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Emtee

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Emtee
Birth nameMthembeni Ndevu
Born (1992-09-17) 17 September 1992 (age 32)
Matatiele, South Africa[1]
OriginSoweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
Genres
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • record producer
  • singer-songwriter
  • actor
Instrument(s)Vocals, marimba
Years active2010–present
Labels
Websitewww.emtee.co.za

Mthembeni Ndevu, professionally known by his stage name Emtee (stylized as eMTee) is a South African rapper.Regarded as one of the best and most influential figures in the South African music scene .He was born and grew up in Rockville, Soweto, where he was involved in talent shows. His career began at the age of 17, and his debut hit single, "Roll Up" was released in 2015. Emtee was signed to Ambitiouz Entertainment,[3] released his debut album Avery (2015), which was commercially successful and was eventually certified platinum by Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).[4][5]

The album was preceded by two singles: "Roll Up" and "We Up".

His sophomore studio album Manando (2017), was met with critical acclaim the title referring to his late high school friend. His second mixtape DIY 2 was released in 2018. After departure with his former record label, he then established his own record label Emtee Records.

eMtee's third studio album Logan (2021), which debuted number 1 in South Africa. He released his long-anticipated Album DIY3 on the 31st of October 2024, which is the third installment of his DIY projects, with the first being DIY 1[DIY I].


Career

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Early career

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Emtee kept working on his music throughout his late teen years, opting to not repeat his final year in school, although his pass was not good enough to enter him into the major universities in South Africa.[6]

In 2010, Emtee collaborated with South African rapper Maraza on a song titled "In It To Win It". They appeared on Channel O's show HeadRush.[7] Before his solo career, Emtee was part of the rap trio, African Trap Movement, alongside fellow South African rappers Sjava, Saudi and their producer Ruff before they were all signed by Ambitiouz Entertainment.[8]

2015-2019: Avery

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In early 2015, a friend of Emtee, his producer Ruff produced the beat for the song that would eventually become his debut single, "Roll Up". Emtee claimed that the entire track was recorded and finalized in two hours.[9] "Roll Up" received major radio play in Southern Africa and peaked at the top of DJ Speedsta's hip hop chart on YFM. Wizkid and South African rapper AKA featured on the official re-release of his single, which eMTee called "Roll Up Re-Up". The late South African rapper AKA was also known to be the person who believed in him and helped nurture his talent when no one else would. In 2023, Emtee stated that AKA is also the reason for his accolades & success.[10] He said that "Roll Up" was recorded within a tight schedule, because he and his team were finalizing his debut album.[11][12]

At the 22nd South African Music Awards, Emtee received five nominations, winning the awards for Rap Album of The Year for Avery and Song of the Year for "Roll Up". Emtee won his second award for Song of the Year at the 2015 South African Hip Hop Awards, again for "Roll Up". "Roll Up" competed in a category where two South African gold selling artists, as well as Khuli Chana each made at least two appearances.[13]

On December 4, 2015, Emtee's debut album Avery was released on iTunes and to domestic music retailers. eMtee was the third most played South African hip hop artist in the latter part of 2015 (10th most played artist overall). [citation needed]

2018-2020: New label and upcoming music

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In August 2019, Emtee announced that he was leaving his label Ambitiouz Entertainment,[14] amid controversy.[15] In September 2019, Emtee established his own record label, Emtee Records under his company African Trap Movement.[16] In November, the rapper said he would be releasing a new EP in 2020.[16]
On 21 January 2020, Emtee announced via Twitter the working on his fourth studio album, DIY 3, in 2020. The album will serve as a follow-up to his third album DIY 2.[17] On 8 May 2020, Emtee released a new single, titled "Johustleburg". "Johustleburg" was first teased during Emtee's "hit battle" with fellow rapper Nasty C in April 2020. It marks the third single from Emtee in 2020, following "Wave" and "Brand New Day," which he released earlier in 2020.[18]

2021-present: Logan

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In early February 2021, his single "iThemba" was released.[19] The song debuted number one in South Africa.[20]

On April 9, 2021, his fourth studio album Logan was released in South Africa.[21] At the 2021 South African Hip Hop Awards, Logan received a nomination for Album of the Year and emtee was nominated for artist of the decade.[22]

Personal life

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Emtee has two sons and a daughter with his childhood girlfriend Nicole Chinsamy, who he later married in 2019. His first son, Avery was born in 2015, second son, Logan in 2018 and his daughter Nairobi born in 2023. His debut album was named after Avery. He also named his 2021 Album after his second born Logan .[23]

Discography

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Studio albums

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Album title Album details
Avery[24]
  • Released: 4 December 2015
  • Label: Ambitiouz Entertainment
  • Formats: CD, digital download
  • Certification: Platinum
Manando
  • Released: 15 September 2017
  • Ambitiouz Entertainment
  • Formats: CD, digital download
DIY 2
  • Released: 21 September 2018
  • Label: Ambitiouz Entertainment
  • Formats: CD, digital download
Logan[25]
  • Released: 9 April 2021
  • Label: Emtee Records
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
DIY 3[17]
  • Released: 31 October 2024
  • Label: Emtee Records
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming

Extended plays

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Album title Album details
DIY
  • Released: July 2015
  • Label: DogMow Studios
  • Formats: CD, digital download

