1. Essuman: Ghetto Therapy P.T II (GHANA)

Ghetto Therapy P.T II is an 11 track Mixtape by Tema based Ghanaian rapper Essumann, released on September 25, 2026 the mixtape continues the story established by his earlier “Ghetto Therapy” released in April 2023. The Tape features rap bangers in Push 2 Start, Pray for Me and the chart topping Big Bricks II featuring Medikal and Lalid

2. Ish Kevin: Trappish III: Win Some Lose Some (RWANDA)

Trappish III: Win Some Lose Some is the third installment of Trappish series, by Rwandan rapstar Ish Kevin. The 10-track album, released Friday, September 18, features collaborations with Kenyan Heavyweight Drillers Buruklyn Boyz and songstress Njerae and a host of Rwandan rap stars in Kenny Sol, Logan Joe, OG2Tone, Pro Zed, BibiBoi. The Projects comes with a lot of Standout tracks including Greatness, Back 2 Back, Love & Hated, Aura and Chat Chat produced by Kwame Agger

3. Kindlyknxsh- SHONA MAN (ZIMBABWE)

Born in Zimbabwe but raised in South Africa, KindlyNxsh grew up between two cultures. While his career has largely embraced South African youth culture, Shona Man is a project that sees the Rapper and producer reconnecting with his Zimbabwean roots while confronting an insecurity he once carried about openly embracing his identity in South Africa. Shona Man, is a body of work that pays tribute to the late Zimbabwean music legend Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi.

4. Kweku smoke: NO DAYS OFF (GHANA)

Currenty the hottest Album in the country, Ghanaian rapper Kweku Smoke further cemented himself as a rap heavyweight and Ghanaian hiphop great with the release of his seventh studio album, No Days Off. Released on the 4 September 2026, the 13-track album arrives after the rapper built momentum with single “Faith”, featuring Lasmid. The Album also features collaborations with Dikoo and Kwesi Arthur, as the only other guest features.

5. Loatinover Pounds- Ground 2 Glory (SOUTH AFRICA)

Following his groundbreaking debut album Pray 4 Pitori, South African rapper Loatinover Pounds just released his sophomore album Ground 2 Glory an album firmly rooted in his identity, sound and spirit of Pretoria. On this album the rapper reflects on the trials, triumphs and tribulations that have followed his rise, unpacking love, spirituality, family, friendship, personal vices and the realities of pursuing success. Each collaboration becomes part of a wider story about ambition, community and navigating change with appearances from Focalistic, A-Reece, Mochen, Mo Sufi, Khalee G, THE NORTH MOB and Saint Cielo

6. President Zik & Hotyce: Vice Vxrsa II (NIGERIA)

Vyce Vxrsa 2 is a joint tape by abuja based Nigerian rappers President Zik and Hotyce which was released on September 30th, 2026 following an exclusive run on EVEN.biz since March. The 14-track project is a celebration of the newly minted duo cementing their place alongside history's great partnerships, both locally and internationally. Split evenly into two distinct halves—Vyce and Vxrsa, the album explores duality at its core: Vyce leans into a quintessential hip-hop sound influenced by the broader global landscape, while Vxrsa carries a heavy Nigerian footprint, from language to production. The record features guest appearances from Jesse Jagz, Psycho YP, JVSH, Mvkama, Reeplay, and Fatboy E

7. ATI- Box Office (BOTSWANA)

Box Office is ATI's most exposed record yet, an album that disguises confession as craft. The songwriting and production are so polished that the music wins you over first, and only on the second or third spin does the weight register, like walking in on a man unloading years of unresolved thoughts in a therapist's office. "Makakuwe" opens the project with a survey of his upbringing, his battles with addiction, his fraught relationship with the media and his place in the world, then closes on a trumpet solo that works as a deliberate pause for breath. It also helps explain why Batswana embraced him: beyond the hits, there was always a sense of a calling larger than the music, carried by a man in apparent perpetual pain who brings others joy on his way toward "Healing," the closer. The record's true measure came when it played quietly at a gathering to mourn a friend, steering the room between silence, tears and laughter. That gentleness is its real achievement: it never demands your attention, it simply sits beside you like a hand on the shoulder.

8. Milona- Forever (GHANA)

Fat-rising Ghanaian rapper Milona released his 3rd EP FOREVER on September 18, 2026. The 6 track project blends his style with Ghanaian hip-hop and reflective storytelling. The project features regular partner KayFlip and heavyweights Medikal & DarkoVibes, with records including “Motion,” “Touch A Mill,” “Believe” and “No Reply.”

9. Jakk Quill- A Passionate Frequency (KENYA)

Years after silencing the doubters with a legendary, career-defining verse on Khaligraph Jones’s Khali Cartel 5, Kenyan rap heavyweight Jack Quill returns with his 4th studio album, A Passionate Frequency. This is the definitive sound of an underground pioneer stepping fully into his power, uncompromising, razor-sharp, and built to shake the continent.

10. Make Boyz- 1 OF 1 (SOUTH AFRICA)

Cape Town based South African rap collective Make Boyz release another project titled 1 OF 1. The most recent release in this article 1 OF 1 is the 4th project released by the group this year,  The project shows the work the collective has done so far in 2026, 1 OF 1 is a trap inspired tape put together by member of Make Boyz which includes Tallrickyworldwide, Tank Saviour, Prxnce Icis, LeoPr3ttyAugust and FlowaBoii, among others.

