Hennessy Cypher 3.0: Gold Triggah, Elisha Elai, Xtatic and Steph Kapela.

The Hennessy Cypher 3.0 premiered on KTN News on Friday night and dazzled thousands of fans as it opened a new chapter in the entertainment scene in Kenya.

With five finalists facing off in a creative show featuring some of the finest hip-hop lovers in the country, the show was a preamble for the East Africa Cypher Show that will be airing weekly on KTN News.

During the Hennessy 3.0 Cypher show, participants narrated how the journey has been as well as the expectations they have.

"I would like to thank all those who have made this possible, from Hennessy to other partners who have showed interest in supporting artistes and uplifting the living standards of artistes," Steph Kapela, one of the finalists present during the event told The Standard.

"This is the second time I have been involved in such a face-off and I know that all eyes have been on me. I have been in the music career all my life and I am glad for the support we are getting as this is what puts food on the table," he notes.

A cypher or cipher is an informal gathering of rappers, beatboxers, and/or breakdancers in a circle, in order to jam musically together. The term has also in recent years come to mean the crowd which forms around freestyle battles, consisting of spectators and onlookers.

Speaking during the show, Standard Group PLC Editor Charles Otieno said as the home of entertainment, the group had prioritised creatives in the country.

He noted that many young people live off music, fashion, comedy and the arts, adding that Standard Group PLC is working closely with the government and other relevant institutions to ensure talent is nurtured.

"We are set to take the entertainment industry to the next level and are glad to partner with Hennessy, through African Elite Ltd, in this Cypher project. We look to partnering with them in the upcoming East Africa Cypher that will redefine the regional music scene. We also welcome any other like-minded stakeholders to join in and become part of this conversation," he remarked.

Friday’s show was also streaming live on YouTube through the Hennessy Cypher 3.0 link, with the hashtag #HennesseyKE making it one of the trending discussions.

Notable artistes who were part of the Hennessy Cypher 3.0 include;  Domani Mkadinali,  Steph Kapela, Gold Triggah, Xtatic and Elisha Elai who, are embracing the spirit of Never Stop Never Settle (NSNS) on their journey to personal success.

“My delivery and style is different and can speak about a lot of stuff. From delivery, flow and the unique style keeps me afloat and the Never Stop Never Settle mantra should be everybody’s pushing factor,” says rapper Elisha Lai.

Music has always been in the DNA of Hennessy and for the first time in Kenya, Hennessy introduced the Cypher in April 2021. The Hennessy Cypher, which falls under the distinctive brand campaign, Never Stop Never Settle, focuses on pioneers who are making the creativity of Africa shine.

Never Stop Never Settle (NSNS) tells the story of individuals driving this change by transforming their creative passions into thriving business ventures. In so doing, boldly challenge us to see the world through fresh eyes, a world where the old rules no longer apply.

The Cyphers mark a huge milestone for Hennessy and creates a synergy between the brand, artists, and hip hop fans. The Hennessy cyphers aim at identifying both rising and established artists, further offering them a platform to continue showcasing their craft.

“The cypher show is one of the fronts we are championing in ensuring that untapped talent gets exposed, supported and enhanced. This show is just the start of many planned entertainment properties. We are here to entertain and also educate on matters music, culture and film, beauty and fashion and everything lifestyle,” added Charles Otieno.