Nigerian producing maestro Sarz has brought together six rappers from throughout Africa and the UK for the “Hennessy Cipher 2026,” which features Kwesi Arthur, ENNY, Suspect 95, Fena Gitu, Yanga Chief and Tenor.
It’s the geography that makes this lineup genuinely historic. The Hennessy Cipher is turning 15, and for the first time ever, two Francophone African talents are in the same edition: Suspect 95 from Côte d’Ivoire and Tenor from Cameroon. Tenor also made history as the first Cameroonian musician to feature in the Cipher. Those two elements alone make 2026 different from any previous edition of the tournament.
Sarz’s production is powered by hard-hitting percussion, deep basslines and a cinematic atmosphere that offers each rapper a stage without giving any artist an edge over the other.
Each musician comes with a different rhythm, with a different language, with a different ethnic identity to the verses. Kwesi Arthur is the Ghanaian flavor of Afro rap. ENNY is one of the most talked-about voices in UK rap, bringing her British-Nigerian perspective. Fena Gitu keeps Kenya down with lyrics that have earned her notoriety. Yanga Chief takes the torch for South Africa and makes the most of the opportunity. Suspect 95 and Tenor then extend the reach of the cipher throughout Francophone Africa in a way this platform has never done before
Shot in Johannesburg, the visuals set the 2026 edition in one of the most established hip-hop towns in Africa.
Listen to the “Sarz – Hennessy Cipher 2026” and rate the six rappers from best to worst verse; the comment area is available for your decision!
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