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Backxwash

Backxwash is the stage name of Ashanti Mutinta, a Zambian-Canadian rapper and record producer based in Montreal, Quebec.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Backxwash is the stage name of Ashanti Mutinta, a Zambian-Canadian rapper and record producer based in Montreal, Quebec. She is best known for her 2020 album *God Has Nothing to Do with This Leave Him Out of It*, which won the Polaris Music Prize. Her music blends hip hop with metal, industrial, and horrorcore influences, and often addresses identity, trauma, spirituality, and race.

Early life and background

Backxwash was born Ashanti Mutinta in Lusaka, Zambia, on October 4, 1991. She later moved to Canada and became based in Montreal, Quebec.

Music career

Backxwash began releasing music in the late 2010s and developed a reputation for heavy, experimental hip hop. Her work is noted for intense production and sharply personal lyrics.

Breakthrough and awards

Her 2020 album *God Has Nothing to Do with This Leave Him Out of It* brought major recognition and won the Polaris Music Prize. The award significantly raised her profile in Canada.

Style and themes

Backxwash's sound is often described as a fusion of hip hop, metal, industrial, and horrorcore. Her songs often focus on identity, faith, race, gender, and emotional recovery.

Key facts

  • Backxwash is the professional name of Ashanti Mutinta, a rapper and producer from Zambia who is based in Montreal.
  • She won the 2020 Polaris Music Prize for *God Has Nothing to Do with This Leave Him Out of It*.
  • Her music combines rap with metal, industrial, and horrorcore elements.
  • Her lyrics frequently explore gender identity, trauma, spirituality, race, and personal struggle.
  • She has released a trilogy of albums spanning 2020 to 2022, followed by *Only Dust Remains* in 2025.
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Canadian context

Backxwash is based in Montreal and is a notable figure in Canadian independent music. Her Polaris Music Prize win made her a prominent Canadian award winner, and her work has been covered by Canadian media.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Backxwash?
Backxwash is the stage name of Ashanti Mutinta, a Zambian-Canadian rapper and producer based in Montreal.
What is Backxwash best known for?
She is best known for her 2020 album *God Has Nothing to Do with This Leave Him Out of It*.
What award has Backxwash won?
She won the 2020 Polaris Music Prize for *God Has Nothing to Do with This Leave Him Out of It*.
What kind of music does Backxwash make?
Her music blends hip hop with metal, industrial, and horrorcore influences.
Where is Backxwash based?
She is based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
When was Backxwash born?
She was born on October 4, 1991.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Backxwash
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, birthplace, occupation, nationality, residence, and Polaris Music Prize win
  2. Backxwash — https://www.backxwash.com/
    Supports: Artist biography, Montreal base, Zambian-Canadian identity, and album chronology
  3. CBC Arts — https://www.cbc.ca/arts/just-make-the-music-that-you-want-the-meteoric-rise-of-polaris-prize-winning-rapper-backxwash-1.5796064
    Supports: Polaris Music Prize win, Montreal base, and Canadian music context
  4. NPR — https://www.npr.org/2020/10/15/923899582/backxwash-metal-sampling-rapper-turns-fury-into-forgiveness
    Supports: Zambian-born Canadian identity and metal-sampling rap style
  5. Apple Music — https://www.music.apple.com/ph/artist/backxwash/1360719873
    Supports: Genres, themes, and award recognition