Search on for best rapper in EA as new cypher show debuts on KTN

The Hennessy 3.0 Cypher premiered on KTN News on Friday night, opening 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 their expectations.

“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,” said Stephen Nyankura aka Steph Kapela, one of the finalists.

“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,” said Kapela.

In rap music, a cypher or cipher is a freestyle music session whereby rappers and/or beatboxers gather, often in a circle, to perform in sequence.

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 said many young people live off music, fashion, comedy and the arts, adding that Standard Group is working closely with the government and other relevant institutions to ensure that 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 forward 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,” said Otieno.

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 included Domani Mkadinali, Steph Kapela, Gold Triggah, Xtatic and Elisha Elai.

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

Hennessy introduced the Cypher in April 2021. The Hennessy Cypher, which falls under the distinctive brand campaign, Never Stop Never Settle, focuses on pioneers showcasing Africa's creativity.

Never Stop Never Settle tells the story of individuals driving this change by transforming their creative passions into thriving business ventures. The Hennessy cyphers aim at identifying both rising and established artists, further offering them a platform to continue showcasing their craft.