Emtee
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Emtee Biography
Mthembeni Ndevu, professionally known by his stage name Emtee (stylized as eMTee), is a prominent South African rapper widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the South African music scene. Born in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, and raised in Rockville, Soweto, Emtee's passion for music was evident from a young age, participating in talent shows during his youth. His career took off at the age of 16, culminating in the release of his debut hit single, "Roll Up," in 2015. Signed initially to Ambitiouz Entertainment, Emtee's debut album Avery (2015) achieved commercial success and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).
| Full Name | Mthembeni Ndevu |
| Stage Name | Emtee (stylized as eMTee) |
| Birthplace | Matatiele, Eastern Cape, South Africa |
| Genres | Hip Hop, Rap |
| Debut Single | "Roll Up" (2015) |
| Debut Album | Avery (2015) |
| Record Label | Emtee Records (est. 2019) |
| Children | Two sons (Avery, Logan) and one daughter (Nairobi) |
Early Career
Emtee's journey in music began in his late teens, during which he chose to focus on his craft rather than pursuing higher education due to academic challenges. In 2010, he collaborated with South African rapper Maraza on the track "In It To Win It," and appeared on Channel O's show HeadRush. Before embarking on his solo career, Emtee was part of the rap collective African Trap Movement/Music alongside fellow rappers Sjava and Saudi, with Ruff as their producer. This group was eventually signed by Ambitiouz Entertainment, marking a significant step in Emtee's professional career.
2015-2019: Breakthrough with Avery
In early 2015, Emtee's producer and friend Ruff crafted the beat for what would become Emtee's debut single, "Roll Up." Remarkably, the track was recorded and finalized within two hours. The single gained massive radio play across Southern Africa, topping DJ Speedsta's hip hop chart on YFM. The official re-release, "Roll Up Re-Up," featured collaborations with Nigerian superstar Wizkid and South African rapper AKA, who was instrumental in nurturing Emtee's talent during his early days. Emtee credits AKA for much of his success and accolades.
At the 22nd South African Music Awards, Emtee received five nominations and won Rap Album of The Year for Avery and Song of the Year for "Roll Up." He also secured Song of the Year at the 2015 South African Hip Hop Awards for the same track. His debut album, released on December 4, 2015, was a commercial triumph, making Emtee the third most played South African hip hop artist in late 2015.
2018-2020: New Label and Continued Growth
In August 2019, Emtee parted ways with Ambitiouz Entertainment amid controversy and subsequently founded his own record label, Emtee Records, under the African Trap Movement umbrella. He announced plans for a new EP in 2020 and began working on his fourth studio album, DIY 3, a continuation of his mixtape series. In May 2020, Emtee released the single "Johustleburg," which followed earlier 2020 singles "Wave" and "Brand New Day." The track "Johustleburg" was first teased during a "hit battle" with fellow rapper Nasty C.
2021-Present: Logan and DIY 3
Emtee's single "iThemba" released in early 2021 debuted at number one in South Africa, reaffirming his status in the music industry. His fourth studio album, Logan, was released on April 9, 2021, and reflects on his personal struggles and growth. The album received a nomination for Album of the Year at the 2021 South African Hip Hop Awards. Additionally, Emtee was nominated for Artist of the Decade, an award ultimately won by Cassper Nyovest. Emtee's long-anticipated album DIY 3, the third installment in his DIY series, was released on October 31, 2024.
Personal Life
Emtee is married to his childhood girlfriend, Nicole Chinsamy, since 2019. Together, they have three children: two sons, Avery (born 2015) and Logan (born 2018), and a daughter, Nairobi (born 2023). Emtee has named his debut album after his first son, Avery, and his 2021 album after his second son, Logan, highlighting the importance of family in his life and work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What inspired Emtee's debut album title "Avery"?
A: The album was named after his first son, Avery, born in 2015.
Q: Which record label did Emtee establish after leaving Ambitiouz Entertainment?
A: Emtee founded his own label called Emtee Records in 2019 under the African Trap Movement.
Q: Who played a significant role in Emtee's early career development?
A: The late South African rapper AKA was a mentor figure who believed in Emtee and helped nurture his talent.
Q: What themes does the album "Logan" explore?
A: "Logan" reflects on Emtee's personal struggles and his journey of overcoming adversity.
Conclusion
Emtee's rise from a young talent in Soweto to a platinum-selling artist and influential figure in South African hip hop is a testament to his resilience, creativity, and dedication. With multiple successful albums, a growing record label, and a strong connection to his roots and family, Emtee continues to shape the soundscape of South African music. His journey underscores the power of perseverance and the impact of mentorship in the music industry.
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