10 Northern Ghanain Rappers You Need to Pay Attention to in 2017

Pundits and fans bemoaned about the state of hip-hop in 2016, but the climate may not have been as dismal as they think. The last 12 months were dominated by Fancy and Maccasio with allegations and blind loyalty among their fan base.

Another promising thing about 2016 was the development of rising talent. Artists such as Nuru, Soorebia, Nandos, Dboy, Wumbie the Rapper, Gaffachi, Double Tee, Saani, and Fizz took the next step in their careers with lauded debut albums and hit singles, infusing some new blood into the mainstream arena, while radio stations and dj had their favorites Nuru, Soorebia, Nandos, Fizz, Dboy, Wumbie the Rapper, Gaffachi, Double Tee, and Saani, managed to make good on their online hype.

2017 is looking to be even more fruitful, as a number of acts spent last year putting in major work in the studio and on the road and are now positioned to become household names off themselves as well as maintain their place on it. These guys too, have consistently been making noise. Sanatu Zambang presents 10 Rappers Northern Ghanaian rappers you need to pay attention to in 2017.

10 - Fizz aka Hafiz Kassim, is a graduate of Islamic university collage Ghana, with a degree in accounting. He  had his early education at Kamina Barracks armed forces education service then continued to Ghana senior high school. Having recorded many tracks which haven’t been released, Fizz has collaborated with Nazz on a peace song Titled ONE AFRICA, with few verse in the track, he convinced all why he deserved to take the number 10 spot. 

9 - Gaffachi Born in to a big family and being the brother of Tuba Zaks, TapTax and Black stars striker Majeed Waris, Gaffachi grew up in the Tamale popular neighborhood '' Zolahood '' attended Damongo senior high School. Gaffachi has 2 albums to his credit. While working on his 3rd album Gaffachi believes his '' music has the strength to change a lot of things in the society '' and he is ready to make that change.

8- Fareed, formerly known as Big Shady. Fareed won Hi-Skuul HipHop artiste of the year in 2012 and his single "Bardman" was used as a montage on ‘Gh & Beyond’ and 4Syte. Fareed blends English language with other native languages like Hausa, Twi and Ga in his rap, his ability to sing on some of his songs which makes him versatile.

7- Nuru is a sensational rapper, with his incredible blend of English and Dagbani in his rap, Nuru does it so romantically and exceptional. Nuru’s In a Moment has been aired on a number of television stations out Ghana and also received a nomination at the 2016 All Africa Music Awards in the category of most promising act.

6- Laminu Abdul Hanna, known as Nandos in showbiz, a graduate of Tamale Institute of Business Studies. Born and raised in yendi district in the Northern Region, Nandos recorded his first song in 2012. He has one album to his credit, which he released in 2015 and with about 7 singles to his credit in 2016. Nandos is described as the finest traditional rapper of our time. He can deliver a stunning rap freestyle on either local tunes or foreign.

5- Saani is another phenomenal artiste with his signature KaBelivi . Also known as the Dagbon warrior.  Saani has made his mark in the northern music scene with his charismatic stage performance and rap style. Saani has performed on several platforms both in Tamale and Accra. Without a win or nomination to his credit yet, Saani has lifted the name of Northern Ghana higher in the early months of 2016 and has since then kept the KaBelivi sprite burning.

4-Chogu Boys may seem like overnight sensations, but that’s far from the truth. The two Chogu natives are well-versed in the industry, having been previously the stars back in the 2009/12. Their songwriting and lyrical display is just mind blowing. With their traditional lyrical display and acts, youthful, upbeat sound and a knack for catchy hooks, expect to hear nothing less from Chogu Boys. Chogu Boys Mba Baga  video show cases the cultural surrounding of the northern region, especially the Dagomba people. The art shown in the video is culturally appealing.  The songs and video portrays everything in the Dagomba circles and the message is clearly show even if you don’t understand the language.

3- Soorebia is a Hip Hop Artiste from Bolgatanga in the upper west region of Ghana. He has a unique style that combines Frafra, his native language, with English.  He is an energetic performer both on stage and in his music video. Savannahonline described  Soorebia , ‘’ As a rap enthusiast I’ve followed with keen interests the exploits of artistes like Soorebia and can easily decode what he intends to achieve; however does the business of music still support creativity in its purest form? Soorebia’s preponderance in the Upper East Region as a rapper and an artiste. ‘’

2- Yakubu Iddrisu Maltiti, known by his stage name Double Tee, is a Ghanaian hippop and hiplife recording artist in the Northern region of Ghana, Tamale. One can’t argue if he is labeled one of the best lyricists in Northern Ghana. The sarcastic rapper has performed on countless platforms in and out tamale, with the likes of Sarkodie, Shatta Wale, VVIP, R2BESS and Wizkid and many others.  Double Tee began his musical journey at a very young age, He attended Northern School of Business(NOBISCO) in Tamale, he went further to earned a diploma certificate in computer software and hardware from NIIT.  Double Tee joined the Keysoap 1998 music competition in Tamale and emerged winner, taking the overall best award. Double Tee also appeared in the Takoradi street battle at the Borla beach in the year 2010 and qualified to the grand finally in Accra.

1- Abdul Razak Baki Abukari known by his stage name Dboy. Dboy is a Ghanaian based Ukraine rapper, also known as ‘’ THE RAP SAPASHIN ‘’ is a rapper the world has to brace them and watch out for. Exceptional lyrical delivery. Punch lines on punch lines. His flow of his mother dialect to English language is so mesmerizing and appealing. Dboy emerged winner of the splash awards in Ukraine, taking home the award of most promising act.