The continued presence of Hennessy in Nigeria’s hip-hop scene
Nearly a decade of continued relevance and unwavering support
In 2012, the third edition of Hennessy Nigeria’s ‘Hennessy Artistry Cypher’ was headlined by Naeto C and M.I Abaga. The resulting song, “Bartender,” is one of the few on-wax collaborations between two of the most essential names in Nigeria’s rap music history. It’s also arguably the best and most memorable in the series of songs created by headlining acts of the cognac brand’s music-centric venture. A glossy pop-rap cut driven by Tee-Y Mix’s bubbly production, both rappers revel in the luxurious perks of living the high life, with their preference for Henny coming across as worthy signifiers, even though it was obvious brand-extolling.
Over its two preceding editions, the headline song was graced by Rap in a more auxiliary way, from M.I and Ice Prince trading bars over the Kas-produced, electronic Juju cut “Like A Bottle,” to eLDee delivering slick raps on the clubby and kitschy “Toast to the Good Life.” Where those installments featured non-rap headliners – Sir Shina Peters, Bez and Nneka on the former, and Banky W and Tiwa Savage on the latter – Naeto and M.I’s headlining tenure was the first (and only, so far) all-rap affair. It’s a consequential detail to point out, largely because of the time in which it took place.
Depending on who you ask, the golden period of Rap music in Nigeria is a debatable point. One of the periods in contention, though, is the stretch between the late 2000s and early 2010s. In 2012, specifically, M.I and Naeto were at the top of the totem, leading a burgeoning but albeit, commercially vibrant English rap scene. At the same time, the multiplying effect of Dagrin’s supernova run and his untimely demise was beginning to take hold, with lyricists who rapped in their indigenous tongue proudly emerging from the fringes of the country. It was an abundant time for Rap music in these parts, and not only did that year’s Hennessy Artistry Cypher reflect this, but it also marked a practical starting point for Hennessy’s consistent presence in Nigerian Hip-Hop.
For fans of Rap music in Nigeria and its lyricists, there’s one thing that’s a certainty going into every new year: Hennessy cyphers. First debuting back in 2015, the Hennessy Cyphers have become the most prominent cypher platform in Nigeria, the go-to place for audiences to see and hear a range of rappers, both popular and emerging, engage in one of the most basic forms of exhibition associated with hip-hop. In the company of their peers, rappers in a cypher attack a single beat, taking turns with freestyle or written bars or a mix of both, a no-frills, sometimes low stakes, avenue to (partially) highlight the talent pool of Rap music in Nigeria.
The launch of the cypher was preceded by the introduction of VS Class, a freestyle battle space for yet-to-be-popular rappers to battle each other for a chance to win and make launch their careers. Inclusive of the first Hennessy VS Class competition in 2014 was a freestyle series by more prominent rappers, who also doubled as judges. Aired live on Lagos-based radio station, 99.9 Beat FM, these first batch of freestyles from Reminisce, Show Dem Camp, Illbliss, and more, set the stage for the Hennessy cyphers, an annual ritual that’s now in its tenth consecutive year.
Since its inception, the number of Hennessy cyphers in Nigeria has varied from year to year, but it’s never been less than three in one annual installment, accounting for at least twelve of the country’s rap artists at each time. While it’s difficult to determine the exact number of Nigerian rap artists who’ve graced the famed platform, I can safely say the number ranges somewhere beyond sixty. With that nebulous but certain ballpark figure, it’s definite to claim that Hennessy cyphers has hosted more rappers than any other freestyle platform of its specific kind in the country.
With each year the cyphers take place, and as these speculative figures increase, Hennessy’s dedication to Nigerian Hip-Hop is reconfirmed, however, this has not always been matched by a consistent streak of stellar execution. The cyphers’ 10-year run has been graced by the good, the middling and even the wearying, leading to a mixed bag of reception from viewers. At the beginning of 2019, M.I—in an ironic twist—led a charge against the lukewarm results of the Hennessy Cyphers in the immediate past two years, pitching his tent with a competing cognac brand. That cypher, which also featured A-Q, Loose Kaynon and Blaqbonez, immediately went viral, sparking a deluge of hot takes that leaned into the derisive energy.
