Ghanaian rapper M.anifest visited South Africa about four days ago as part of his role as Cultural Ambassador for the Ghana–South Africa Business Chamber.
Cape Times writer Shingai Darangwa highlighted his influence, noting that Ghana’s hip-hop scene has experienced a surge of young talent in recent years, making it one of the most vibrant on the continent. Leading the movement is M.anifest – described by the UK’s Guardian as “the foremost rapper on the continent” – alongside his longtime counterpart, Sarkodie.
During his trade mission duties, M.anifest has also been using the trip to create new music and reconnect with industry friends. Just last week, he filmed a music video for an upcoming collaboration with South African group Mi Casa. The collaboration came naturally after Mi Casa’s management reached out; the artists had first crossed paths years earlier at the Channel O Music Awards. According to M.anifest, the feature came together seamlessly through conversations with J’Something: “Shout out to technology… it was quite organic.”
Although he travels to South Africa often, most visits are for work. He joked that he hasn’t reached the point where he can come simply to relax. He plans to return in June and July for several shows that are still being finalized. His work with Mi Casa adds to a list of collaborations with South African heavyweights, including HHP, Stogie T, Kwesta, and Nomisupasta. M.anifest believes collaborations help broaden audiences and produce fresh, unique sounds.
He explained how he first connected with Nomisupasta: during one of his trips, he heard her music while being driven to the airport and was instantly impressed. A year later, while in London for the Africa Express tour, he met her sister, Thandiswa, and realized the connection. That encounter eventually led to their collaboration on Cupid’s Crooked Bow, featured on his 2016 album Nowhere Cool.
When asked if fans can expect new music this year, he responded playfully: “Who knows? Maybe.” Celebrating the tenth anniversary of his debut album, Manifestations, he said the milestone has encouraged him to push harder in 2027. He revealed that he has been recording consistently, despite having just released an album.
Recently, he has been experimenting creatively, exploring new sound directions to craft projects with longer-lasting impact. Determined to avoid trends, he has committed to challenging himself and innovating.
Reflecting on his decade-long journey, M.anifest recalled how he once promised himself he would quit music if his first album didn’t make a meaningful impact—not because he lacked passion, but because he questioned whether music was truly his calling.
