Hennessy, recognized as the top cognac brand globally and a major influencer in culture, has announced the eagerly awaited Hennessy Cypher 2025—this year featuring the iconic Kabza De Small, hailed as South Africa’s King of Amapiano on the world stage.
Kabza goes beyond being just a featured artist; he is the mastermind behind the entirety of the Cypher track, orchestrating a collaboration that brings together voices from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, and the UK. His unique production melds the vibrant essence of Amapiano, rooted in township culture, with Afrobeats and Hip-Hop, creating a cross-continental sound that showcases Africa’s expanding impact in the global music scene.
“The Hennessy Cypher has always been about amplifying Africa’s creativity and showing the world how diverse and innovative our sound truly is,” says Lungile Mpharu, Brand Manager, Hennessy South Africa. “Having Kabza lead this year’s Cypher — as both producer and featured artist — is a proud moment for South Africa. It shows how far Amapiano has traveled, and how our artists are shaping global music culture.”
Kabza De Small is acknowledged as a trailblazer of Amapiano, continuously pushing the boundaries of the genre. He was Spotify’s most popular South African artist for both 2020 and 2024, collaborating with global stars like Drake and 21 Savage. His participation in the Cypher reinforces his status as not only a genre-defining musician but also as a cultural innovator influencing Africa’s musical landscape.
Joining forces with Kabza on this track are some of the most thrilling voices from Africa and the diaspora:
- Femi One (Kenya)
- Joey B (Ghana)
- Blaqbonez (Nigeria)
- Jaivah (Tanzania)
- Ms Banks (UK)
This year marks a significant milestone as the Cypher showcases female talent, with Femi One and Ms Banks offering new insights to the creation. Collaborating with Kabza’s production, their vocals shape a track that is audacious, genre-blending, and inclusive of gender perspectives.
The music video accompanying the project, directed by Human Studio in Cape Town and styled by Bee Diamondhead, is set within the Hennessy House—a conceptual estate where every room symbolizes a different genre, rhythm, or cultural movement. As the artists navigate through various areas, Hip-Hop, Afrobeats, and Amapiano coexist, visually representing the Cypher’s theme of unity in diversity.
For over 50 years, Hennessy has been ingrained in the fabric of global music, referenced in more than 4,000 songs by legends such as Tupac, Nas, Snoop, and Drake. The Hennessy Cypher, first introduced in Nigeria in 2011, has evolved into a pan-African platform that celebrates lyrical brilliance, fearless expression, and cultural narratives.
This year, with Kabza De Small at the helm, the Cypher not only honors African creativity but also places Amapiano at the forefront of global musical discussions.
