26 iconic South Africans immortalised in SA’s first hip hop museum
Rappers Slikour and Kwesta made the coveted list of 26 names, along with DJ Ready D, graffiti artist Falko, and producer BattleKat.
The 26 inductees of Hennessy Wall of Fame | Image: Supplied
On December 5, Hennessy – the world’s most loved cognac – unveiled the first 26 inductees on the Hennessy Wall of Fame at the first-ever South African Hip Hop Museum, in partnership with SA hip hop legend Osmic Menoe.
Rappers Slikour and Kwesta made the coveted list of 26 names, along with DJ Ready D, graffiti artist Falko and producer BattleKat. Located in the soon-to-launch South African Hip Hop Museum (opening in 2020), the Hennessy Wall of Fame honours local hip hop royalty.
The Hennessy Wall of Fame names those who have laid the foundations for the SA hip hop industry. It pays tribute to the pioneers and change-makers who have left a lasting impression on the genre. Those who make their passion their business, boldly pushing the limits and breaking boundaries. The first 26 game-changers to feature were rigorously selected by a strict panel of expert judges.
Khomotso Ledwaba, brand manager of Hennessy SA, said: “Our brand has become synonymous with hip hop culture around the world. Ever since first being uttered on a verse, Hennessy has featured in some 2,500 songs and has made an indelible mark on the genre. To date, it’s the most mentioned spirit not just in hip hop but in the broader music industry. From collaborations with Rakim, Nas, KAWs, Vhils and Shepard Fairey, to campaigns like the ever-popular Hennessy Artistry, we’re deeply committed to hip hop culture. Our Wall of Fame is another way to champion the creatives making waves in the industry.”
Musician, Thasman | Image: Supplied
The full list of inductees in year one are:
- HHP (Rapper)
- Pro Kid (Rapper)
- P.O.C (Hip hop group)
- Amu (Rapper + producer)
- Ready D (DJ)
- Skwatta Kamp (Rap group)
- Gogga (Graffiti)
- Falco (Graffiti)
- Bionic (DJ & promoter)
- Battlekat (Producer)
- Cassper Nyovest (Rapper & promoter)
- Goddessa (Rappers)
- Tumi (Rapper & record label owner)
- Watkin Jones (Rapper)
- Lee Kasumba (Radio hot)
- Hymphatic Thabz (Rapper)
- Osmic Menoe (Promoter)
- Kenzhero (Promoter & DJ)
- Lance Stir (Record label owner)
- AKA (Rapper)
- Slikour (Rapper)
- Da Les (Rapper)
- Proverb (Rapper)
- Thasso (Producer)
- Emile XY (Pioneer)
- Kwesta (Rapper)
Back to the City festival and South African Hip Hop awards founder Osmic Menoe said: “This list of names represents the best of the best. It’s humbling to be among such company, and I’d like to thank Hennessy for the honour. Founding the South African Hip Hop Museum has been an exciting venture and it’s been a pleasure partnering with Hennessy on the journey.”
The 26 inductees were judged according to how long the creative has been active, their cultural impact, their consistency in affecting change to culture, and their accolades. The wall of fame will be a longstanding homage and will continue to grow as new names are added every three years, following panel approval.
Guest interacting with the Hennessy Wall of Fame | Image: Supplied
“For the last 250 years, we have celebrated those who embrace the genesis of ‘Never Stop. Never Settle.’ The Wall of Fame embodies this ethos. Congratulations to our pioneering 26 inductees. You have helped make South African hip hop the global force it is today, and we honour you for your contribution,” added Ledwaba.
The South African Hip Hop Museum will open in 2020 within the Museum Africa in Newtown, Johannesburg.
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