Four top female Arewa rappers breaking stereotypes through hip-hop

Hip-hop is definitely definitely not a new concept in Arewa (northern Nigeria). Rap music is fast becoming an integral part of urban youth consciousness in the region.

However, seeing females giving out mind blowing raps is undoubtedly unique, and awesomely electric.

In Northern Nigeria, the male entertainers like DJ AB, Morell, Classiq, Deezell and many more have overshadowed the hip-hop industry. You would even question if there are female rappers in the north.

However, the female rappers are beginning to counter traditional stereotypes through hip-hop by navigating where even some male entertainers fear to tread.

Here is a list of female hip-hop artists in northern Nigeria:

1.Haddy Rappia

Kaduna-born Hadiza Ya’u known with the stage name Haddy Rappia started rapping at the early age of 17.

She focuses on the hip-hop genre of ‘Gambara,’ akin to hip-hop street rap or diss tracks.

The entertainer is a product of the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and is known to dress modestly.

Rapia’s ability to control the crowd when she has the microphone has been described as very professional. Her lyrics always tries to address societal issues.

She is hoping to become as big as Nicki Minaj some day. Some of her hit songs include; Tafi, Bosslady, etc.

2. Princess Mufeeda

Another fast-rising rapper from northern Nigeria is Princess Aisha Mufeedah.

Reportedly half-caste, the 23-yr-old rapper was born in Maiduguri but bred in Abuja.

Mufeedah who started making her music when she was 16 years old, was awarded the most promising Arewa female hip-hop rapper at the CAFE 2016/17 awards.

Some of her hit songs include; Sixteen, Hot spot, Leg chain, Ruwan Jiki, Ji mana, and Baza Freestyle.

She makes most of her music in the Hausa Language.

3.Safiya Yusuf

Safiya Yusuf aka Safaa joined the bandwagon of female hip-hop artistes in northern Nigeria only recently.

Yusuf who was a former actress dumped acting for rapping after her leaked nude cost her a role. She left the film industry and recently released her hit single ‘Kwalelenka’.

She is regarded as one of the few lucky artistes to have made a mark within a short period. Safari auditioned for the Arewa24 TV series ‘Kwana Casa’in’ at the age of 18.

4. Lil Pee

Promise Bitrus Emmanuel aka Lil pee is regarded as the queen of hausa hip-hop Music.

She is from Taraba State and was born on January 8, 1997.

The young genius who said she was inspired by Hausa hip-hop artists such as Dj Ab and Morell, among others, started rapping at a young age.

Her most popular songs include Yan Arewa, Arewa Namu and Nazo.