Singles

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  • "Roll Up" (2015)
  • "Pearl Thusi" (2015)
  • "Roll Up (Re-Up)" featuring Wizkid & AKA (2015)
  • "Couldn't" (A-Reece featuring Emtee) (2016)
  • "Amamenemene" (2016)
  • "My People" (2016)
  • "Ngeke" featuring Fifi Cooper (2016)
  • "We Up" (2016)
  • "Winning" featuring Nasty C (2017)
  • "Ghetto Hero" (2017)
  • "Corner Store" (2017)
  • "My Way" featuring Sims (2017)
  • "Me and You" featuring Tiwa Savage (2017)
  • "My Enemies" (2017)
  • "Manando" (2017)
  • "Plug" (2018)
  • "Thank You" (2018)
  • "Lesson" (2018)
  • "Smogolo" featuring Snaayman (2019)
  • "Wave" (2020)
  • "Brand New Day" featuring Lolli (2020)
  • "Real In The State" featuring Rich The Kid (TBA)
  • "Johustleburg" (2020)
  • "Good Time" 2024

[26]

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Ceremony Prize Recipient/Nominated work Result
2015 South African Hip Hop Awards 2015 Song of The Year "Roll Up" Won
2016 Metro FM Music Awards[27] Best Music Video[28] Won
Best Remix Won
Best Hip Hop Album Avery Won
Best New Artist Himself Nominated
Listeners Choice Award Won
22nd South African Music Awards Album of the Year Avery Nominated
Male Artist of the Year Himself Nominated
Newcomer of the Year Nominated
Best Rap Album Avery Won
Amstel Record of the Year "Roll Up" Won
2016 BET Awards Viewers’ Choice Best New International Act Himself Nominated
2017 AFRIMA Awards Best male artiste in South Africa[29] Himself Nominated
2019 SAMA Awards Best Hip Hop Album DIY 2 Nominated
2022 Global Music Awards Africa Hip Hop artist Himself Won[30][31]

References

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  1. ^ "Emtee Spouse =Nicole Kendall Chinsamy Children = 2 Biography". amdb.co. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
  2. ^ Mhabela, Sabelo (2017). "The 10 Best 'African Trap Music' Songs". Okay Africa. Archived from the original on 17 April 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  3. ^ "Emtee Confirms His Departure From Ambitiouz Entertainment". Hiphopza. Archived from the original on 15 August 2019. Retrieved 15 August 2019.
  4. ^ "eMTee's debut album 'Avery' has reached platinum". Yomzansi. 8 July 2016. Retrieved 7 December 2017.
  5. ^ "EMTEE" (PDF). Ambitiouz Entertainment. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 January 2018. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  6. ^ "Rolling with Emtee". DRUM. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  7. ^ "eMtee just keeps getting better". CityPress. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  8. ^ Sekgothe, Malcolm (5 November 2019). "Finding Your Niche: Emtee". Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
  9. ^ Emtee talks about his single 'Roll up', 22 April 2015, retrieved 18 January 2016
  10. ^ "Emtee Affirms AKA Launched His Music Career". 16 February 2023.
  11. ^ "Emtee is earning his stripes". The Citizen. Archived from the original on 24 December 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  12. ^ "Rapper Emtee talks Roll Up, HHP controversial line". Sowetan LIVE. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  13. ^ "Roll Up's success wraps up blazing year for eMtee". Times LIVE. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  14. ^ Joyce, Liam Karabo (8 October 2019). "Emtee wants his awards back from Ambitiouz Entertainment | IOL Entertainment". IOL. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  15. ^ Dzimbili, Siyabonga (15 November 2019). "Emtee on his plans for next year – 'In 2020 I'm doing what I've been doing twice as much'". Media24. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
  16. ^ a b Birjalal, Ayssia (16 September 2019). "Emtee launches his own record label, 'Emtee Records' | IOL Entertainment". IOL. Retrieved 1 January 2020.
  17. ^ a b Manjo, Theo (21 January 2020). "@Emteethehustla_ Hints On New Album #DIY3". SlikourOnLife. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
  18. ^ Mkhabela, Sabelo (8 May 2020). "Emtee Finally Releases Long-Awaited single 'Johustleburg'". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
  19. ^ Shabangu, Nobantu (3 February 2021). "Emtee Shares Latest Single 'iThemba' Ahead of Upcoming Album". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  20. ^ "Emtee Tops The Charts". tswalebs.com. 1 February 2021. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  21. ^ Shabangu, Nobantu. "Emtee Finally Releases His New Album - OkayAfrica". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  22. ^ Bukola (2 November 2021). "Full list of 2021 SA Hip Hop Awards nominees | Fakaza News". Fakaza News. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
  23. ^ "Emtee releases his debut album 'AVERY' | YoMzansi | Have a Sip!". YoMzansi™ BLOG | HIGHEST GRADE SOURCE of SA Entertainment News. 27 November 2015. Retrieved 21 January 2016.
  24. ^ "Emtee Finally Drops Debut Album | HYPE Magazine". www.hypemagazine.co.za. 29 November 2015. Retrieved 18 January 2016.
  25. ^ "Emtee Logan Album". iminathi. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  26. ^ @emteethehustla_ (8 May 2020). "#Johustleburg Produced by @Ruff_atm" (Tweet). Retrieved 8 May 2020 – via Twitter.
  27. ^ SundayWorld. "15th Metro FM Music Awards nominees (Full list) – SundayWorld". www.sundayworld.co.za. Archived from the original on 26 May 2016. Retrieved 22 January 2016.
  28. ^ Nigerianinfobox. "Emtee Biography – History, Age, Net Worth & Songs – Nigerian Info Box". www.nigerianinfobox.com.ng. Archived from the original on 6 January 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2017.
  29. ^ "AFRIMA 2017: The list of winners". Loliby. Archived from the original on 8 January 2018. Retrieved 13 November 2017.
  30. ^ "Emtee bags huge award for the year at Global Music Awards | Fakaza". South Africa: Fakaza. 20 April 2022. Retrieved 20 April 2022.
  31. ^ Mphande, Joy (21 April 2022). "Emtee celebrates 'Hip Hop Artist of the Year' win at Global Music Awards Africa 2022". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 30 April 2022.
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