Cruel Santino
Birth nameOsayaba Andrew Ize-Iyamu
Also known as
  • Ozzy B
  • Santi
Born (1992-06-03) June 3, 1992 (age 31)
Lagos, Nigeria
OriginEdo State-Nigerian
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer-songwriter
  • rapper
  • director
Years active2016–present
Labels
Websitewww.cruelsantino.com

Osayaba Andrew Ize-Iyamu, better known by his stage name Cruel Santino, is a Nigerian alternative[1] singer-songwriter, rapper and director. He is a member of Monster Boys collective, with music producers Genio Bambino, and GMK.[2] He is signed to Interscope Records, in partnership with Monster Boy,[3] Love Renaissance[4] and Warner Chappell Music. Santino's debut into the music scene was met with critical acclaim when he released his studio album Mandy & The Jungle, introducing the alté fashion, and music, into the mainstream, notably with his track "Rapid Fire".[5]

Early life

Osayaba Andrew Ize-Iyamu was born in Lagos on 3 June 1992, and raised in Ikeja.[6][7] He was a teenage drama coordinator in high school. After graduation, he participated in city-wide attention as a freestyle-rap prodigy. In an interview with British GQ, he said "I heard Drake's first album, Thank Me Later. Hearing someone sing and rap confirmed to me that I could do the same."[8] His father was responsible for his music education, while growing up.[7]

Career

2011-2016:Ozzy B to Santi, Suzie's Funeral, Gangsta Fear

In 2011, he launched his music career as a rapper on SoundCloud,[9] with the stage name Ozzy B. On 13 September 2011, he released a 21-track mixtape titled Diaries of a Loner, on SoundCloud. In review for We Plug Good Music, Neefemi, said "the project is one of Nigeria’s best mixtapes with time".[10] On 29 September 2013, he released his second mixtape Birth of Santi. In 2016, he changed his stage name to Santi, with the release of his first extended play Suzie's Funeral, through Monster Boy on 30 June 2016.

On 29 June 2016, "Gangsta Fear" a song of his own composition, co-written by Odunsi (The Engine), breakout from SoundCloud, with elements of afro-dancehall.[11] Following the release of the music video directed by Falomo and Santi himself.[12] The record became a commercial success in the alternative music scene, in Nigeria, and Britain.

2017-2018:OVO Sounds, Beat 1, Concerts, Rapid Fire

It’s amazing that no matter where you’re from on the planet, you are to be able to put out music that feels and sounds like where you’re from without trying to conform to other standards. That’s what this is all about – people being able to create their own narratives, and have the world consume it. I don’t think Africa makes one style of music – I love Santi

- Ebro Darden[13]

In 2017, he opened for Skepta’s at Our Homecoming concert in Nigeria.[14][15] On 1 April 2017, " Jungle Fever", and "Gangsta Fear" was aired on OVO Sound’s Episode 40.[16] On 22 December 2017, he opened for Burna Boy, Skepta, and J Hus at the second edition of Nativeland concert.[17] On 29 December 2017, he opened for Show Dem Camp at The Palmwine Music Fest, alongside Bez, Ajebutter22, Lady Donli, Odunsi, Tomi Thomas, among others.[18] On 21 January 2018, Santino, Odunsi, MAKA, and Lady Donli, covers the Guardian Life Magazine, Vibes Of The New Age edition, where they spoke about their plans for the future.[19]

On 2 November 2018, as Santi, he released "Rapid Fire", featuring Shane Eagle, Tomi Agape, and Amaarae[20] through Monster Boy, and produced by Genio Bambino.[21][22] On 23 November 2018, the music video for "Rapid Fire" was released, and self-directed by Santino, as Santi.[23] After his interview with Julie Adenuga, and Ebro Darden, on Apple Music 1, he gained international awareness.

