Francis Kaphuka known professionally as Hyphen formerly known as Young Kay (born June 11, 1986) is a popular Malawian hip-hop artist that is known for fusing local Malawian folk songs with international genres.[1][2][3] He is known for his vibrant sound and ability to mix Chichewa and English lyrics eloquently in his rhymes.[4] This has earned him recognition as one of Malawi's best lyricists. He has been voted as Malawi’s best rapper twice Joy FM fans and in 2021 was crowned King of Malawian Hiphop by the audience of one of Malawi's biggest online platforms, Mikozi Networks.[3][5] He was introduced to Malawian audiences under Rush records with the single “I’m Home” and his popularity grew to solidify his place as one of Malawi's greatest hip-hop artists. He has had subsequent hits since then. His song “zipepese” number 2 on FM 101 Power’s urban music chart.[6] In 2010 he collaborated with Malawian born rising act Onesimus Muzik on a track titled "Beautiful"[7] He also collaborated with Lucius Banda, Tigris, and Maskal on track "Malawi Goodlife" in 2011.[8]

Hyphen (Young Kay)
BornJune 11, 1986
Blantyre
Occupation(s)Rapper, songwriter
Years active2007–present

Discography edit

  • Exhale (album) - 2007
  • First Impression (album) - 2009
  • Pauchidolo (mixtape) - 2012

Television appearances edit

  • Big Brother Africa, 2010

Accolades edit

  • Hip Hop Honors, 2011[9]

References edit

  1. ^ "Malawian Music has no identity". Africahit.com. Retrieved 2012-12-12.
  2. ^ "Young Kay, Cyclone rhymes in Pauchidolo mix-tape | Malawi news, Malawi - NyasaTimes breaking online news source from Malawi". Nyasatimes.com. Retrieved 2012-12-12.
  3. ^ a b "Young Kay Kicks At Sunday's Eviction". Bigbrotherafrica.com. 1986-06-11. Retrieved 2012-12-12.
  4. ^ "SoundClick artist: Young Kay malawi - rush records malawi". Soundclick.com. 2007-08-03. Retrieved 2012-12-12.
  5. ^ [1] [dead link]
  6. ^ "Dope Vs Trash…Young Kay's Zipepese". Jukebox Malawi. Retrieved 2012-12-12.
  7. ^ "Onesimus Muzik Albums :: NoiseTrade :: Paste Magazine". Pastemagazine.com.
  8. ^ "Maskal « Ndefeyo Entertainment". Ndefeyo.com. 1985-11-20. Retrieved 2012-12-12.
  9. ^ "Local hip-hop artists to be honoured, Tay Grin misses out | Malawi news, Malawi - NyasaTimes breaking online news source from Malawi". Nyasatimes.com. Retrieved 2012-12-12.