The Birth of Santi

As coined from Genius, OzzyB/Santi was born June 3rd, 1992. At the time, he was a rapper & songwriter studying in Dubai. He was in a Nokia advert with Muna & Phenom, Wizkid also rated him as one of the best rappers in 2011. The Birth of Santi was a tape to signify the transition from Ozzy B to Santi, It was a rebirth of him as an artist, a style of music he was exploring. He made songs with Tomi Thomas, Bridge and it was produced by fellow Monster Boy, GMK. Ozzy B walked so Santi could run; Santi was born in 2013, Ozzy B as a name died so Santi could be born.

Santi really kickstarted his career with his first album called Suzie’s Funeral. It was a 13-track tape that really allowed Santi express himself as the new school rapper/patois artist. Songs like Gangster Fear become a fan favourite spanning over 400,000 views on YouTube. Steal a Dime is such a beautiful tune about trying to win a girl’s heart. Purple Juice which is highly underrated slaps just as hard as Gangster Fear. The whole album was a testament to who Santi was an artist as he garnered fans from both Lagos, and Dubai.

There was a revolution starting in the Nigerian music industry. As mentioned in my previous write-up, young minds that wanted to express themselves in the art space in a different way began to collaborate together. Because of how close they were, it became like a cult/following of creatives doing things differently. And they prospered. Santi was at the centre of it all. Whether performing at 90s baby with Odunsi, or working together with DemolatheDirector, or producing with GMK, he seemed to personify the word “ALTÉ”. His videos were different from everything you’ll ever see from Nigeria. His music wasn’t in English but whenever it came on your feet moved in rhythm. When he performed at shows, it was like a mosh pit where young boys & girls screamed “I’m only 19 but baby I can make your night” in unison. He had been working hard for so long and things started clicking for him.

2017 was the start of something great for Santi on the international level. He performed at the Nativeland concert with top artists like Burna Boy, Not3s and U.K artist, Skepta. Later in December, he opened for Skepta at his homecoming concert. Julie Adenuga, Beats presenter linked with him so his music began getting listens on Beats Radio. He was interviewed by Ebro Darden and then he gained international awareness. He was going up, and 2018 could only be better.

Apart from the music, Santi has had a great eye for creating visuals. And it showed in the music videos he directed. Alté cruise showed a diverse group of youths having fun and living their best lives. I’ve never not wanted to be a part of a group like that.

His song, Freaky had a dark, evil vibe to it. Santi as a fan of Nigerian movies wanted to pay homage to vintage Nollywood horror.

The video to Rapid Fire, his last single of 2018 perfectly translates the meaning to the song.

Working with people like DemolatheDirector or TSE have allowed him fully express himself in creating visual aesthetics. 2019 has started with his most mellow single yet called Sparky. A 2-minute song he’s been teasing his fans for a while now, the sound makes you feel sparky-giddy & feel good. With his patois, it’s rare for you not enjoy the vibes that flow through his music.

Now with Mandy & The Jungle on the on the horizon, set to be released May 17, the roster of features including DRAM, Tay Iwar, Amaarae, Goldlink, Odunsi, Kida Kudz, and Tomi Agape. Expectations are subverted and the life of Santi will take unprecedented turns in a tale that continues to weave fanciful narratives.