In 2018, he signed a partnership deal with the North Carolina-based imprint Immaculate Taste, and rereleased Suzie's Funeral.[7]

2019-2020:Mandy & The Jungle, Record deals, No Tears In The Jungle show

On 17 May 2019, as Santi's, Santino released his first debut studio album Mandy & The Jungle,[24] with guess appearance from DRAM, GoldLink, Tay Iwar, Amaarae, Krisirie, Nonso Amadi, Bridge, Shane Eagle, Kida Kudz, Seki, and Tomi Agape. With production credits from Odunsi(The Engine), GMK, Higo, LeMav, DOZ, and Genio Bambino.[25] Mandy & The Jungle, was cited as one of the Guardian albums and tracks of 2019.[26]

Same day, shortly after the release of Mandy & The Jungle, on 20 May 2019, Tunde Balogun, the co-founder of Love Renaissance. Tweeted " Welcome Santi to the @LVRN fam".[27] On 28 August 2019, Santino, credited as Santi, directed "U Say" music video by GoldLink, featuring Tyler, The Creator, and Jay Prince, off Diaspora studio album.[28] On 6 February 2020, Santi on the lineup of Lovebox Festival, set to take place at Gunnersbury Park in London, from June 12–14. Following the outbreak of the ongoing spread of coronavirus, the festival was cancelled.[29] On 3 November 2019, he performed at Day n Vegas Festival at Las Vegas Festival Grounds,[30] and opened for Tyler, The Creator, and Doja Cat.

On 10 November 2020, he performed at the Gnaw Stage, of the Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival.[31] On 5 December 2019, he headline his first show in London, titled No Tears In The Jungle, at Islington Assembly Hall.[32] On 3 March 2020, Santi reveals his plan, to create a TV show about Nigerian youth culture. He tells Crack Magazine, "That’s where my heart is right now. In Nigeria, we have never had a show about high school, sexuality and drugs. I feel like the kids need a safe space, something to explore and escape to."[33]

On 19 May 2020, he tweeted "U Guy's I had to change my name to Cruel Santino, cause of one man in Spain, he didn't want to free the name for me.[34] On 30 May 2020, he starred in The Late Night Show with Daisy Ola, where he played numerous characters as Hamma Santino, Santino Criminal, Santino and the leader, Cruel Santino.[35]

On 19 June 2020, Cruel Santino unveiled the joint venture deal with Interscope Records, and Monster Boy, with the release of "End of The Wicked", featuring Octavian.[36]

2021-present:Publishing deal, Subaru Boys : FINAL HEAVEN

On 17 February 2021, following the publishing partnership between Warner Chappell Music, and Love Renaissance, Monster Boys collective (Cruel Santino, GMK, and Genio Bambino) signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.[37] On 4 March 2022, he released his anticipated studio album Subaru Boys : FINAL HEAVEN,[38] through Interscope Records, with guest appearances from Brazy, Maison2500, Bratzbih, Seo, Ebee, Koffee, Gus Dapperton, Amaarae, Chi Virgo, Solis, and Skepta.[38] Rolling Stone included the album in their list of The 100 Best Albums of 2022.[39] On 10 February 2023, Santino released "Showmetheway!!" featuring Poco Lee, and produced by GMK for Monster Boy.[40]

Artistry

Santino is known for blending and fusing a variety of sounds, from R&B, soul and rap to Afrobeats and indie music,.[9] On 11 June 2019, Toye Sokunbi of The Fader, named him, as the vision of Afropop’s future.[41] Cruel Santino, formerly known as Ozzy B or Santi, is known for his ragga-influenced delivery, hair style and fashion sense.[42] On 31 May 2019, in an interview with Clash magazine, Osayaba Andrew Ize-Iyamu describing himself as "being involved in all genres, definitely a unique individual. Taking inspiration for his name from Santigold. Inspired by the likes of Beenie Man, and Young Thug, as well as being shaped by indie and hip-hop music, has helped him evolve as an artist."[43]

In 2011, he was rated as one of the best rappers in Nigeria, by Nigerian Afro-pop singer Wizkid.[22] also appearing in a Nokia advert with, Nigerian rappers Muna, and Phenom.[22]