Beyond the hot takes, there were those who hoped the situation would spark a renaissance on the path of the Hennessy Cyphers. In revisiting the cyphers from 2017 and 2018 for this story, the sentiments were understandable. Compared to the fiery, competitive verve of the first two installments, things had clearly gotten wry. A year later, those expecting a corrective course in 2019 were disappointed. Complaints ranged from near-atrocious beat selection to poor video editing and generally uninspiring rapping. Not too long after, M.I and associates would return for another round of taunts, which would contribute to one of the biggest rap beefs in Nigerian Hip-Hop history. Pulling off a much-needed feat of perseverance, Hennessy remained steadfast in its commitment to Nigeria’s Hip-Hop scene.
To an extent, the uninspired spell of Hennessy Cyphers mirrored Rap music in Nigeria, a space that had been effectively taken over by indigenous Rap proponents. In the latter part of the last decade, the commercial space for English-speaking rap music shrunk significantly, a situation unwittingly aided by divisiveness. At that time, organisers of the cyphers tried—but not hard enough, in my opinion—and failed to meaningfully integrate rappers with a preference for spitting in their respective mother tongues.
It became clear that cyphers weren’t fully representing rap music in Nigeria, from the indigenous rap issues to the severely limited number of women who’ve graced the platform. These are complaints that deserve urgent and wholesome treatments, and the continued presence of the cyphers projects hope that they will get sorted, especially since cyphers such as Hennessy have been back to a green patch over the last two editions.
In 2020, following a highly publicised reconciliation between M.I and Hennessy’s long term Nigerian rap ambassador, Vector, the cyphers returned with its best curation since 2016. Twelve rap artists across three cyphers took to three knocking, Chopstix-produced beats, cumulatively delivering an entertaining and engaging cypher experience. For the first time in years, the freewheeling essence of freestyle cyphers was at the fore, from Falz’s joyful raps to Vader the Wildcard’s confrontational energy, to Phlow’s infectious confidence, to Vector’s eye-widening punchlines, and more highlights. It was the sort of long-awaited return to exciting execution that signalled a better path going forward.
Building on the previous year’s premise, the 2021 cypher utilised the same format of twelve rappers across three cyphers. The first cypher, featuring Alpha Ojini’s topical verve, PsychoYP’s flashy lyricism, Barrylane’s proto-Kendrick delivery, and Legendary Styles’ impish puns over a creeping drill beat, was the most forward-facing of the trio. In comparison to the other two, the second featuring VS Class alumni and the third featuring the “headline” cypher acts rapping over beats of similar tenor, it shows rappers with different and distinct rap inclinations, a hallmark of where Rap music in Nigeria is currently at and could be.
Following last year’s all VS Class alumni showcase and the headline, pan-African cypher line-up, this year’s solitary Hennessy cypher went for flash—and rightfully so. To be cautious, it’s difficult to use the term ‘renaissance’, but rap music in Nigeria is flourishing creatively and recording tangible commercial success, whether it’s something like the niche corner of women-dominated dance and electronic-infused stylings, or the nationwide success of slang generators Shallipopi and ODUMODUBLVCK.
Currently, Ladipoe, Vector, Blaqbonez and Zlatan are part of the rap artists moving the genre beyond any limitations, and subtly redefining hip-hop culture in relation to Nigerian youth culture. Their participation in this year’s cypher is visibly defined by joy, for the scene they represent and its upward trajectory. It’s not the most blistering execution of a Hennessy cypher on a lyrical level, but the visuals are stunning and there’s a much higher sense of camaraderie, which is notable for a community that has often undercut its cumulative growth by overly relying on beefs and controversies for nationwide attention.
With this year’s cypher primarily centred on stars, it slightly obscured a key aspect of Hennessy’s relationship with Nigerian rap: Platforming up-and-coming talent. From the VS cypher competitions to the multi-tiered cypher editions, many rappers have passed through the Hennessy platforms, so much so it’s a rite of passage. Perhaps, that’s why the collaboration with NATIVELAND feels more appropriate than corrective. Ahead of the anticipated music and culture festival, the NATIVELAND x Hennessy ‘Very Special’ freestyle challenge is a space for exhibition, with solid payoff—especially for the winner who gets a performance slot on the main stage and a chance to vault into ‘Next Up’ conversations.
