UnKut Africa Announces 2025 Theme: Africa’s Hip Hop Lives Here
The UnKut Hip-Hop Awards organizing committee has announced the 2025 theme. This year’s gala, scheduled for December 4, will run under the banner “Africa’s Hip Hop Lives Here”.
If you’re not familiar with UnKut Africa, it is a premier cultural outfit founded in 2018 by Miss Ruby V, formerly of Homeboyz Radio. At its core is the UnKut Hip-Hop Awards, an event that has grown into a key platform for Kenyan hip hop.
The awards did not take place in 2024, with Ruby citing the 2023 edition as the fourth and final one. However, while passion fuels the movement, funds and sponsorship remain the real drivers—and their shortage has often made hosting a challenge.
This year tells a different story, and the 2025 UnKut Hip-Hop Awards is back with a bang. The theme marks a return to the Kenyan hip hop roots. It celebrates a golden era when pioneers like Kalamashaka gained continental recognition.
According to UnKut Africa CEO, Ruby V, the theme is a statement of ownership and pride
Forget Nigeria, forget South Africa, forget Tanzania or wherever—Kenya is where it is at
Miss RUBY v
She emphasized the awards’ commitment to showcasing Kenya’s enduring legacy as a hip-hop powerhouse.
Introducing the 2024 UnKut Awards Judging Panel
The UnKut Hip Hop Awards is pleased to unveil its four-member judging panel, which includes new additions Otieno Arudo (aka Mesh Mwandishi) and Ado Veli, who join returning jurists Ashley Mwari and Wycliffe Lagat. Each brings a unique perspective and deep understanding of the culture to the awards.
Ado Veli, founder of the Ado Veli Podcast, has spent seven years championing Kenyan music and emerging artists. He believes the theme is about consistency. “No matter the trends or genres that come and go, we always hold it down for Hip Hop,” he said. “We don’t chase waves, we create culture.”
Ashley Mwari, a cultural tastemaker and A&R at Budhouse Music, sees Kenya at the heart of the continent’s hip hop story. “Kenya is not just part of the African hip hop story—it’s right at the center of it,” she said. “Our culture, our voices, and our creativity continue to shape and inspire the continent.”
Otieno Arudo (aka Mesh Mwandishi), a culture writer, views the theme as a reflection of the culture’s dynamic nature. “Hip hop in Kenya is just so undeniably alive,” he stated, highlighting its evolution across various art forms, from fashion and graffiti to the music itself.
Wycliffe Lagat, an Economist and Operations Specialist at ONErpm Kenya and founder of Ngoma Charts, looks forward to celebrating diversity. He notes that “every beat, language, and rhythm tells a story that shapes unique cultures,” and he is eager to see that richness on display.
The UnKut Draft Picks: A New Class of Talent
The panel’s first official task will be selecting ten of the most promising emerging rappers for the inaugural UnKut Draft Picks.
Inspired by the renowned XXL Freshman Class, this segment will spotlight rising talent through two cyphers. Each will feature five performers.
This initiative is designed to identify and elevate the next generation of hip hop stars. It follows in the footsteps of the inaugural UnKut Awards, which spotlighted artists like Jakk Quill who has since gained recognition.
Editor’s Notes:
- 2025 Theme unveiled. It is “Africa’s Hip-hop Lives Here,” showing a deliberate decision of the awards to return to its basics.
- Four Panelists have been named to steer the nomination process and Draft Picks for the two cyphers.
- They are newcomers Ado Veli and Otieno Arudo alongside sophomore jurists Ashley Mwari and Wycliffe Lagat.
- The first order of business for the panel is to select a team of ten promising new rappers who will perform in two cyphers in groups of five.
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