You cannot think of the genre Alté and not think of the Nigerian musician and auteur Cruel Santino (fka Santi). Santi’s critically acclaimed debut album, Mandy & The Jungle (2019) saw his breakthrough in the music scene. Tracks like “Sparky,” “Freaky,” and “Rapid Fire” caused a sensation and was a fusing of his love for pop-indie, alternative, rap, dancehall and more.
Alongside the fresh sounds, Cruel Santino also directed the visuals tied to the project honing in on his craft with creative collective Monster Boy. Inspired by the occult and Nollywood films, his eye for mise-en-scene and visual narration caught the eye of collaborator Goldlink who tapped Cruel for the rapper’s “U Say” video featuring Tyler, The Creator and Jay Prince. Not long after, the Dubai, UAE based artist signed with management company Love Renaissance.
In 2020, Cruel Santino announced his very own label, Monster Boy — a Interscope Records joint venture. Not afraid to always evolve and create, we’re learning that this is Cruel Santino’s extravagant universe and we’re lucky to be co-existing in it.
Santi is indeed a creative force to be reckoned with.