Prior to this moment, it would be a little preposterous to describe as rap music in Nigeria as popular, to the point where it’s at the centre of a partnership between two illustrious brands. It’s not unprecedented, though, with NATIVE’s consistent, conversation-starting coverage of Hip-Hop over the years. For the cognac brand, this is another statement in itself: Hennessy has been along for Nigerian Hip-Hop’s heavily bumpy ride for a decade and, as the rewards are becoming tangible, it isn’t looking to stop anytime soon.
HERE’S HOW TO ENTER THE NATIVELAND X HENNESSY ‘VERY SPECIAL’ FREESTYLE CHALLENGE
Shekhinah Returns With Surprise Album, ‘Less Trouble’
The South African R&B star is at her most assertive on her first album in four years.
South African R&B and Pop singer Shekhinah has released a new surprise album titled ‘Less Trouble.’ The Durban star, who had been quiet for most of the year, took to social media shortly before midnight to share the new album’s cover, synopsis, and tracklist, simply stating, ‘If you’re seeing this my album LESS TROUBLE is out now at Midnight,’ in an Instagram caption.
The soulful singer first began teasing ‘Less Trouble,’ her first album in over four years, about a year ago when she released its lead single “Risk,” a bouncy Afropop-inspired collab with Ghanaian star MOLIY. A few months after the release of “Risk,” she put out “Steady,” a dreamy pop number that suggested that something bigger was on the horizon. But then it was largely radio silence about a project until its surprise arrival at midnight.
If 2021’s ‘Trouble In Paradise’ represented a coming-of-age for Shekhinah, subsisting some of the dreamy, youthful exuberance of her debut album for more measured musings on themes like heartbreak and grief, ‘Less Trouble’ finds her at her most assertive, writing and singing with the acuity of someone who is grown, decisive and discerning. The delicate opener “Break Up Season” sets the tone for the rest of the album as she shows little tolerance for shady behaviour and toxic patterns.
Other standout cuts on the album like “Bare Minimum,” a sombre collab with fellow South African award-winning singer lordkez, the ethereal, in-your-face interlude “New Casanova,” and the percussive “What Are We,” where Shekhinah contemplates the nature of a relationship but ultimately demands all or nothing, all drive home a part of the album’s synopsis, which reads ‘A BOOK ON MORE HEARTBREAK BUT LESS HEARTACHE.’
Shekhinah invites a couple of new collaborators on ‘Less Trouble,’ featuring the aforementioned MOLIY and lordkez as well as multi-instrumentalist Mars Baby and Young Stunna across the album’s 11 tracks. Mpilo Shabangu handled the majority of the album’s production, while other producers like Michael Morare, her longtime collaborator, Mthintheki Mzizi, and Vuyo also contributed to the album.
Listen to ‘Less Trouble’ here.
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The NATIVE’s First Impressions Of Amaarae’s ‘Black Star’
‘Black Star’ marks another evolutionary arc for Amaarae, and The NATIVE team offer our thoughts after a...
Change has always been a constant theme in any discussion about the career of Ghanaian-American star, Amaarae. Since she emerged as a singular voice in the late 2010s, she has evolved from a sirenic Afropop-adjacent singer into a Punk-Pop firestarter with minimal fuss. ‘Fountain Baby,’ her 2023 sophomore album, was a sweeping departure from the lilting melodies and shapeshifing cadences of the hypnotic ‘The Angel You Don’t Know,’ emphasizing her commitment to charting new courses with her music.
In the lead-up to her new album, ‘Black Star,’ she has wholly embraced a Pop aesthetic and sheen that was reflected on the album’s promotional singles, “S.M.O.” and “Girlie-Pop!.” Now that the album has arrived, the singer has advised listeners not to go in expecting a continuation of the soundscape on ‘Fountain Baby.’ As keen followers of Amaarae’s career from its start, we are sure that ‘Black Star’ marks another evolutionary arc for her, and we offer our thoughts after a few listens.
WHAT WERE YOUR EXPECTATIONS OF AMAARAE GOING INTO THIS ALBUM?
Kemnachi: I had zero doubts that she would impress me again. Amaarae always comes correct. She is audacious with her choices, taking creative risks most artists would not dare to imagine, and somehow rendering them seamless, deliberate, and effortless. Her music has a way of enveloping me: it’s fluid, slightly dangerous, and yet irresistibly sensual. Every project feels like an immersive world she has curated down to the finest detail. With ‘Black Star,’ I knew it was not going to be a mere collection of songs but another meticulously constructed realm.
