The 2025 Hennessy Cypher delivered an electrifying showcase of lyrical mastery and genre fusion, spotlighting a new era of global hip-hop. This year’s edition brought together influential voices from Africa and the UK, blending the hard-hitting essence of rap with the rhythmic pulse of Amapiano and the infectious sway of Afrobeats.
Among the standout performers were Ms Banks, the South London rapper known for her commanding flow and unapologetic presence, and Blaqbonez, Nigeria’s genre-bending provocateur who continues to defy the boundaries of rap and Afrobeats. Their verses didn’t just complement each other — they created a vibrant conversation across borders, echoing themes of identity, resilience, and celebration.
The Cypher, more than a lyrical battleground, felt like a cultural summit. The seamless integration of African sonic textures — percussive Amapiano log drums, Afrobeat grooves, and UK drill-style cadences — marked a powerful moment of cross-continental synergy. It wasn’t just about bars and beats; it was about storytelling, heritage, and the evolving soundscape of global Black music.
By uniting artists from different diasporas, Hennessy reaffirmed its place at the heart of hip-hop culture — not just as a sponsor, but as a tastemaker pushing the boundaries of what a cypher can represent in 2025.
