The South African hip-hop scene has been shaped by many talented artists who brought their unique voices, sounds, and styles to the genre. Unfortunately, the nation has lost some of its greatest talents in recent years, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. These rappers may have passed on, but their legacies endure through their music, their impact on culture, and their business endeavors. In this article, we focus on the Top 5 SA Rappers Who Died And Left A Lasting Legacy whose influence lives on even after their untimely deaths.
1. AKA (Kiernan Forbes)
Legacy and Impact
Known for blending hip-hop with various South African sounds, AKA was one of the most influential rappers in Africa and we as SA Hip Hop Mag consider him to be the greatest African rapper of all time. His tragic death in 2023 shocked the music industry, but his legacy is undeniable.
Hit Songs and Albums
- Hit Songs: AKA’s catalog includes several chart-topping hits such as:
- “All Eyes on Me” (feat. Burna Boy, JR, Da L.E.S)
- “Fela in Versace” (feat. Kiddominant)
- “The World is Yours”
- “Congratulate”
- “Jealousy”
- “Composure”
- “Energy” (feat. Gemini Major)
- “Lemons (Lemonade)” (feat. Nasty C)
- Albums: He released multiple critically acclaimed albums, including:
- “Altar Ego” (2011): AKA’s debut album that introduced him to the mainstream audience, featuring hits like “Victory Lap.”
- “Levels” (2014): This album solidified his status as one of the top rappers in SA, with singles like “Jealousy” and “Congratulate.”
- “Touch My Blood” (2018): A commercially successful album, Touch My Blood produced massive hits like “Fela in Versace.”
- “Mass Country” (2023): His final album, released posthumously, is a reflection of his growth as an artist.
Businesses and Milestones
- Cruz Vodka Collaboration: AKA launched a successful partnership with Cruz Vodka, releasing his own watermelon-flavored edition, which became one of the top-selling flavors in South Africa.
- AKA TV: He created a subscription-based TV app where fans could stream exclusive content, including music videos, interviews, and performances.
- Awards: AKA received numerous accolades, including South African Music Awards (SAMAs) and MTV Africa Music Awards. He was also recognized internationally, earning nominations for BET and MTV Europe awards.
2. Riky Rick (Rikhado Makhado)
Legacy and Impact
Riky Rick was more than just a rapper; he was a fashion icon, entrepreneur, and a mentor to many young artists. His sudden passing in 2022 was a devastating blow to the South African entertainment industry.
Hit Songs and Albums
- Hit Songs:
- “Boss Zonke”: One of his biggest hits, this song was an anthem in SA hip-hop.
- “Sidlukotini”: A street anthem that showcased his versatility and lyrical skills.
- “Nafukwa”: Another massive hit that helped solidify his place in the game.
- “Stay Shining”: A celebratory song featuring top artists like Cassper Nyovest.
- Albums:
- “Family Values” (2015): Riky’s debut album was a critical and commercial success, featuring hits like “Boss Zonke.” It touched on themes of family, legacy, and his personal struggles.
Businesses and Milestones
- Cotton Fest: In 2019, Riky Rick founded Cotton Fest, a highly successful music festival aimed at celebrating local culture, music, and fashion. The festival became a platform for up-and-coming artists, bridging the gap between mainstream and underground talent.
- Fashion Influence: Riky was deeply involved in the fashion world and frequently collaborated with local designers. His sense of style earned him respect not just in music, but in fashion, helping him become a brand ambassador for Gucci.
- Mentorship: Riky was known for mentoring younger artists, including A-Reece and Frank Casino, and played a significant role in the careers of many rising stars.
3. ProKid (Linda Mkhize)
Legacy and Impact
ProKid, also known as Pro, is often credited as one of the pioneers of South African hip-hop. He was one of the first rappers to mix township slang and vernacular with hip-hop, creating a unique sound that resonated with the masses.
Hit Songs and Albums
- Hit Songs:
- “Sekele”: A classic track that helped put him on the map.
- “Uthini Ngo Pro”: Another big hit that showcased his lyrical ability.
- “Woz’uzobabona”: A collaboration with Maggz and Red Button, it became a street anthem.
- Albums:
- “Heads and Tales” (2005): ProKid’s debut album, which was a huge success, featuring hit singles like “Soweto.”
- “Dankie San” (2007): This album further solidified ProKid as a force in the SA hip-hop scene, featuring hits like “Bhampa.”
