Afrikaans is a rough, snippy language, which was originally spoken by Dutch settlers in South Africa. It is now among the country’s official languages but some believe that it is marginalized. However, things have changed over the years with the development of Afrikaans music. Afrikaans rap music has gained popularity in the recent past and several Afrikaans rappers have come up over the years. Here are the 10 seamless Afrikaans rappers of Afrikaans rap music that are notable; and above all have become icons in the industry.
1. Die Antwood
This is one of the leading Afrikaans rap acts. Their style includes rapid Afrikaans and they incorporate English but theirs is heavily accented. They have attracted fans from all over the world with their message, which highlights stereotypes about the poor working class. The act is extremely popular on the internet and they have performed outside South Africa to their growing fan base. One of the group’s most successful concerts was at the Coachella Festival in California. They are signed on Interscope, which manages some of the most popular artists such as the Black Eyed Peas, Us, and Lady Gaga. Their lyrics are explicit and their performances are very provocative. This has made them stand out in the Afrikaans music industry.
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2. Wambuseun
He got into the music industry in 1999 and won the 2011 NAMA awards for the Best Afrikaans category. He is one of the pioneers of Afrikaans rap and he continues to perform after all these years.
3. S-man
Lee-Roy Pieters, who is known as S-man on the stage is one of the 10 seamless Afrikaans rappers in Afrikaans rap music. He won the 2013 NAMA award for Best Afrikaans. His first album was titled ‘Die Koning van die Suide ‘which means the ‘King of the South.’ The album was released in 2011 and he has been called one of the greatest in the industry.
4. Jack Parow
He is considered one of the best Afrikaans rappers in South Africa. He is considered the Afrikaans Eminem. His lyrics are brash and crude. He is an amusing rapper who is not afraid to highlight some of the most controversial topics. Unlike other musicians who tend to incorporate a lot of English in their raps, Parow’s music is pure Afrikaans. He is eccentric but this is one of the reasons why he is so popular.
5. Brasse van die Kaap
Brasse van die Kaap, is another one of the 10 seamless Afrikaans rappers in Afrikaans rap music. Their performances are intriguing and original.
6. Terrible Twinz
Junant Petersen and Jarcques make up the group Terrible Twinz. They were brought up in Schauderville in Port Elizabeth. The group started performing when they were only 5-years-old. Their music is about the realities around them including poverty, HIV-AIDS, substance abuse, child abuse and gang violence.
7. Biggy and Mouse
Biggy and Mouse is a rap group made up of two boys from Port Elizabeth. They have become an internet sensation within South Africa especially on the internet. The group is still young but the boys have potential to become some of the best rappers in the country.
8. Bittereinder
Bittereinder is another rising star in Afrikaans rap music. The group has released a few music videos and one of the most popular one is ‘Kwaad Naas.’
9. Cream
Cream is a rising superstar in Afrikaans rap music. One of his tracks ‘Stamina’ has been a hit, especially in Cape Town. This track is the initial single from his debut album, ‘Bruin Brood’, which he released in late 2012. His music is all about his trials and ambitions. He is a passionate musician and this is evident in his lyrics. His wordplay is one of the most unique in the industry and this has allowed him to attain international recognition.
10. HeavyG
This is one of the most talented Afrikaans rappers. He is a South African native but he was brought up in Namibia and this gives his music a unique flavour.
An increasing number of rappers are embracing Afrikaans and it is now considered cool to rap in the language. There is a wide variety of Afrikaans rap music in South Africa and the lyrics are more brazen compared to other genres. The lyrics are inspired by the rappers’ realities, therefore, they are diverse. These rappers do not shy away from controversy and this offers something new for the music fans. This is just an insight into some of the top names.