Who Is The King Of Hip Hop In Zambia 2025

Who is the King of Hip Hop in Zambia as things stand now?

Considering the surge in the country’s music scene, it is not surprising that many people out there are now interested in knowing about Zambian hip hop music.

To make things easier we have compiled a list of current hip hop artists that are currently doing well in Zambia right now.  

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• Cleo Ice Queen

Born in the year 1989 as Clementina Mulenga, Cleo Ice Queen is another talented rapper in Zambia – and the first female on the list.

In a male-dominated industry, she has been thriving reasonably since she started her career in music.

Clementina was born in Lusaka and she grew up to become a versatile entertainer. Apart from being a rapper, she is also a hip-hop recording artist and an OAP.

The Zambian music star has had an amazing music career so far which has been on the ascendance in the past 24 months releasing multiple hit singles and earning accolades as her fan base and social media following grows.

Cleo Ice star’s has been on the rise and her recent signing under Def Jam is a great achievement not only for Cleo Ice Queen but for the growth of Zambian music industry at large.

Along with a new brand partnership deal with Johnnie Walker and her recent Afrimma award for Best Female Act in Southern Africa Cleo Ice is definitely on top of the game right now.  

Cleo Ice Queen has won several other awards as a musician, including the Kwacha Music Awards (Best Female category).

Cleo Ice Queen star rises with new Def Jam and Johnnie Walker Deals

• Macky2

Macky2 is currently the best rapper in Zambia. Born as Mulaza Kaira, he picked up the stage name Macky2 when he dipped into the music industry, and he has grown to become one of the most respected artists in Zambia.

Macky 2 is known for being versatile as he can produce, sing, and deliver the raps when required.

One of the interesting things about him is that he also attached other stage names to himself, and it appears it isn’t straining his career in any form.

Macky is no doubt a leader in the Zambia Hip Hop scene and his recent collaboration with South African Hip Hop heavyweight AKA is another testament to his status in the game.

• Slap Dee

Slapdee is a Zambian hip-hop pioneer. He started rapping back in 2006, but he is still one of the most popular in the country.

His is an amazing story of overcoming the odds he lost both parents in a car crash, and, as a teen, lived alone in one of Lusaka’s toughest neighbourhoods.

Known for his impressive rapping skills which have placed him in the league of the best rappers in the country, he surely cannot be left out in a conversation about Zambian Hip Hop.

Born in Mwila Musonda, Slap Dee has been able to grow into one of the biggest artists in Zambia. He has featured in several events and he also has several albums in his music gallery.

• King Illest

Award winning hip hop artist King Illest known as one of the most prominent artists in Zambia has been making moves for some time now.

The talented rapper has been expanding his brand outside Zambia, he recently visited South Africa to connect with local acts and expand his audience. Under the guidance of highly acclaimed South African music public relation company, Triple Double Media.

Focused, ambitious, and undoubtedly humble, King Illest’s ascent to the spotlight since emerging on the radar has been swift but the Zambian born and bred musician maintains that he’s still got a long way to go.  

The rapper recently collaborated with South African hip hop star Da Les as he continues to stake his claim as one of the kings in the Zambia Hip Hop scene.

• Chef 187

Born as Kondwani Kaira in Lusaka, Chef 187 is a very talented rapper who is known around the country for his expertise in music.

He is signed to the record label Alpha Entertainments Music and has released several albums since he started his career in music.

Chef 187, who has won several awards and earned his stripes as one of the best in Zambian hip hop scene.  A lot can be expected from the rapper in 2022 as he gears up to release more music.

• Ruff Kid

The next on the list is Ruff Kid, who was born in a Zambian village called Nyanje, where he grew as a child.

As it stands Ruff Kid, a popular entertainer in Zambia doing expanding his brand and fan base with tons of fans and supporters.

His latest collaboration with South African rap star Emtee has definitely put him in good stead coming into 2022.

ALSO READ: King of Zambia Hip Hop Illest expands his brand in SA