11. Bkay EastGaad- BVA: BKAY VA ANYBODY (NIGERIA)

Awka-based Nigerian rapper Bkay EastGaad steps into the spotlight with BVA: Bkay Vs Anybody, his debut studio project, released on August 20, 2026. The title sets the tone for a statement of intent, introducing Bkay’s artistry and positioning him as a name to watch in Nigeria’s evolving hip-hop scene.

12. Droplord SAS- Inspired by 3KCM (GHANA)

INSPIRED BY 3KCM is the debut EP by Droplord SAS released on September 2, 2026. Hailing from Kumasi, Droplord SAS is amongst the new school artist making waves and inspiring the youth through his sound, style and persona. The 7-track EP features Ypee, Lami Jnr, $pacely, Bosom P-Yung and more packed list of new school leaders of Ghanaian rap.

13. Tyson Sybatelli- Amehlo (SOUTH AFRICA)

With Amehlo, Tyson continues to push the boundaries of his artistry while remaining committed to honest storytelling. More than an album, Amehlo reflects his evolution as both a musician and creative visionary, inviting listeners into a world that questions the systems shaping modern life while remaining grounded in deeply personal experiences. Developed over four years, Amehlo introduces audiences to a fictional corporate universe that mirrors today's algorithm-driven society, where advertising, technology and constant observation have become part of everyday existence. While ambitious in scope, the project remains unmistakably human, balancing social commentary with introspective reflections on ambition, identity, resilience and freedom.

14. Kelper- Hell and Back (GHANA)

Hell and Back is the debut EP from another Kumasi based Ghanaian rapper Kelper released  on August 28, 2026 with features from fellow Kumasi based rappers Kwesi Thug, Wild Bally, and Droplord SAS. The EP serves as an intro to the Ghanaian music industry for the rapper with singles like As)den and Pon dem already making waves and putting Kelper as one to watch out for.

15. Codawho & Onerealgv- pink! (NIGERIA)

pink! is a collaborative Trap soul and R&B/Soul inspired project by Nigerian rapper and genre bending artist Codawho and 21 year old Ghanaian producer onerealgv, released on September 29, 2026. The two came together to further prove why African hiphop and the next gen rappers are ready to break boundaries with unique style and sound. 

16. Blue pappi- Ehlane (SOUTH AFRICA)

South African rapper and member of the Qwellers Blue Pappi just released his highly anticipated mixtape ‘EHLANE’ Mixtape. The title EHLANE carries a strong connection to home, roots and belonging, reflecting Blue Pappi’s journey from Ladysmith to becoming part of the wider South African hip-hop landscape. At 23, the artist has developed a sound that blends melody and introspection while remaining grounded in his KwaZulu-Natal roots. The 19-track mixtape includes the K1llbrady remix of “AMA GETDOWN”, Trap banger “M.O.T.N” and the Young Stunna-assisted “Imali Entsha (G-Mix)”. EHLANE further solidifies why South African hiphop is in good hands with artist like blue pappi and his fellow Qwellers.

17.  Zaylevelten- B4SAVEME (NIGERIA) 

B4SAVEME is a prelude to the main thing, SAVEME by Nigerian breakout raptor Zaylevelten or Tenski as he is known, The 4 track EP weren’t self-produced by the raptor who is know for his beats and fresh style that resonates with Gen’s and youth across West Africa. 

18. Black Sherif- Sun Sherif (GHANA)

Ghanaian artist and arguably the biggest export in this era Black Sherif just released his latest EP and first since stardom titled ‘Sun Sherif,’ a project where he elucidates a fresh vision and brings a new dimension of his identity to life. Despite the usual chatter from skeptics, Black Sherif’s self-belief is magnetic, effortlessly pulling listeners into his world. We caught early glimpses of this new era earlier this year with "Popstar," "Swagga," and "Find A Way." While the vision took a few listens to fully register, his standout performance at the 2026 TGMAs brought the entire concept into sharp focus. Just ahead of the release of Sun Sherif, I sat down with him to discuss his evolving sonic identity, his relentless drive for growth, his philosophy on the creative ecosystem, and what he hopes to uncover on this next stage of his pilgrimage.

19. Nasty C & Tellaman- T’s & C’s Apply (SOUTH AFRICA)

South African artists  Nasty C and Tellaman release the joint project T’s & C’s Apply on September 1, 2026, a respective approaches to hip hop and R&B. The album combines Tellaman’s melodic vocal and songwriting style with Nasty C’s rap, storytelling and vocal harmonies. The artists move between hip hop, R&B and other African influences rather than adhering to a single genre. The album’s title combines the artists’ names, with “T” referring to Tellaman and “C” to Nasty C. It also references the concept of rules and boundaries, which the artists explore through themes of personal growth, vulnerability and self-definition. T’s & C’s Apply marks the latest development in a longstanding collaboration between the two Durban musicians, following their work together on previous releases. The album brings their hip hop and R&B influences together while reflecting their continued development as individual artists.

20. Blaqbonez- NOMADINHO: 4TH PRIME (NIGERIA)

The only predominantly afrobeat inspired album on the list by BRA himself, BRA which stands for Best Rapper in Africa is a named coined by himself Blaqbonez, Nomadinho 4th Prime is the fourth studio album by the nigerian rapper, this is a project that brings together the different sides of his musical identity, The standout track for us here at Hiphop Africa is I love this which features IGWE AKA another fast rising rapper from Esstern Nigeria, other features include Asake on two songs, alongside Victony, Ruger, TML Vibez and Monochrome. With “NOMADINHO: 4TH PRIME”, Blaqbonez continues to blend his rap foundations with Afrobeats influences, bringing together an eclectic lineup of collaborators as he builds on his recent momentum.