If You Like Cassper Nyovest, You’ll Want To Hear These Artists

From his early days in the South African hip-hop scene to becoming one of the country’s most recognisable music artists, Cassper Nyovest has built a career around ambitious records, memorable hooks and a sound that continues to evolve. Born Refiloe Maele Phoolo in Mahikeng, North West, in 1990, he developed an interest in rap at a young age before pursuing music professionally. His breakthrough came with tracks such as ‘Gusheshe’ and ‘Doc Shebeleza’, which helped establish his name and introduced audiences to his energetic approach to South African hip-hop.

His debut album, Tsholofelo, arrived in 2014, followed by projects including Refiloe, Thuto and Sweet and Short. Across his catalogue, Cassper has moved between hip-hop, Motswako influences, kwaito-inspired sounds and amapiano, collaborating with artists from different corners of the South African music scene. Songs such as ‘Ngud’’ with Kwesta, ‘Tito Mboweni’ and ‘Siyathandana’ showcase different sides of his catalogue, from rap anthems to dance-oriented releases.

Whether you’re drawn to his energetic delivery, big collaborations or ability to move between different sounds, there is plenty to explore beyond his own discography. We’ve picked nine artists worth adding to your listening list, followed by Jairic, an independent artist bringing his own genre-blending approach to hip-hop.

K.O
K.O is a natural starting point for fans of Cassper Nyovest who enjoy South African hip-hop built around memorable hooks, confident delivery and locally rooted production. As a former member of Teargas, K.O helped shape the sound associated with skhanda rap, combining contemporary hip-hop with elements of kwaito and township culture. His solo catalogue includes records that have connected with audiences across different generations of South African rap fans.
Listen to: ‘Caracara’ featuring Kid X.

AKA
AKA brought a polished, ambitious approach to South African hip-hop, combining sharp verses with melodic production and arena-ready hooks. His catalogue moves between personal storytelling, celebratory anthems and collaborations that helped expand the reach of local rap. For listeners who enjoy Cassper’s larger-than-life records and confident delivery, AKA offers another perspective on the evolution of mainstream South African hip-hop.
Listen to: ‘The World Is Yours’

Kwesta
Kwesta is a strong recommendation for listeners who appreciate distinctive delivery, wordplay and a sound rooted in South African culture. His music combines hip-hop foundations with local language and influences, creating records that feel both personal and made for a crowd. His collaboration with Cassper on ‘Ngud’’ also makes him one of the most direct connections on this list, bringing together two established voices on a track built around an infectious, celebratory energy.
Listen to: ‘Ngud’ featuring Cassper Nyovest.

ANATII
ANATII brings a more production-driven and experimental approach to the mix. As a rapper, singer, songwriter and producer, he has explored sounds that move between hip-hop, R&B and contemporary African music. His work with Cassper Nyovest includes ‘Jump,’ which also features Nasty C, while his production on Cassper’s ‘Ghetto’ helped shape the track’s atmospheric, radio-friendly sound. If you enjoy Cassper’s willingness to experiment with different textures, ANATII is worth exploring.
Listen to: ‘Jump’ featuring Cassper Nyovest and Nasty C.

Riky Rick
Riky Rick helped bring a distinctive style and visual identity to South African hip-hop, moving between rap, melodic vocals and sounds influenced by the wider local music scene. His catalogue includes energetic records, fashion-conscious storytelling and collaborations that brought different artists together. His work with Cassper Nyovest, including ‘Fuseg’ and other collaborative releases, makes him a relevant choice for listeners interested in the creative relationships that shaped this era of South African music.
Listen to: ‘Fuseg’ featuring Cassper Nyovest and ANATII.

Emtee
Emtee is worth exploring if you enjoy melodic rap, heavy bass and production that balances hard-hitting beats with more reflective moments. Associated with the African Trap Movement, he developed a recognisable style through Auto-Tuned melodies, trap-influenced percussion and personal storytelling. His approach differs from Cassper’s more varied catalogue, but both artists have demonstrated how South African hip-hop can reach broad audiences without losing its local identity.
Listen to: ‘Roll Up’

Yanga Chief
Yanga Chief combines hip-hop with a strong sense of identity, drawing on South African languages, cultural references and contemporary production. His writing and delivery give his music a distinctive character, while tracks such as ‘uTatakho’ demonstrate his ability to build a memorable record around a clear concept. For listeners who appreciate Cassper’s connection to local culture and his ability to balance rap with accessible hooks, Yanga Chief is a worthwhile addition.

Listen to: ‘uTatakho’

Kid X
Kid X is another artist connected to the foundations of modern South African hip-hop. Known for his work with Teargas and his later solo releases, he combines an easygoing delivery with hooks and rhythms influenced by local musical traditions. His collaboration with K.O on ‘Caracara’ remains a notable entry point into his catalogue, while his wider work offers another perspective on the sound and collaborations that helped shape the local rap scene.
Listen to: ‘Mfazi Wephepha’ featuring Yanga, NOTA and Mashayabhuqe KaMamba.

Toss
Toss brings a dance-focused energy to the list, connecting South African hip-hop audiences with the infectious rhythms of amapiano. He became widely recognised through ‘uMlando,’ a collaborative release that grew into a major dance record, driven by its memorable vocal refrain and choreography. For listeners who enjoy the more rhythmic, party-ready side of Cassper Nyovest’s catalogue, Toss offers a route into a different part of the contemporary South African music landscape.
Listen to: ‘uMlando’

Jairic
For our final recommendation, we’re looking beyond a direct sound-alike to highlight an independent artist bringing his own perspective to hip-hop. Detroit-born and Cannes-based, Jairic is a rapper, producer and songwriter who writes, produces and performs his music himself. His sound combines trap percussion with cinematic film-score influences, classic funk, and rock elements, creating a style that moves beyond conventional hip-hop boundaries. His 2025 EP, n=40, offers a look into this approach, with tracks including “Young, Old, Short & Tall” and “Don’t Let Me Put A Track On You.” Jairic’s music has a different identity from French Montana’s, but his hip-hop foundation and willingness to experiment make him an interesting artist for listeners who want to discover something outside the usual mainstream recommendations.
Listen to: “Young, Old, Short & Tall.” on PLAYY. Music.

Cassper Nyovest has built a catalogue that spans South African hip-hop, Motswako influences, kwaito and amapiano, making his music a starting point for discovering artists with different styles and perspectives. Whether you’re looking for sharp lyricism, melodic rap, memorable hooks or dance-floor energy, each artist on this list offers a different reason to keep exploring. If you’re an independent artist looking to connect with new listeners, explore the artists and music available through PLAYY. Music. Your next favourite discovery might be closer than you think.

AFROTRAX brings international hip-hop star French Montana to South Africa for two headline shows, taking over The Ostrich Farm in Cape Town on 4 December before heading to The Canvas in Johannesburg on 5 December. Joining him in Cape Town are B.o.B, Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, YoungstaCPT, 25K, Jairic, Rarri, Kane (DJ) and Bassik, bringing together international recognition and leading South African talent for a summer celebration of hip-hop. With a catalogue spanning more than two decades, French Montana headlines AFROTRAX as it connects global sound with South Africa’s vibrant music scene. Catch him live this December and secure your tickets through PLAYY. Music.

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AFROTRAX CAPE TOWN

Date: Friday, 4th December 2026
Venue: The Ostrich, Cape Town
Time: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Headliner: French Montana

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Date: Saturday, 5th December 2026
Venue: The Canvas, Johannesburg
Time: 2:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Headliner: French Montana

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