Discography

Albums

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and certifications
Title Album details
Mandy & The Jungle
Subaru Boys: FINAL HEAVEN
  • Released: 4 March 2022
  • Label: Interscope, Monster Boy
  • Formats: CD, Digital download

EPs

List of extended plays, with selected details
Title Details
Suzie's Funeral
  • Released: 30 June 2016
  • Label: Monster Boy
  • Formats: Digital download

Mixtapes

List of mixtapes with selected details
Title Details
Diaries of a Loner
Birth of Santi

Singles

This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (September 2021)
List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Certifications Album
"Gangsta Fear"
(feat. Odunsi) 		2016 Suzie's Funeral
"Jungle Fever"
(feat. Genio Bambino, & Odunsi) 		2017 Non-album single
"Rapid Fire"
(feat. Shane Eagle, Tomi Agape, & Amaarae) 		2018 Mandy & The Jungle
"End Of The Wicked"
(feat. Octavian) 		2020 TBA
"Showmetheway"
(feat. Poco Lee) 		2023 TBA
"Holiday Sniping"
 2023
As featured artist
This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (September 2021)
List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Certifications Album
"Jungle"
(M.I Abaga featuring Tomi Thomas, & Santi) 		2018 Rendezous
"express"
(Odunsi featuring Santi, & Nasty C) 		rare.
"Alté cruise"
(Odunsi featuring Santi, & Zamir LOS)
"Vanya"
(Shane Eagle featuring Santi, Bas) 		2019 Dark Moon Flower
"Queen Tings (Remix)"
(Masego featuring Santi)[44] 		Non-album single
"BBC (leaked)"
(Blaqbonez featuring Santi) 		2020
"Poison"
(Octavian featuring Take A Daytrip, Obongjayar, & Santi)
"Salty"
(DRB LasGidi featuring Santi, Teezee, and Maison2500) 		Pioneers
"Manhattan"
(Teezee featuring Cruel Santino) 		2022 TBA
"DOG EAT DOG II"
(Odumodublvck featuring Cruel Santino, and Bella Shmurda) 		2023 EZIOKWU

Awards and nominations

Year Award ceremony Award description Nominee/Work Result
2022 African Entertainment Awards USA Video Director of the Year Himself Nominated
2023 The Headies Best Alternative Song "FINAL CHAMPION" Pending
Best Alternative Album Subaru Boys : FINAL HEAVEN Pending

