Rising Stars: South Africa’s next generation of female rappers

Hip-hop has long been a male-dominated genre, with only a few women achieving success on par with their male counterparts. This year, American rapper Doechii became the third female artist to win the Grammy for Best Hip-Hop Album, following Lauryn Hill and Cardi B. Despite rap music existing for over 50 years, progress in inclusivity remains slow. Male rappers continue to receive more respect, while female artists are often overlooked, with the focus placed more on their appearance than their lyricism, delivery, and skill.

To earn their place in the industry, female rappers have had to fight relentlessly, often being pitted against one another in a hostile environment that thrives on the "put her down" syndrome.

The influence of American hip-hop is deeply embedded in South Africa’s hip-hop scene, shaping everything from music and fashion to overall aura. Many local artists have adopted American sounds, yet originality remains a driving force in sustaining the industry. South African hip-hop continues to evolve by incorporating vernacular rap, kwaito-infused beats, and uniquely South African phrases.

At the forefront of this evolution are the sheroes of South African hip-hop, rewriting history one bar at a time. While some claim that "hip-hop is dead," four female rappers are ready to revive the genre and restore it to its former glory.

We have curated a list of Hip Hop female rappers on the rise:

Kay Medusa 

With a strong foundation in dance, Kay Medusa's transition into rap feels like destiny. If you didn’t know better, you’d never guess she’s a newcomer—her flow, energy, and passion shine through in every track. Recently, she teamed up with Junior King to release an EP, and together, they’ve proven to be the unexpected duo we never knew we needed. Their Afrikaans rap single, "Die Ghetto," recently hit a million views on YouTube, proving that originality and passion are a winning formula. Medusa is living proof that dynamite comes in small packages, and we can't wait to see what the future holds for her

VenusRaps

With sharp wordplay accompanied by the soulful boom -bap sound, VenusRaps, a Newcastle-born rapper, is making her mark in South African hip-hop. Her authenticity sets her apart. Her accolades speak volumes— earning the title of Adidas Women Artist of the Month and winning the Studio 88 Podium Moment, Her lyrical prowess has also been on display across platforms like MTV BASE’s Yo!, MTV RAPS cyphers, and Zakwe’s KZN Freestyle. With undeniable talent and a rapidly growing presence, VenusRaps isn’t just rising; she’s carving a new path in the industry.

EEV (Efa Libhinqa Lokqala)

TikTok rap sensation Eev has been bubbling under for a while, steadily building her name with high-energy performances and razor-sharp Xhosa lyrics. With over 1000K followers and millions of views on TikTok, she has carved out a dedicated audience, delivering raps that resonate with both young and old hip-hop heads. What sets Eev apart is her ability to remain authentic while championing her home language through aggressive yet skillful wordplay. Her Xhosa rendition of Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” caught the attention of keen-eared fans, proving her knack for taking a hit song and making it her own—a true mark of artistry. With undeniable talent and momentum on her side, Eev is just getting started. There's still so much more to come.

K.KEED

With the release of her 17-track debut album, Bite the Bullet—packed with A-list features—K.Keed is quickly becoming one of South Africa’s most exciting artists to watch. Exceeding all expectations, she has cemented her reputation as the queen of hooks,  gaining recognition through collaborations with prominent SA artists while pushing her career to new heights. Determined to make her mark, K.Keed took a bold leap, relocating from Cape Town to Johannesburg in pursuit of bigger opportunities. There, she sharpened her pen game, worked with top local producers, and brought her latest album to life. Seamlessly blending singing and rapping, her flow is a masterful mix of contemporary trap infused with Kasi flavour, giving her sound a soulful, fresh, and unique edge in the local hip-hop scene. K.Keed is more than just an artist to watch—she’s a game-changer in the making