraordinary talent in the African music industry – the Cypher features six influential figures in the rap scene: Maglera Doe Boy, Didi B, Young Lunya, Khaligraph Jones, Ladipoe, and Sarkodie. Each artist brings a unique style and lyrical prowess to this dynamic collaboration. Julie Nollet, Hennessy’s global Chief Marketing Officer, emphasized that the Cypher is about more than just music: “It’s about poetry, community, inspiration, and creativity, fueling the dreams of those honing their craft.”
South Africa’s Maglera Doe Boy contributes thought-provoking verses, continuing the momentum from his critically acclaimed debut project “Diaspora” in 2022. This year, he also features on the new single “Let Me Cook” by award-winning rapper K.O, showcasing both artists’ lyrical talents.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Didi B, the first Ivorian rapper to fill Paris’s Olympia Music Hall earlier this year, is known for his “rap ivoire,” which uses local Creole to narrate the everyday experiences of Ivorian youth. His album “Before Olympia” was released in February 2024.
Nigeria’s Ladipoe weaves intricate wordplay into his music. He released his latest track, “Hallelujah,” featuring Rozzz & Morrelo, in April 2024.
Sarkodie, Africa’s most awarded hip-hop artist and the reigning Ghana Music Awards Artist of the Decade, dropped his “Championship Mixtape” in May 2024.
Tanzania’s Young Lunya, the first hip-hop artist from Tanzania signed to Sony Music Entertainment Africa in 2022, captivates audiences with his Kiswahili rap.
Kenya’s Khaligraph Jones adds his unique style and powerful lyrics to the Cypher.
All six artists showcase their creativity and lyrical talent, reflecting the diversity and innovation that define the African hip-hop scene. Their contributions honor the genre’s history while setting a high standard for future artists.
Hennessy, a global leader in Cognac, has long supported hip-hop culture since its emergence in the United States over 50 years ago. Mentioned in over 4,000 tracks, Hennessy is deeply embedded in hip-hop history.
This year’s Cypher, set at a train station in Lagos, aligns with Hennessy’s adventurous spirit and bold activations in unique locations. The setting symbolizes the artists’ journey and marks the start of an exciting new chapter. Hennessy plans to elevate the Cypher by having it playlisted on TV, digital service providers, and music streaming services like Apple and Spotify.
Hennessy’s mission is to celebrate and nurture talent within the hip-hop scene, reinforcing its ties to urban culture and supporting deserving artists. The brand’s global impact bridges generations of artists and spans diverse musical genres, including hip-hop, rap, Afrobeats, Afropop, and Amapiano.
The Hennessy Africa Cypher 2024 is expected to ignite passionate discussions among fans and the broader hip-hop community, with Hennessy committed to fostering these conversations and supporting the African hip-hop industry for years to come.
View the full Hennessy African Cypher here.