On Friday August 7, Hennessy dropped the Hennessy Cypher 2026 – a powerful diaspora-wide collab that brings together seven major African talents into a fresh celebration of contemporary hip-hop.
First launched in Nigeria in 2011, the Hennessy Cypher is an annual showcase of African hip-hop, and it’s become known for spotlighting the continent’s most disruptive voices. Each year, artists deliver original verses over a shared beat, filmed as a visually dynamic music video.
For 2026, the cypher returns to its hip-hop roots with a roster of heavy-hitting talents who are shaping the sound and spirit of modern African music, and this year’s cast incorporates two Francophone African stars for the first time in the Cypher’s 15-year history.
Helmed by prolific Nigerian producer-turned-artist Sarz, the 2026 Cyper features Cameroonian fusion rapper Tenor, Ivoirian lyricist Suspect 95, South African rapper and cultural storyteller Yanga Chief, Ghanaian Afrofusion star Kwesi Arthur, Kenyan singer-songwriter Fena Gitu, and British-Nigerian rapper ENNY.
Past participants include M.anifest, Sarkodie, Maglera Doe Boy, Ladipoe, Octopizzo, Zlatan, Didi B amongst many other hip-hip talents. The 2025 edition featured Kabza De Small, Femi One, Ms Banks, Blaqbonez, Jaivah and Joey B on a fiery track that fused amapiano, hip-hop and Afrobeats.
“It feels really cool to be part of the Hennessy Cypher,” ENNY shares. “I think it’s really nice to be surrounded by so many people from Africa as well, and like vibe with different music and connect with different artists.”
“The Hennessy Cypher means a lot for African hip-hop,” Yanga Chief explains.” I think when it comes to us Africans being together and being ourselves and getting to know one another most importantly, I think hip-hop has always been a great conduit for that.
“It’s amazing to represent my country,” explains Fena Gitu. “It’s validating. I’ve been doing music for 15 years, so this feels like the beginning of the next season for me.”
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Recorded and filmed in Johannesburg, the video (directed and produced by Juan Visser of the Human Studio, and styled by Bee Diamondhead) sets the artists into what Hennessy dubs “The Underground Meetup,” a bold new creative world that reimagines the classic hip-hop cypher with a blend of urban edginess and visual refinement, capturing the raw energy and authenticity of modern rap culture.
“The art of blending is at the heart of Hennessy,” says Aimee Kellen, Moët Hennessy, MEA Regional Marketing Director. “Just as distinct eaux-de-vie are brought together to create something exceptional, this year’s Cypher unites six remarkable voices from across Africa and the United Kingdom, each bringing their own perspective and energy. It is a privilege to create a space where these artists can meet, collaborate and make something that could only exist through their collective talent.”
Few brands have a relationship with hip-hop quite like Hennessy. For decades, the Maison has been embraced by artists across generations and geographies, becoming woven into the music, communities and creative movements that continue to shape the genre. Referenced in more than 58 000 songs, Hennessy remains the most-mentioned spirit brand in music history. Hennessy Cypher 2026 continues the Maison’s longstanding commitment to championing artists shaping contemporary culture, connecting their work with new audiences worldwide.
Experience Hennessy Cypher 2026 below.
