Tanzanian singer Kusah crowns Khaligraph Jones East Africa’s best rapper

Tanzanian singer and songwriter Salmin Ismail Hoza, popularly known as Kusah, has named Kenyan rapper Khaligraph Jones as the number one rapper in East Africa, citing his artistry, consistency, and international appeal as key factors.

Speaking to local Tanzanian YouTubers on Friday, September 26, 2025, Kusah emphasised that this recognition does not diminish the talent of other rappers in the region but reflects Khaligraph’s longevity and the level he has reached compared to his contemporaries.

He highlighted that he has followed Khaligraph’s career for a long time, noting that many of today’s audiences may not have witnessed the rapper’s rise.

“I have said that Khaligraph Jones is number one in East Africa. But by saying this, it does not mean that others are bad. If you compare him to the current rappers, Khaligraph surpasses them by far. He is a veteran, and I started following him a long time ago, which others may not have seen,” he shared.

Tanzania hip-hop scene

He acknowledged the thriving hip-hop scene in Tanzania, where several rappers have made significant contributions within their sector.

Despite this, he explained that Khaligraph stood out based on specific criteria, including his lyrical flows, songwriting ability, and capacity to reach audiences beyond East Africa.

“In Bongo, there are many rappers who are also big in their own sectors. The criteria I used to give Khaligraph this title include his flows, his songwriting, and also the fact that you can see he has the potential to go viral internationally,” Kusah said.

The singer also pointed to Khaligraph Jones’ work ethic and determination, describing him as an artiste who consistently strives to achieve greater visibility internationally.

He contrasted this with what he observed among some Tanzanian rappers, noting that he hopes local artistes can aspire to similar levels of effort and achievement.

“He works very hard, something we wish to see from our rappers here in Bongo.”

Kusah further referenced Khaligraph’s lifestyle and success as a reflection of his hard work, mentioning his luxury mansion, collection of high-end vehicles, and his professional approach to engaging with fans. He remarked on the rapper’s ability to maintain both personal success and a positive reputation within the industry.

“But music is music, and achievements speak for themselves. You can see Khaligraph’s mansion and his luxury cars. I travel to Kenya often, and I see his affluent lifestyle. He is an artiste who treats people well and has built his career with dedication,” he added.

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