Who is The Viral Battle Rap Influencer Taking African Hip-Hop to the World
An exclusive interview by BigDan (The HipHop Journalist) for BattleRap.Africa
If you’ve ever scrolled through TikTok and stumbled upon a jaw-dropping African battle rap clip with hundreds of thousands of views — chances are, Colson had a hand in it.
From Lagos to Johannesburg, Accra to London — the name Colson has become synonymous with Battle Rap virality. He’s the quiet storm behind the screen, the man whose “just-for-fun” uploads have turned local cyphers into international moments. Love him or hate him, his influence on how African battle rap is seen, shared, and celebrated can’t be denied.
Today, we sit with the man behind the mystery — Colson The Great, Battle Rap influencer, media handler, and self-proclaimed Leader of The Gulag Africa. We talk algorithms, hustle, moments, and everything in between.
So… Who the f*ck is Colson? Let’s find out.
🎤 INTERVIEW
BigDan: Colson, for those who keep asking — “Who the fck is Colson?”* — how do you personally define yourself?
Colson: A reserved person who does battle rap media for the fun of it.
BigDan: You’re based in Nigeria but your influence has gone far beyond. When did you first realize your content was reaching Africa and the world?
Colson: Honestly, understanding the algorithm gave me confidence that I could go beyond borders. I’ve always been a TikTok fanatic, but when I brought that energy into battle rap, I realized how far it could go.
BigDan: Battle rap in Nigeria is still seen as an underground movement. How intentional are you about exporting the culture globally through TikTok?
Colson: (laughs) As I said, I’m only doing this for the fun of it. I could quit anytime 👀
BigDan: Millions of views don’t just “happen.” What’s your secret sauce for creating viral content that resonates beyond the rap community?
Colson: No strategy, honestly. I just go with the wind.
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BigDan: Some rappers swear that getting on your page changes their careers. How do you decide who to promote?
Colson: The secret is being relatable and understanding the algorithm. That’s really it.
BigDan: You’ve worked closely with Battle Rap Africa. What was that relationship like, and how did it shape your journey?
Colson: I was their media handler for a while before aligning with my bro Alpha Hybrid. Now, I’m a freelancer and also a Leader of The Gulag Africa.
BigDan: Speaking of Gulag, you worked on Kaos in Lagos — their debut event. What was that experience like?
Colson: I mostly had fun while Alpha did the stress, lol. Of course, my input was crucial, but I worked more behind the scenes. Watching Alpha lose his mind on and off stage was priceless.
BigDan: What makes African battle rap stand out compared to the U.S. or U.K.?
Colson: I just enjoy battle rap regardless of where it happens. For me, it’s all about the moments.
BigDan: Social media fame can fade quickly. How do you plan to stay relevant?
Colson: (smirks) I guess we’ll never know.
BigDan: Some critics say influencers like you steal the spotlight from rappers. How do you respond to that?
Colson: That’s not a me problem — that’s an artist problem. If they don’t see my work as promotion for their brand, I can’t help that.
BigDan: What’s the wildest or most unexpected reaction you’ve gotten from a post?
Colson: Retweets from Nigerian celebrities and even Yunus, alongside global battle rap influencers. That was surreal.
BigDan: Who are your favorite battle rappers in Nigeria and Africa right now?
Colson: Dabu the Gemini, Slimbuck, Alpha Hybrid, Master P, GodSon, Queen Moda, Joe Vegas. KennyWill. The list goes on…
BigDan: If TikTok disappeared tomorrow, what would Colson do?
Colson: COLSON is more than TikTok. There’s always room to learn and grow on new platforms.
BigDan: Beyond promotion and been a battle rap influencer, do you see yourself organizing live events — moving from influencer to cultural architect?
Colson: I already am. Leader of The Gulag Africa no be beans.
BigDan: Finally, when people scream “Who the f*ck is Colson?” — what’s the one line you want history to answer with?
Colson: Trend Setter.
🧠 Final Words
Colson might call it “fun,” but his work has shifted the African battle rap narrative forever. Whether it’s TikTok clips turning global, underground rappers getting newfound fame, or entire events going viral — his fingerprints are everywhere.
He might not seek the spotlight, but it somehow keeps finding him.
So maybe the better question is… not who the fck is Colson — but what the fck is he about to do next?
💭 Drop your thoughts in the comments:
Is Colson just having fun — or redefining African Hip-Hop as we know it?
