- The Nigerian hip-hop community have witnessed several times and seasons
- With different faces taking the spotlight of the Nigerian hip-hop scene, iconic female rappers have also shared the same.
- TheRadar curated a list of seven iconic female rappers who started it all, defying the challenges of the hip hop community to shine
We can all agree that the Nigerian hip-hop scene has followed a rough patch since its inception, being tough on the male rappers, but imagine how much tougher it is for their female counterparts.
Amidst the twists and turns of the industry, there were female trailblazers and pace setters who defied the odds as rappers and worked their way to the spotlight.
From Wierd MC’s Ijoya, to Mo’cheddah’s Ko Maa Roll airing out of stereos with their heart-pumping beats, they had people singing along at parties and homes.
Even though, in recent times, their names are hardly mentioned or might have faded away with the times, one cannot deny their impact as pioneers of the female hip-hop scene.
Their rap game, charisma, lyrical depth and flow can not be forgotten. In no particular order, TheRadar spotlighted 7 iconic female rappers we can never forget.
Top 7 Nigerian female rappers of all time
- Sola Weird MC
Nigerian British female rapper Olusola Weird MC hit the limelight in the 90s. She released her debut album ‘Simply Weird’ in 1996, followed by her sophomore album, After The Storm, in 2006.
Weird MC has an exceptional style to her rap game. In 2007, she was nominated for the Artiste of the Year at the Headies. Despite her absence from the rap scene so far, her song Ijoya is one of her unforgettable hits.
- Eva Alordiah
Nigerian rapper Eva Alordiah definitely came prepared for the Nigerian hip-hop scene. The rapper released several singles before her debut EP, Gigo. The EP had hits from I Done Did it to High.
If there is one thing that stood Eva out, it was her unique, laid-back and intricate style of rap with a blend of sensual delivery. The authenticity paved the way for her to enjoy her spotlight for the time it lasted. In 2012, she was listed as one of the most promising acts to watch at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards.
- Muna
Think of a beauty queen turned rapper. muna was fearless to thrive a male-dominated Hip Pop scene. The 2006 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) winner started her foray into Hip Hop as a part of the rap group, The Specimen A in Port Harcourt. In 2010, she was signed with Ayo Shonaiya’s RMG company. Munah has unforgettable bars on Banky W’s ‘Lagos Party’ and Waje’s ‘So Inspired.’
- Mo’Cheddah
“See me on my TV. Everywhere I go, wo n beri when they see me.” I remember vividly these lyrics of Mo’Cheddah’s ‘See Me’ song ft. Phenom. The singer, Modupe Oreoluwa Ola, is one of Nigeria's iconic female rappers who hit the limelight with her lead single ‘If You Want Me’ in 2009.
Her debut album, Franchise Celebrity was another project that won the hearts of Nigerians with her hit, ‘Ko Ma Roll.’ In 2010, Mo’Cheddah won the MTV Africa Music Award for Best New Artist and the Channel O Music Video Award for Best Female Video.
- Bouqui
B.O.U.Q.U.I means Born Once More Unto A Quickened and Unparalleled Image. Bonqui is one of the iconic female rappers who has an interesting name. Her eponymous album dropped in 2007 with hit songs that trended in the UK as well. The album got her nomination nods for Best Rap Album and Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year at the Headies. She sustained her relevance in the Nigerian music scene up until 2017.
- Sasha P
The First Lady of Nigerian Female Hip Pop, Sasha P childhood nostalgic memories reminiscing the first time she appeared on TV to rap. She was initially signed under Eldee’s Trybe Records before she later formed hers called Storm. Her debut album, First Lady, was a rave at the time. Sasha P, in 2008, made history as the first female Nigerian artiste to perform on the World Music Awards during its 20th anniversary. She is popular for her hit, Adara.
- Blaise
Blaise is certainly one of the greatest female rappers of the Nigerian hip-hop community. At the peak of her career, the talented rapper led the pack with a couple of her singles. She was part of the male-dominated rao group, Da Trybe Collective when they formed in 2000. Her feature break-out song ‘Oya’ came in 2002 and paved the way for more expectations. Her impeccable lyrical prowess finds home in ‘The Blaze’ remix by M.I, DJ Jimmy Jatt’s ‘Too Much’ and her 2014 release ‘Osika’ featuring Orlando Julius.
Ranking top 10 notable Afrobeats female collaborations
Despite the Afrobeats music scene being male-dominated, who said the female artistes in Nigeria have no place?
Contrary to notions, the Nigerian Afrobeats music space has indeed evolved to create platforms for female artistes to shine and showcase their singing prowess.
TheRadar earlier compiled a list of Notable Afrobeats female collaborations in Nigeria. This is a testament to some of the amazing works female artistes have put out together over the years.
