Hennessy Unveils 2026 Cypher Featuring Kenya’s Fena Gitu

By Maurice Momanyi

Hennessy has unveiled the 2026 edition of its acclaimed Cypher, bringing together six hip-hop artists from Africa and the United Kingdom in a collaboration celebrating the diversity and evolution of the genre.

Kenya is represented by singer and songwriter Fena Gitu, who joins Cameroon’s Tenor, Côte d’Ivoire’s Suspect 95, South Africa’s Yanga Chief, Ghana’s Kwesi Arthur and British-Nigerian rapper Enny.

The project is produced under the creative direction of Nigerian music producer Sarz, who brings together the artists’ different styles, flows and lyrical traditions on a production rooted in hip-hop.

This year’s Cypher marks a milestone for Cameroon, with Tenor becoming the first artist from the country to feature in the annual project.

For Gitu, the collaboration provides an opportunity to showcase Kenya’s musical identity on an international platform while working with artists from different parts of Africa and the UK.

She said being part of the 2026 Cypher and representing Kenya was an honour, particularly because of the opportunity to collaborate with artists who bring different sounds, identities and perspectives to the project.

The Kenyan artist said the collaboration demonstrates the ability of music to cross borders and bring different cultures together, while also celebrating African creativity and the continued evolution of hip-hop.

The six artists bring diverse musical backgrounds to the project. Tenor is recognised for blending rap, Afrobeats and storytelling, while Suspect 95 is known for lyricism, humour and social commentary.

South Africa’s Yanga Chief has built his reputation around cultural storytelling and local identity, while Ghanaian artist Kwesi Arthur is known for combining hip-hop, Afrobeats and personal storytelling.

Enny, the British-Nigerian rapper from South London, brings a UK perspective to the collaboration, while Gitu represents Kenya and East Africa’s evolving music scene.

The Hennessy Cypher was first launched in Nigeria in 2011 and has since grown into a platform for musical innovation and cultural storytelling, bringing together artists regarded as influential voices in contemporary hip-hop.

Hennessy says the Cypher forms part of its longstanding relationship with hip-hop and its wider commitment to supporting artists and creative movements shaping contemporary culture.

The brand says it has been referenced in more than 58,000 songs, describing itself as the most-mentioned spirit brand in music history.

The 2026 Cypher continues that association by creating a platform where artists from different countries can collaborate while retaining their individual identities and musical traditions.

The Cypher’s music video was directed and produced by Juan Visser and Human Studio in Johannesburg, with styling by Bee Diamondhead.

The project further places Kenyan talent within a wider continental and international creative network, with Gitu’s participation giving East African hip-hop a prominent presence in this year’s edition.

The Hennessy Cypher 2026 is available for audiences to experience, continuing the annual project’s focus on lyrical expression, collaboration and the global reach of African creativity.