Meet the breakthrough Ivorian rapper who is hitting the fast lane
Andy S leaves the boys in the dust with her recently released debut EP, Le Rap N'a Pas De Sex. As the title suggests, the 22-year-old may be a rare commodity as a female rapper in Côte d'Ivoire but she needs no hand up thanks to her uncompromising flow and experimental mix of afro trap and hip hop.
She made her first move in 2017 with the mixtape Petiptrap Vol 1, which saw her selected for Apple Music Artist of the Month, win local awards and garner international press. After her initial success, she took a year out, returning last autumn with the freestyle track ‘Mi-Temps’ and has performed at Abidjan’s famed La Sunday party.
This latest release exudes an addictive sonic confidence and with the new video for the song ‘Gbakatti’ featuring WELL$, Andy S is firmly in the driving seat. Nataal buckles up for the ride.
Tell us about your upbringing in Abidjan.
I grew up around boys so I was always playing sports with them. Basketball was my first passion. I was even selected to play in the national team but my mum wouldn't have it and was forced to stop. I became reclusive and started listening to a lot of rap music. It was somewhat soothing and eventually I gave it a try. Funny enough I didn’t realise how good I was until artists I loved started to tell me I was good.
How would you describe your sound?
My music is very personal and is a reflection of my real life. So one day you will hear a song about my dreams, my vision, my thoughts, and the next day I might make a song about social injustices or love. Catch me on a different day and you will hear me rap about how dope I am! I believe that my versatility helps me stand out in the Ivorian music scene where most artists just copy what they think people want to hear. I’m willing to take risks.
What was your vision for Le Rap N'a Pas De Sex?
This release has been a milestone for me. It took me to Accra to shoot some videos, got me playlisted on Apple Music and a premiere on The Fader, which no rapper from Côte d'Ivoire has done. It’s very humbling and is a proof that hard works pays off.
The title track is also my life’s story. It is about giving due respect to women in the rap industry, who at times deserve it more than men. Music to me has no gender. I don’t want to be judged as the best female rapper - I want to be the best rapper period.
What is the concept behind your latest track and video, Gbakatti?
I used to listen to ‘Moto Moto’ by DJ Arafat a lot so I wanted to channel my inner Arafat on this video! The title is just a nod to the most popular car in my hometown, the Gbaka (local mini bus taxi) and mixing it up with the Bugatti. It’s my way of saying that even when I’m in a Gbaka, I feel like I’m riding in a Bugatti because my value isn’t in cars and money.
Who are your fans?
I call my fans “The Elite” because knowing that I am not in the commercial trend back home, those who listen to me really like rap music and my personality. My fans aren’t afraid to like what they like even if it’s not the trendiest thing out.
What are the challenges of being a female rapper in a male dominated scene?
It’s hard to be respected and I face sexist and misogynistic comments on a daily basis, which means I have to be three times better than my male counterparts. But the reward for me is when I’m competing with the boys and I’m able to wash them all!
Read our feature on Abidjan’s La Sunday here.