Bamise: I expected something fun, genre-bending, and sonically diverse in the fashion that Amaarae’s music typically is. I may have taken the album title a bit too literally, though, because listening made me realise I had an eye out for some Pan-African statements or something to spark discourse on African identity, but I didn’t quite catch any of that.
Boluwatife: Amaarae has largely delivered throughout her career, so I knew she was going to come correct again. She’s one of those forward-thinking artists who take the kind of risks most others wouldn’t, but she always manages to make it work. She’s proven to be a musical omnivore who constantly meshes her wide-ranging influences into something new, fluid, icy, and more often than not, sensual. I knew ‘Black Star’ wasn’t going to be any different.
WHAT SONGS STOOD OUT ON THE FIRST LISTEN?
Wale: I liked “Girlie-Pop!.” I feel like it captures Amaarae’s vision of pushing Afropop into the future. She’s also really grown comfortable with music and lyricism and will not dumb down her message for anybody. The instrumental for “Girlie-Pop!” is also a wonder; it’s so dense, but there are pockets for Amaarae to be emotive about her feelings. Top song!
Daniel Akins: I need to hear “B2B” at the next rave I’m at. Amaarae is in her Dance era, and I’m here for it. Kiss Me Thru The Phone pt 2” with PinkPantheress is the collaboration I knew I needed, and I’m glad they finally linked up. It’s a clear standout on the project; their ethereal style complements each other.
Shina: “B2B” was the one that did it for me. That is my favourite track on the project. The number of times I ran it back was unhealthy for a first listen. It was also really fun to catch the Don Toliver “Best You Had” sample. I need to hear this outside!
HOW WELL YOU THINK THE GUEST APPEARANCES ENHANCED THE LISTENING EXPERIENCE?
Israel: The guest features on Black Star aren’t mere flexes. They’re strategic, theatrical, and sometimes emotionally resonant. They enhance, yes, but they do so on Amaarae’s terms. A standout for me was PinkPantheress on “Kiss Me Thru The Phone pt 2.” The tradeoff is that a few songs feel like dazzling cameos rather than an integrated conversation, yet overall they enhance the album’s drama, texture, and bravado with precision.
Daniel Banjoko: Everyone showed up and delivered, no weak links here. Instead of just guest spots, they felt like vital pieces of a bigger puzzle. Charlie Wilson on “Dream Scenario” nailed his part especially, making the track sound exactly like its name promises.
Moore: The guest appearances on ‘Black Star’ feel very intentional; each one enhances the album’s world without overshadowing Amaarae’s vision. PinkPantheress’s signature airy delivery meshes with Amaarae’s experimental pop sound. Naomi Campbell’s commanding voice on “ms60” is an unexpected but powerful addition, adding drama to the track. Each feature feels carefully chosen.
WHAT SONG IS THE BIGGEST SKIP?
Bamise: Not to be a party pooper, but I don’t get the PinkPantheress collab, “Kiss Me Thru The Phone pt 2.” It feels like a PinkPantheress song with less pop in it, and just borrows the title of the iconic Soulja Boy song but has no other similarities. It’s between that and “ms60.” For me, the chorus of that sounds like something I’ve heard from Amaarae before, and I doubt its absence would have diminished the album.
Shina: I feel like biggest skip is a strong word for a solid project, but if I have to pick a song to skip, it’ll be “ms60.” I think it’s easily forgettable.
Wale: It’s hard to single out a song that stuck out to me, but hearing Naomi Campbell on “ms60” threw me off. It’s just too contrived to bear for me.
WHAT SONG HAS THE BIGGEST HIT POTENTIAL?
Boluwatife: My gut answer would probably be “She Is My Drug,” just because of how she beautifully reworks the melodies from Cher’s “Believe.” DJ remixes of this song could go crazy. But if I were to think a bit more logically, TikTok would probably lap up “Kiss Me Thru The Phone pt 2.”
Daniel Banjoko: “Kiss Me Thru the Phone pt 2” goes crazy. Amaarae and PinkPantheress are the perfect match. This collab feels like it was destined to happen, and it delivers in full. Honestly, I can’t believe it took this long, and now I just need more tracks from these two, ASAP.