References

  1. ^ Kaunda, Mayuyuka. "How Santi & the Alté Movement Are Pushing Nigerian Music Forward". DJBooth. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  2. ^ "The Monster Home For Monster Boys". MoreBranches. 4 November 2017. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  3. ^ "Cruel Santino". interscope.com. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  4. ^ "Welcome to Cruel Santino's Subaru World". The NATIVE. 24 September 2021. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  5. ^ Onabanjo, Adedamola (26 November 2018). "Santi goes crazy in the Rapid Fire with Shane Eagle and Amaarae". The Culture Custodian.
  6. ^ "Santi's Genre-Bending Sound Is Helping Usher In a New Naija Music Wave". OkayAfrica. 2 December 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  7. ^ a b c "Continentally Speaking: Santi". Red Bull. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  8. ^ "Santi is the singer-rapper bringing Nigeria's alté scene to the mainstream". British GQ. 5 July 2019. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  9. ^ a b "Alté, Nigeria's emancipated pop scene: 'People aren't used to being free'". the Guardian. 23 September 2019. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  10. ^ "We Plug to You... Ozzy B - Diaries of a Loner". WE PLUG GOOD MUSIC. 13 September 2011. Retrieved 3 October 2021.
  11. ^ "Santi Has the Nigerian Dancehall Jam You Didn't Know You Needed". OkayAfrica. 18 November 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  12. ^ Idowu, Tomi (2 November 2016). "Video : Gangsta Fear : Santi Feat. Odunsi". The Culture Custodian. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  13. ^ "NATIVE Business Special: Apple Music are betting first on Africa". The NATIVE. 19 May 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  14. ^ "Six young Nigerians tell us why Homecoming 2018 was so important". The NATIVE. 13 April 2018. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  15. ^ "Santi: Alté's Rising Star". Google Arts & Culture. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  16. ^ "Interview: Santi, Odunsi & GMK on More Life, OVO Radio and getting the Drake co sign". The Culture Custodian. 18 April 2017. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  17. ^ "Burna Boy, Davido Skepta, thrill Lagos in annual concert". Pulse Nigeria. 23 December 2017. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  18. ^ "Highlights From "The Palmwine Music Fest 2017" With Show Dem Camp & Friends". The Guardian Nigeria News. 9 January 2018. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  19. ^ "Vibes Of The New Age". The Guardian Nigeria News. 21 January 2018. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  20. ^ Onabanjo, Adedamola (26 November 2018). "Santi goes crazy in the Rapid Fire with Shane Eagle and Amaarae". The Culture Custodian. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  21. ^ "Santi features Shane Eagle and Amaa Rae for new single, "Rapid Fire"". The NATIVE. 2 November 2018. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  22. ^ a b c "The Birth of Santi". MoreBranches. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  23. ^ "The music video for Santi's "Rapid Fire" invites you into his noir universe". The NATIVE. 24 November 2018. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  24. ^ "Best New Music Special: 'Mandy & The Jungle' by Santi". The NATIVE. 25 May 2019. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  25. ^ Obi, Ify (7 May 2019). "Santi's Debut Album, 'Mandy & the Jungle' Is Around The Corner". The Culture Custodian. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  26. ^ "Guardian albums and tracks of 2019: how our writers voted". the Guardian. 20 December 2019. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  27. ^ "Santi is making way into the international scene while staying true to his art". NotjustOk. 20 May 2019. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  28. ^ "Watch the Music Video for Goldlink's 'U Say,' Directed by Santi". OkayAfrica. 5 August 2019. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  29. ^ "Santi to perform at annual Lovebox Festival this year". The NATIVE. 6 February 2020. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
  30. ^ "Santi is set to represent the whole continent at the "Day N Vegas 2019"". The NATIVE. 25 June 2019. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
  31. ^ "Santi Set To Perform At 2019 Edition Of Tyler, The Creator's 'Camp Flog Gnaw' Festival". The NATIVE. 14 August 2019. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
  32. ^ "Santi hosts his first-ever headline show, 'No Tears In The Jungle'". The NATIVE. 5 December 2019. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
  33. ^ "Santi reveals plans to create a show about Nigerian youth culture". The NATIVE. 3 March 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  34. ^ "Cruel Santino walks us through the story of his tattoos". The NATIVE. 7 July 2020. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  35. ^ Ohotuwo, Ogbeche (30 May 2020). "Santi brings boundless versatility to The Late Night Show with Daisy Ola". YNaija. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  36. ^ Onabanjo, Adedamola (19 June 2020). "Cruel Santino Shares 'End Of The Wicked' A Premeditated Result Of His Artistic Genius". The Culture Custodian. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  37. ^ "Warner Chappell enters publishing deal with LVRN, home to the Monster Boys". The NATIVE. 19 February 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  38. ^ a b "Cruel Santino details new album Subaru Boys: FINAL HEAVEN". The FADER. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  39. ^ "The 100 Best Albums of 2022". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 6 December 2022.
  40. ^ Adebiyi, Adeayo (10 February 2023). "Cruel Santino & Poco Lee team up for new single 'Show me the way!'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 11 February 2023.
  41. ^ "Santi is a vision of Afropop's future". The FADER.
  42. ^ "No Tears in The Jungle: A Santi Experience". A Nation of Billions. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  43. ^ "Next Wave #909: Santi". Clash Magazine. Retrieved 4 October 2021.
  44. ^ "Masego Features Santi On "Queen Tings (Remix)"". The NATIVE. 14 August 2019. Retrieved 6 October 2021.
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