Greek rapper Negros Tou Moria’s album ‘Mavri Ellada’ ranked No. 2 on The Guardian’s list of the Best Global Albums of 2025.
The Athenian artist, whose real name is Kevin Zans Ansong, has spent the past decade building a reputation for blending modern trap with elements of traditional Greek music, a sound he coined “trabetiko”. While earlier work drew heavily on rebetiko influences, Mavri Ellada marks a shift towards a darker, more hard-hitting style.
Tracks across the album move between heavy sub-bass, Afrobeats rhythms and electronic dance textures, with only subtle nods to Greek folk instrumentation such as the bouzouki. Lyrically, Negros Tou Moria tackles themes of identity, belonging and Greece’s response to immigration.
Of Ghanaian descent, the rapper has become one of the most influential voices in contemporary Greek hip-hop. His stage name is a play on “Geros tou Moria”, a heroic figure from Greece’s War of Independence, reflecting his connection to Greek history and culture.
The Guardian recognition places Negros Tou Moria among the world’s most acclaimed artists of 2025 and highlights the growing global reach of Greek hip-hop.