Moore: “Kiss Me Thru The Phone pt 2” has the biggest hit potential on the album. The song has a nostalgic, sad party girl vibe that makes it appealing, and it’s also catchy and well-produced. PinkPantheress consistently performs well on platforms like TikTok, and her fanbase overlaps in a really interesting way with Amaarae’s. The collaboration feels organic and exciting, and will likely create a lot of buzz.
OVERALL FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Wale: There is a very visceral quality to how Amaarae expresses desire that I don’t hear very often in a lot of music. It’s abstracted and warped in futuristic textures, but it’s very profoundly human, and it’s always great to hear that even as she advances the sonics of her delivery. I do, however, have an issue with the thematic scope of ‘Black Star.’ I thought there would be overt references to her experiences of navigating her Ghanaian identity, but those references are limited to samples and interpolations. It’s still an incisive listen and a triumph for finding ways to advance music from Africa.
Bamise: It’s Amaarae; she can never go wrong. But for me, this is the album that excites me the least from her catalogue. Other than how bass-heavy some songs on the album are, like “S.M.O.” and “She Is My Drug” among others, it feels similar to other projects I’ve heard from her in a way that’s not exactly refreshing or mind-bending. I may have gotten spoiled by how diverse and eclectic Amaarae’s music tends to be, but I wanted more from her. I expected more gangster, Hip-Hop Amaarae. Thematically, I didn’t get anything that gives the Black Star of Ghana, or black stars are ruling the world. Will I listen again and enjoy every bit of it still, though? Yes, I will.
Shina: So first off, this is a solid body of work. I love the fact that Amaarae stuck with the Dance, Electro-Pop route she was going with throughout the album. The features also played their part, adding their unique touches to each record. I would say, though, a feature I would’ve loved to hear on this project is 070Shake. I think she would have been perfect on “100DRUM,” but we don’t always get what we want, do we? Thematically, I think Amaarae could’ve leaned heavily on her Ghanaian heritage, seeing as the title and cover of the album are a nod to that. Maybe Amaarae just wants us to dance, and that’s what I’m just gonna do, and you should too.
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Tems Partners With Hennessy For Leading Vibe Initiative
Launching in Lagos, Nigeria, this event pioneered by Tems marks the beginning of a continent-wide movement to...
In July, Tems announced the Leading Vibe Initiative (LVI) to support women in music and the creative space on their journey to make a mark in their fields and create space for other women in those industries. Born from Tems’ journey as a self-taught artist with a focus on driving change, the initiative offers training, mentorship, industry access, and community for women in music in Africa.
After a rigorous selection process for its inaugural cohort, Hennessy will join the two-time Grammy Award-winning star to celebrate the launch of the Leading Vibe (LVI) Initiative in Lagos, Nigeria. Held from August 8 to 9, 2025, the two-day event is the beginning of a bold new chapter in Hennessy’s long-standing commitment to music and culture in Africa.
“I’m excited to partner with Hennessy in bringing this initiative to life, supporting talented young women in music as they find their voices, embrace their power, and shape the future of the industry across Africa and beyond,” Tems said about the partnership.
The Leading Vibe Initiative aims to champion the next generation of female artists, producers, songwriters, and music professionals, increasing representation within all areas of music across the continent and beyond.
With Hennessy as lead partner, this ambitious program kicks off with an immersive event in Lagos featuring curated workshops, networking moments, and panel discussions led by top-tier talent from across the global and African music industries.
“Her vision, talent, and purpose align deeply with Hennessy’s legacy of championing those who push boundaries and redefine the world around them. We’re honored to support the Leading Vibe Initiative and to continue empowering African communities and cultures,” said Vincent Montalescot, Hennessy Global Chief Marketing Officer.
Hennessy’s partnership with Tems builds on the brand’s decades-long history of supporting music and artistic expression globally and on the continent. From Hip-Hop to Afrobeats, Hennessy continues to stand beside the artists and communities that shape culture.
In Africa, the Maison has deepened its commitment through meaningful initiatives like In the Paint and now, with the Leading Vibe Initiative, is taking a focused step toward amplifying women’s voices in music. With the Lagos launch as a powerful first step, the Leading Vibe Initiative will expand across Africa and globally, creating a cross-continental network of empowered women ready to shape the future of African music.
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