Hiphop music is spreading across Africa like wildfire as African rappers continue to pile up the heat not just in terms of lyrical prowess but also the whole hip-hop culture and lifestyle. Their music videos are showing more swag and blings as these must-see music videos selected from Nigeria, Zambia and South Africa portray severally.

New Motswako sensation, Motso, recently raised the stakes in local South African hiphop music with the release of a shocking music video for his controversial underground hit ‘What you gonna do’ . On the song, he launches blistering attacks on fellow Motswako artists. But what has been making the rounds in the news is the R250 000, SNVP-rated music video released online only. The 8.22 minutes action-thriller video titled ’16 Bars’  portrays the competition being ‘taken out’, with performances by top-rated actors, including Lucky Koza and Vusi Ndlovu.  It also features a stellar crew. Special effects and co-production were done by Greg Pitts, whose credentials also include Hollywood Blockbuster, American Ninja, and local thriller, Jerusalema. Formidable couple, Flo and Michael Balack (of Jerusalema and Soul City fame) was in charge of art direction. However, an edited version has been released on TV. A short film version of the project will also be commercially distributed to local and international TV stations.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCdccLr9ypg

Motso has been making waves in South Africa since he won the Beyonderz Talent Search in Mamelodi in 2008, and signed a 3-album deal with pan-African record label, Lolhiphop Records in 2010. He soon won the hearts of female fans across the country with his hit single ‘Ngwanyana wa motswana’, and released his debut album ‘From nuthin to sumthin’ in November.

Zambian hip-hop collective, Zone Fam has been one of the most prolific rap groups in that country since it was formed in 2007 and their latest video and second single from the album ‘The Business: Foreign Exchange’ will certainly make them relevant in Zambian rap game. Their video for ‘Shaka Zulu On Em’ shot and edited by Ground Xero Crew, reflects the party theme of the track produced by Jay Rox for Slam Dunk Records.

The founders of the group, The Holstar and Pope have successfully managed to turn the group from a group a young guys jamming at Zone Studios to a family of talented individuals who bring together their skills into a great musical synergy. The name Zone Fam was derived from the studio name, when one of the original members, Al Kani said the line “You can’t mess with the Zone Fam” in an old track.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5Y13IpaGrg

The original Zone Fam members were The Holstar, Pope and Al Kani and thereafter, Dope G joined, followed by Jay Rox, Verbal Assasin and Last Thugga. They describe their music as “good Hip Hop period!”  They fuse both English and local languages into their lyrics to make it more appealing to the general public.

Nigerian newcomer, Ace has released his debut music video, “La La Le Friday!” and is due to start his promotional club tour around Nigeria in a few weeks. The music video was shot on location in Johannesburg. The single was released months back so this is a much awaited video. The quite conceptual video portrays a modern clubbing experience on a Friday night and how the ‘big boys’ party.

Ace, real name Chuks Austine is a fusion music recording artiste, entertainer and model. His fusion music is inspired by party grooves, feel good vibes, everyday life and tales. It’s a fusion of Pop, Afropop and Hip Pop.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c7K4io0Ywg