Kikky Badass, a multi-talented and multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, and rapper from Zimbabwe, was born on 15 April 1995. Her rise to fame in the male-dominated hip-hop industry is a testament to her relentless determination and undeniable talent.
By Tanaka Denglish
Early Life and Musical Journey
Raised in a religious household, Kikky’s early years were shaped by her parents, who were church elders. Despite this conservative upbringing, her family’s unwavering support allowed her to pursue her passion for music. Starting as a singer, she eventually transitioned into rapping, quickly becoming a household name in Zimbabwean hip-hop. Inspired by iconic female rappers such as Remy Ma, Lil’ Kim, and most notably, Nicki Minaj, she developed a distinctive style that blends raw talent with bold expression.
Rise to Stardom and Collaborations
Kikky is also half of the Zimbabwean group Fourty Gang, alongside fellow hip-hop star Crooger, best known for his hit song “Ginde.” Their collaborations include tracks like “Simudza Gumbo,” “Muchekadzafa,” and “Tirikutsvaga MaDollar,” featuring Horrid the Messiah. Her versatility is showcased through her collaborations with a range of top producers and artists, such as Off Center Dept (OCD)’s Icey Ekxne and Slyme Foxx, GT Beats, Oskid, Enzo Ishall, as well as South African talents like Gigi Lamayne, Robot Boii, and Roiii, along with Namibia’s Lioness, among many others.
She has also made appearances in popular tracks such as “Hatitambwe Idzodzo” by Team Bhoo featuring Ti Gonzi, Enzo Ishall’s “Magate,” and Quonfuzed’s “Body,” which was filmed in the UK. Remarkably, Kikky managed to shoot three music videos in a single day, including the “Fire Emoji Remix” and her cameo in “Body.” Her expanding discography includes singles like “Body Conversations,” “Gore Remix,” and “Vhaolensi Remix” by African Wine, all of which highlight her ability to master diverse sounds within hip-hop. Leading up to her latest project, Blue Capsule, which also features a documentary available on YouTube, showcases her participation in a music camp during her birthday month in South Africa with Crooger, Harold the Messiah, and GT Beats, among others, further refining her craft.
International Success and Major Performances
Her live performances have captivated audiences in Cyprus, the UK, and beyond. During one of her UK appearances, she even had the opportunity to meet global superstar Sean Paul when they coincidentally ended up at the same club. Kikky has also shared stages with African music giants such as Musa Keys, Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, and the late Costa Tich.
Entrepreneurship and New Ventures
Beyond her music, Kikky is also a budding entrepreneur. She has ventured into farming, a passion she shares with Crooger, whom she refers to as her brother. This initiative adds another layer to her dynamic profile, blending creativity with entrepreneurship. She has also taken a proactive approach to organising shows, emphasising the importance of artists taking charge of their careers by not solely relying on promoters. Through Fourty Gang, Kikky and Crooger have organised concerts in Harare and other cities like Bindura with Off Center Department (OCD). One of their most notable projects is Kulture Kontrol, a show they co-organised with Off Center Department (OCD) alongside several other key players. These events have featured some of Zimbabwe’s top entertainers, including Probeats, Dingo Duke, Dough Major, Denim Woods, Suhn, Kae Chaps, and Nyasha David.
Fourty Gang continues to collaborate with OCD on various events across the country. These initiatives and shows are part of their anti-drug campaigns. One of their other notable shows was “The Big Show” with Holy Ten back in 2022.
Current Projects and Future Goals
Kikky’s career continues to flourish, with successful projects such as the EPs Queen of the South and Mambokadzi, the album Bloodline, and various singles and features. Recently, her video for “Surf” featuring Majorsteez, GT Beats, and Mustbedubz has been playing on Trace Africa, expanding her reach. “Ramba Wakadzvanya,” featuring her, Crooger, Suhn, Denim Woods, Buck Ten, Bagga, and Tatenda LXA, was released on 27 September 2024. Additionally, she shot a music video with South Africa’s Roiii in September, but a release date is yet to be determined. As one of the frontrunners in Zimbabwean hip-hop, Kikky’s goal is to export the country’s music to the wider African hip-hop scene and beyond, while also gaining recognition for accolades such as the BET Awards. Her perseverance in breaking boundaries and redefining what it means to be a female artist in a male-dominated industry has already made a lasting impact. With her relentless drive, talent, and international collaborations, her acclaim continues to grow.
On 12 October 2024, she will be the only Zimbabwean artist representing the country at the prestigious Back to the City Festival in South Africa, the largest hip-hop festival on the continent, sponsored by Hennessy. Other artists set to feature include Blxckie, Okmalumkoolkat, Big Zulu, and Nadia Nakai, as well as Priddy Ugly, Maglera Doe Boy, and Stogie, all of whom she has expressed excitement about meeting and sharing the stage with.
X – @tanakadenglish
IG – @kingdenglish
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