4 Great Upcoming Abuja Rappers you probably don’t know about

Akor Peter A.K.A Gunzz was born here in Abuja but hails from Benue state, Nigeria. He studied Economics at Nasarawa state university. He Started rapping in Jss1 but started writing music much later. He eventually released his first official mixtape in 2012 titled “+234 Mixtape”. In 2017 he dropped an EP titled “Once upon a God”.

Gunzz has been involved in some rap contests, during which period he won the Jaguda rap contest in 2013. He also came out Top 10 on the King Kong rap contest organized by Vector the viper, and was also involved in the Hennessy Cypher with Illbliss and Pryce. Gunzz also went on a tour with Mode 9 in 2015.

It’s been great experience and a good journey in his career so far as he looks forward to breaking into the Nigerian music industry full time. This is aptly captured in his recently released sophomore Album “Waiting for something good to happen”. The album is currently doing well on all streaming platforms.

Gunzz is a prolific artist who has had quite a good stint in his career path. Though currently referred to as an underground rapper, he no doubt believes his sound will soon go beyond borders. Let’s know what you think about Gunzz in the comments section.

Kenehimself

Born in the city of Port Harcourt, Kene Himself was an avid hip hop fan since he was young. Listening to artists like DMX, Eminem and Snoop Dogg, Kene also got exposed to other music genres like Pop, Country music, Disco and Highlife.

At age 11 Kene decided to write his first song. His parents have always been in support of his music career and this made him learn music production. He learnt to make beats immediately after High School. During his University days, he joined a music group in his school fellowship. There after he teamed up with Lawson Agabi, Onome UBA and Timi Kei to establish Tunehouse Records. It was under this umbrella Kene released his debut single “Get That Paper” in 2011 under the moniker  Kay X.

Kene Himself released a number of singles and EPs, the first of which was “This is Totally Xperimental” in 2014. Subsequent releases included “Totally Xperimental 2” and “K.A.G.U – The Summer EP” both in 2019 alongside a number of singles.

Kene’s music is a fusion on HipHop and other genres mainly afropop and soul. Although he raps and sings, he is better known as a producer, and this is due to the fact that, he produces and engineers his songs himself. However, his creativity extends beyond just the audio as he is also known to direct and edit his own videos and designs his own song art.

Kene changed his name from Kay X to Kene Himself. This was because he felt the later represented him more as a multi-talented creative. He currently resides in Abuja and is working on a number of music projects.

Zumzy Brown

Rapper Zumzy Brown real name Uchenna Micheal Ozumba who is 21 years old started music at a pretty young age. Zumzy self-discovered his talent when he was in Primary 5. He recorded his first single “molowo noni” during his Junior secondary school days.

Zumzy had a couple of projects out recently, including “School Waka” from his “No Man Doubt EP”. The rapper spoke to AbujaNow about his journey through different Colleges and his struggles combining music and school.

His track “Maxxxxximum” featuring TallSkinnyTobii is very popular among his fans and is currently gaining streams.

Zumzy talks about how artist like MI Abaga, Ozone, Erigga, Kendrick Lamar, Stormzy and Eminem inspired his style of music. His other influences include Fela, Burna Boy and Adele.

Rebel

Patricia Oghene-Tega Mowarin is a 23 year old rapper, singer and songwriter who hails from Delta state, Nigeria. She is better known by her stage name “Rebel”. Her early influences were Alicia Keys and Nicki Minaj.

She started rapping at a young age of 15. Her first ever mixtape titled “Stolen Grace” was released in December 2014. The project was done in memory of her mum, who tragically passed away that period. Stolen Grace was also about her getting another chance at making life work, using music and arts as a means to find her way out. She also made a video cover of “Black Skinhead” by Kanye West.

Rebel believes as an artist, her focus shouldn’t only be on music. And this is because she is also a dancer, an inspirational speaker, an activist. She lives by her belief that “humans have the potential and power to become and do anything”

Her recent project “Cactus EP” is a 7 tracks material and was released December 2019. She is also working on the Cactus Deluxe and Rainstorm LP which would be released soon.

Rebel is a prolific writer and also delivers her flows swiftly. Her technique is rebellious and real. She is set to become a permanent fixture on Africa’s musical landscape. So, get to know Rebel!

By Desmond Ike