Each year, Hennessy makes its mark on culture by hosting one of hip-hop’s most awaited events: the Hennessy Cypher. This occasion allows MCs from various parts of the globe to showcase their lyrical skills and unique styles in a single track — focusing solely on their artistry.
This aspect is what renders the Cypher a significant platform. Hip-hop’s essence is rooted in competition, diversity, and demonstrating skill on the microphone. Consequently, a brand that brings together rappers from different nations and diverse hip-hop traditions raises the bar for expectations. Audiences anticipate innovation, the opportunity to discover fresh talent, and established artists pushing their boundaries. Ultimately, the Cypher should mirror the current state of African hip-hop.
This year’s roster features Tenor from Cameroon, Suspect 95 hailing from Côte d’Ivoire, Fena Gitu representing Kenya, Enny from the United Kingdom, Yanga Chief from South Africa, Kwesi Arthur from Ghana, and Nigerian producer Sarz. With a medley of backgrounds and rap styles, this diversity enriches the Cypher’s appeal.
As is often the case, certain performances catch your attention right away. Tenor was the standout this year for me. This was my first substantial exposure to his work, and the Cameroonian rapper made an impact. His seamless transitions between English and French in his verse felt natural. He effortlessly displays his capabilities without coming across as overly eager to impress. What struck me was his comfort, representing Cameroon proudly while making his rap relatable for a broader audience. His energetic and confident presence encourages listeners to explore his body of work further.
If the Cypher aims to introduce African listeners to new MCs, Tenor achieved that for me. He truly embraced his role in this Cypher. Yanga Chief, already known for his rapping skills, incorporated a distinctly South African element in his contributions. His flow contained hints of Kwaito without compromising the punch of his lyrics.
He didn’t attempt to mimic anyone else; he sounded authentically like himself. Sometimes, that is all that is required.
Hearing South African rap in its original form carries strength without diluting its local roots to gain broader appeal. Yanga maintains authenticity, plays with language, and rides the beat with the fluidity that has become his trademark. Another crucial component of this year’s Cypher is Fena Gitu and ENNY. The ongoing discourse about the underrepresentation of women in hip-hop — especially in major Cyphers and platforms that aim to reflect the culture — makes the inclusion of female MCs in this line-up significant.
However, mere representation isn’t sufficient. Performance is key, and Fena Gitu delivered solidly. Her verse serves as a powerful reminder that female MCs don’t require separate categories to showcase their talent. They are more than capable of standing alongside their male counterparts. Increased visibility for women in these Cypher formats will pave the way for future generations to envision themselves in similar roles.
That naturally raises the question: when will a South African female MC join the Cypher? South Africa is home to many skilled women in rap, and the pool of talent is too deep for that position to remain vacant indefinitely. Hopefully, the appearances of Fena and ENNY will help to widen that pathway, as we need to see more of them in high-profile platforms.
Kwesi Arthur is likely one of the more predictable names in this mix, as Ghanaian hip-hop enthusiasts are already aware of his impact. He has played a significant role in promoting Ghanaian rap, effortlessly blending melodic elements with sharp bars, making him a prominent figure in the contemporary scene.
His presence here seems fitting. He embodies Ghana’s representation without needing extensive introduction, and for those tracking the evolution of African hip-hop, Kwesi Arthur is already established. However, such familiarity comes with increased anticipation. A reputation built over time leads audiences to expect a performance that reaffirms why he has gained such recognition.
Was this cypher one of the best? To be candid, while it may not be the finest Hennessy Cypher to date, it certainly is not lacking. There are memorable moments, striking verses, and a blend of cultural elements that resonate, particularly with Tenor, who may prompt listeners to search for him following their initial encounter. Nevertheless, Hennessy’s reputation for excellence in these cyphers raises expectations; past editions set a high bar for comparison.
The primary challenge for the Cypher is its ability to adapt and grow. As it progresses, the artist line-ups should also evolve. There’s a need for more surprising pairings, emerging voices, increased female representation, diverse nations, languages, and the willingness to take risks. The introduction of Ivory Coast this year exemplifies this evolution, highlighting the Cypher’s commitment to showcasing a wider array of African narratives and cultures. Taking risks does not imply merging Amapiano or Afrobeats into hip-hop.
We need rappers capable of sparking debates about who delivered the best verse moments after the Cypher airs. That’s the true essence of hip-hop. A Cypher should facilitate discussions rather than merely elicit nods of approval. The beauty of African hip-hop lies in its rich variety. From Johannesburg to Accra, Abidjan to Yaoundé, and Nairobi to London — listeners are exposed to unique takes on a shared culture. This presents a crucial opportunity for Hennessy; the Cypher could evolve into more than an annual showcase of rappers, but rather a true reflection of the direction of African hip-hop — highlighting who is advancing the genre, who is challenging it, and who deserves recognition.
This year offers a commendable range of performances, but there’s room for improvement. For me, Tenor truly shone, Yanga Chief showcased his South African roots, Fena Gitu and ENNY underscored the need for enhanced female visibility, while Kwesi Arthur reminded us of Ghana’s vital role in the African hip-hop dialogue.
On the ground, I see potential. If Hennessy aims to continue its contribution to the culture, the next logical step is clear: expand the horizons, delve deeper into the continent, and present us with MCs we didn’t know we needed to hear together.
Because when the verses resonate, we are likely to hit play again.
