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Laylizzy: Mozambique's Hip-Hop Visionary Redefining the Game

In the pulsating heart of African hip-hop, Laylizzy stands as a trailblazer, transforming Mozambique's music scene with his razor-sharp lyrics, bilingual flow, and unapologetic ambition. Born Edson Abel Jeremias Tchamo on July 18, 1988, in Maputo, Mozambique, Laylizzy—sometimes stylized as Lay Low in his early days—has evolved from a teenage freestyler to a global influencer, blending Portuguese and English rhymes with a swagger that defies stereotypes. With a Master's degree in business law from London and a discography that spans raw mixtapes to chart-topping hits, Laylizzy represents the hustle and heart of Mozambican rap. As of 2025, his boundary-pushing collaborations and infectious tracks continue to elevate hip-hop's presence in Africa and beyond, cementing his legacy as a cultural game-changer.

From Voicemail Cyphers to the Big Stage

Laylizzy's love for hip-hop sparked at 14 in a Maputo where the genre was often dismissed as "music for bandits." Undeterred, he began crafting rhymes on a voicemail system, trading bars with friends like producer Ellputo (El Puto) and rapper Hernâni da Silva. Together, they formed Young Sixties, a subgroup of the influential 360 Graus collective, which helped shift Mozambican rap from the margins to mainstream radio and packed venues. Between 2009 and 2011, Laylizzy became one of the most featured rappers in the country, his bold delivery and clever cross-rhymes turning heads.

His early career wasn't without drama. Laylizzy reportedly contributed to a diss track against ex-rapper Raio-X, a move that stirred controversy but showcased his fearless edge. In 2012, he dropped his debut EP, Artistic, followed by the mixtape Intelligent Ignorance, which captured his raw talent and laid the foundation for his distinctive sound: gritty street narratives infused with international flair. These projects marked him as a rising star, unafraid to challenge norms and carve his own path.

Breaking Borders with "Hello" and Beyond

Laylizzy's trajectory soared in 2014 when he signed with Geobek Records, becoming the first hip-hop artist on the Pan-African label. His 2015 single "Tha Crew" (a remix of Sameblood's Djimetta Hendrixxx track) exploded, followed by "Chapa" (featuring Hernâni da Silva), which won Best Hip Hop Song at the Mozambique Music Awards. That same year, he clinched the Newcomers Delight Section in Hip Hop Magazine HYPE, solidifying his status as Mozambique's rap prodigy.

The defining moment came in April 2016 with "Hello," a collaboration with South African superstar AKA. The track rocketed to #1 on iTunes Mozambique's All Genres chart and #2 on South Africa's Hip-Hop chart, with its self-directed music video dominating MTV Base, TV Miramar, and e.tv. Airplay spread across Kenya, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria, and within a week, Laylizzy became the first Mozambican artist verified on Instagram and Facebook—a milestone that amplified his global reach. CNN's African Voices profiled him that October, hailing him as a boundary-pushing optimist for Mozambique's future.

His collaborative spirit shone in projects like the 2016 Vodacom Mozambique "Vive Agora" campaign song, alongside icons like Lizha James, Ziqo, and Zena Bacar. In 2019, he secured Verse of the Year for 2018, a nod to his lyrical prowess. Tracks like "Slay" (2017), "Pull Up" with Emtee, and "Party Favors" with KLY further showcased his ability to blend trap beats with Mozambican storytelling, appealing to fans across borders.

A Discography of Defiance and Versatility

Laylizzy's catalog is a masterclass in versatility, from the raw energy of Intelligent Ignorance to polished hits that resonate globally. Recent tracks like "Overdose," "Make It," "MOOD" (featuring Hyuta Cezar), "WHA" (with Paulelson), and "B2B" reflect his evolution, weaving trap influences with personal tales of hustle and cultural pride. Other standouts include "Tio Eddy," "OTR II (On The Road Part 2)," "Velocidade Da Luz" (with Deezy), "Benção" (with Nicko Journey), "BOW" (with Hernani), "A Dica," "Txi," and "Tic Boom." As a video director and producer, Laylizzy ensures his visuals match the intensity of his bars, with his YouTube channel offering freestyles and behind-the-scenes glimpses that connect fans to his creative process.

His music draws from his Maputo roots and global experiences, challenging societal norms while celebrating ambition and resilience. Available on Spotify, Apple Music, and AfroCharts, his discography is a testament to his ability to balance street credibility with commercial appeal.

Global Influence and Cultural Impact

Laylizzy's influence extends beyond music. In 2016, he inked a deal with Nike, symbolizing his crossover into pop culture. Collaborations with artists like South Africa's Emtee and KLY, the UK's Daniel Caplen, and Mozambican stars like Dama do Bling and Duas Caras have broadened his reach. In 2022, he ranked among Mozambique's top-earning artists, with estimated revenues from 14 songs underscoring his commercial success.

Yet, Laylizzy remains deeply tied to Mozambique's hip-hop lineage, alongside pioneers like H2O, G-Pro, Danny OG, and Same Blood. His journey from voicemail cyphers to CNN spotlights mirrors the rise of Mozambican rap itself, a genre he's helped elevate on the global stage. His bilingual flow and cross-cultural collaborations make him a bridge between Africa and the world, inspiring a new generation of rappers to dream big.

Why Laylizzy Matters

Laylizzy is more than a rapper; he's a visionary who's redefined Mozambican hip-hop, proving it can compete with the world's best. His music—equal parts defiance, ambition, and cultural pride—speaks to anyone chasing dreams against the odds. For fans of conscious trap or artists like AKA, Emtee, or J. Cole, Laylizzy's discography is a must-explore, with tracks like "Hello," "Slay," and "Chapa" offering infectious beats and lyrical depth. His Instagram and YouTube channels keep fans plugged into his evolving story, from new drops to raw freestyles.

As Mozambique's hip-hop scene continues to grow, Laylizzy stands as its torchbearer, a rapper whose "intelligent ignorance" has turned stereotypes into stepping stones. In 2025, his voice remains a beacon, guiding the next wave of African artists toward a borderless future.