How Well Do You Know Your Nigerian Femcees?

Nigerian femcees, as offensive as it might sound, are often not given their due in the grand scheme of Nigerian music and its evolution. The general populace of Nigerian music fans barely follow the underground Nigerian hip-hop scene, and even less so to the femcees within the genre.

However, all that is about to change. We’re excited to introduce you to some incredible Nigerian female hip-hop artists who are making significant contributions to the genre and showcasing their immense talents through their music.

Phlow

Her lore goes way back and is known for her affiliation with Str8buttah, a production company predominantly associated with hard-nosed, battle-tested lyricists. Phlow made a name for herself in this circle and evolved further with her 2020 EP, Marmalade, where she explored an alternative path in her artistry. After a few lighter releases that trickled to a stop in 2023, new music from Phlow would undoubtedly shake up her fans and OG listeners of underground rap.

Candy Bleakz

Following her stint as the sole female emcee of the hip-hop group Street Billionaires, Candy has successfully established a solo career. She keeps her name and moniker Lady’s Dragon alive using her charisma, style, and flair. Candy Bleakz Represents the streets, as such, her music reflects the heart and essence of the average south-western Nigerian.

Rebelwav

Rebel is forging a path for herself in the vibrant hip-hop scene in Abuja. Since starting her career in 2014, she has remained active in the industry for nearly a decade.

Within this period, Rebelwav has built a strong discography that offers a blend of styles and technical rap ability. She feels her style is reminiscent of 2Pac, creating a Nigerian version of him by incorporating his thuggish yet soulful gospel influence.

Lifesize Teddy

The hype around Mavin’s new artists is arguably the fiercest in the scene. With a track record like theirs, the pressure on a new act to deliver at a high level is immense, and Lifesize Teddy has risen to the occasion. Her announcement was made in typical Mavin style—elaborate and eye-catching—as she was introduced as their first female rapper and the second rapper on their current roster. Although she doesn’t release music frequently, she has quickly built an impressive resume with two EPs and a single. Her bright future and versatility give her a strong footing across multiple genres.

Deela

DEELA’s path was charted for music, and even her detour into education eventually led her back to the beat once her spark was reignited. She has a vibrant style perfectly reflecting the direction of the Alté scene in Nigeria, with influences reminiscent of 2000s Nollywood, portraying themes of Y2K and beyond. With a brazen, assertive demeanour and clever, witty lyricism often leaning toward a girl-power vibe, which is what we love to see, DEELA‘s discography speaks for itself, offering depth, quality, and quantity, with two albums, a handful of EPs, multiple singles, and star collaborations. Her roughly four years in the industry have been a blessing.

Deto Black

Creativity has always come naturally to Deto, with her talents extending far beyond music. She is also a model, writer, and fashion enthusiast, among other things. Her music reflects her multifaceted personality, with each of her talents intertwining seamlessly to showcase her unique style. Known for her notably sex-positive approach, Deto’s music resonates strongly with younger audiences, helping her build a sizeable following.

SGawd

SGawd had her path realigned after pursuing rigorous education and earning degrees in the US and the UK. Although she had the option to practice law, she ultimately chose to pursue a hip-hop career.

Since then, SGwad has forged an illustrious career as one of the foremost women in hip-hop, building a discography filled with back-to-back hits. Her strong point is her rare combination of talent and versatility, which is hard to find elsewhere in the industry.

Lauretta Yemoja

Yemoja’s music is a natural magnet, incorporating multiple genres into her rap style, creating a recipe for quality sound. Her name was inspired by a group of children she encountered at the beach, and that serene backdrop significantly influences the inspiration she draws upon to create her unique sound. Yemoja‘s discography is impressive, showcasing her diverse talents, and she recently released a new EP that further highlights her artistic abilities. With each project, Yemoja continues to demonstrate her creative depth and commitment to pushing the boundaries of her music.