- “Snakes & Ladders” (2009): An introspective album that showcased ProKid’s growth as an artist.
Businesses and Milestones
- Cultural Influence: ProKid was instrumental in bringing hip-hop to the townships and making it accessible to a wider South African audience. He influenced the next generation of rappers, including the likes of Kwesta and Cassper Nyovest.
- Pioneer Status: He is often regarded as the blueprint for authentic South African hip-hop, combining traditional rap with local vernacular (isiZulu) and themes relevant to township life.
4. HHP (Jabulani Tsambo)
Legacy and Impact
HHP (Hip Hop Pantsula) was one of the most beloved figures in South African music. He was a pioneer of the Motswako genre, which blended hip-hop with Setswana, and he played a huge role in making rap accessible to non-English-speaking audiences.
Hit Songs and Albums
- Hit Songs:
- “Bosso” (2011): One of HHP’s biggest tracks, this became a national anthem.
- “Music & Lights”: A hit collaboration with American singer Omarion.
- “Harambe”: Another massive hit that showcased his storytelling ability.
- Albums:
- “O Mang?” (2003): HHP’s breakthrough album that featured hits like “Tswaka.”
- “Acceptance Speech” (2007): This album marked his mainstream success and included hits like “Mpitse.”
- “Dumela” (2009): Another critically acclaimed album that solidified HHP’s legacy.
Businesses and Milestones
- Advocacy for Mental Health: Before his tragic passing in 2018, HHP spoke openly about his struggles with depression, making him one of the first South African artists to address mental health issues in the public space.
- Cultural Ambassador: HHP was a cultural icon who helped bring Motswako, a hybrid of Setswana and English rap, to mainstream audiences, influencing artists like Cassper Nyovest and Khuli Chana.
5. Costa Titch (Costa Tsobanoglou)
Legacy and Impact
Costa Titch was an emerging star in the South African music scene, known for his unique sound that fused Amapiano and hip-hop. His death in 2023 was a significant loss, especially given his rapid rise to fame.
Hit Songs and Albums
- Hit Songs:
- “Big Flexa” (2021): A massive hit that helped introduce Costa to the global audience.
- “Nkalakatha”: A remix of a kwaito classic that became an anthem in South African hip-hop.
- “Thembi” (feat. Boity): Another successful track that showed Costa’s versatility.
- Albums:
- “Made in Africa” (2020): Costa’s debut album was a commercial success, showcasing his ability to blend different genres like hip-hop, kwaito, and Amapiano.
Businesses and Milestones
- International Appeal: Costa Titch was beginning to make a name for himself on the international stage, collaborating with artists like Akon, signaling a promising global career.
- Genre Fusion: Costa was one of the few artists able to successfully bridge the gap between hip-hop and Amapiano, two of South Africa’s most popular genres.
The loss of AKA, Riky Rick, ProKid, HHP, Costa Titch, and Flabba has left a deep void in the South African hip-hop community. Each artist brought something unique to the table, whether it was through their groundbreaking music, entrepreneurial ventures, or their impact on the culture. Although they are no longer with us, their contributions will continue to shape South African music for generations to come. Their songs are still played, their influence can be seen in new artists, and their stories serve as reminders of the transformative power of music.
These rappers not only left behind memorable hit tracks and albums but also left lasting legacies in the form of business ventures, cultural influence, and personal milestones. Whether through their mentorship of younger artists, their innovation in blending local sounds with hip-hop, or their willingness to tackle personal struggles in the public eye, they each contributed something significant to the growth of South African hip-hop and popular culture at large.
In Memoriam: Honoring Their Impact
- AKA redefined SA hip-hop with his fusion of local and international sounds, pushing the boundaries of what South African artists could achieve on the global stage.
- Riky Rick wasn’t just a rapper but also a cultural tastemaker and mentor, whose legacy extends into fashion and youth culture.
- ProKid paved the way for a generation of township rappers, proving that South African hip-hop could stand tall on the global stage.
- HHP brought Setswana into the mainstream through his Motswako style, encouraging future artists to embrace their native languages and local stories.
- Costa Titch showed the world that South African music could evolve by blending genres like Amapiano and hip-hop, leaving behind a blueprint for future artists.
As their music continues to inspire and influence, the legacy of these artists remains very much alive. Each of them left an unmistakable imprint on the industry, proving that even after their passing, their voices will never be silenced.
Their contributions to music, culture, and business will continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans, ensuring that their legacies remain not just remembered, but celebrated.
