Born in Queenstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa, Yugen Blakrok has become one of the most distinctive voices in alternative hip-hop. Her work blends science fiction, mysticism, and social awareness, carving out a world where sharp lyricism meets spiritual depth and sonic experimentation.

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Emerging in the mid-2000s through the Hiphocalypse collective, she moved to Johannesburg in 2007 to further hone her craft. There, she joined the independent label Iapetus Records and began collaborating with producer Kanif the Jhatmaster. Together, they created her debut album Return of the Astro-Goth (2013) — a critically acclaimed project that earned several nominations at the South African Hip Hop Awards and positioned Yugen as a powerful new force in the scene.

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On stage, Yugen and Kanif form a magnetic duo, blending raw energy with an almost ritualistic presence. Their performances have taken them across South Africa and Europe, sharing stages with icons like MC Lyte, GZA, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth, and Black Milk.

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In 2018, Yugen gained international recognition with her appearance alongside Kendrick Lamar and Vince Staples on Opps, featured on Marvel’s Black Panther soundtrack. Her sophomore album Anima Mysterium (IOT Records, 2019) pushed her sound even further — a dark, cosmic fusion of hip-hop, trip-hop, and blues that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The project led to an extensive 52-date European tour and a standout COLORS performance.

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Her recent works include Metamorphosis for the Cyberpunk 2077 soundtrack and Pedestal, featured in a global Volkswagen campaign. After years on the road, Yugen has retreated to the mountains to craft her third album, "The Illusion of Being" — a new exploration of sound, mythology, and the outer edges of hip-hop’s universe, released on I.O.T records in 2025.

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BOOKINGS :

France : axel@faceb-booking.com 

Germany, Switzerland, Austria : karin@subotage.com 

Spain, Italia, Africa : ignacio.priego@gmail.com 

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