Emtee has been performing from a young age. At nine years old he held a stage performance at his primary school in the Eastern Cape. At 17, he became the youngest choir conductor of the Barnato Park High School choir. It's no wonder he became the great rapper and musician he is today.
Emtee was named Mthembeni Ndevu at birth. He got the name Emtee as a rapper. He was born in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape on 15th September 1992 which means Emtee’s age is 29. His family moved to Johannesburg for work and he stayed in Rockville, Soweto. Having come from the Eastern Cape of Matatiele, Emtee is Xhosa.
The rapper went to Yeoville Primary School in Johannesburg. His first taste of success was when he won a talent show for his stage performance. Emtee later went to Barnato Secondary School. He didn't care much about academics because he focused so much on his music. By then, he had also mastered different instruments.
Emtee was sold on the idea of pursuing a music career when he won a talent show at school when he was only nine. As he grew older, he learned the art of producing, recording, and delivering his lyrics through Zulu and English. He eventually joined a choir at Barnato in high school and became the youngest choir conductor due to his musical ear and understanding of the instruments.
When he was 17 years old, Emtee was part of the band, Marimba. Known to be the best in several inter-provincial competitions, he collected several awards. Emtee won cash prizes through these accolades and was further motivated to join the music industry. Emtee did a song with South African rapper Maraza in 2010 titled In It to Win It, which turned out to be a great hit.
Emtee released his single debut, Roll Up, in 2015 with Ambitiouz Records. This is the track that kick-started his career. It peaked at number one on YFM's DJ Speedsta's Hip Hop charts. Moreover, because it was downloaded over 500,000 times, RISA has certified it three times platinum. Talk about a career jump-start!
In the same year, the much-awaited debut album from Emtee finally dropped with the release of the track Avery, which the rapper lovingly named after his firstborn son. Much like his debut hit single, the album peaked in January 2016 and topped the South African Hip Hop Chart. By July that year, the album got certified by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) after it sold over 40,000 units.
We Up: We Up was a mega-hit by our biggest and most awarded artist in 2016. It speaks of his struggle on the way up and eventually his incredible and spectacular success.
Pearl Thusi: His song dedicated to Pearl Thusi's success went on to show that Emtee was not just the new kid on the block but that he was here to stay.
Abantu: The Emtee Abantu song had great visuals and lyrics and featured Snymaan and S'Villa from his 2018 project DIY 2.
Brand New Day: Rapper Emtee features Lolli in his song Brand New Day which went on to become a huge hit in 2020.
Manando: Manando was Emtee's second studio album released by Ambitiouz Entertainment in 2017. It featured guest appearances from Sjava and Saudi, as well as Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage.
Wave: The song Wave by Emtee started a new phase in his career. Having had differences with his former label, Ambitiouz Entertainment, the rapper ventured out as an independent artist with this song.
Emtee left Ambitiouz Records in 2019 amid tension between both parties. He went on to launch his label Emtee Records under his company, The African Trap Movement. He's already released two new singles under it, including Wave and Brand-New Day.
Working under his label has given the rapper a whole new lease of freedom, creating original and different music.
"It is going to be different because I have freedom of creativity now, freedom of speech. I'll be touching on important topics which I've always wanted to touch on as well as the fun ones," said Emtee on starting his label.
Emtee’s new album is called Logan. He has named it after his second son. Logan is his third studio album, released by Emtee Records in April 2021. It features guest appearances from Lolli Native, Moozlie, J Smash, Flash Ikumkani, as well as Malawian rapper Gwamba.
Here's a look at some of the Emtee Albums that have been setting the airways on fire:
Avery: Officially released in December 2015, the album was named after Emtee's firstborn son, Avery. Among the 16 tracks, some of the more notable songs from the album include Roll Up, We Up, Pearl Thusi, About Me, Dreams, Winning, Pray for Me, and Mama.
Manando: Manando, Emtee’s second album was released in September 2017. This 20-track album was named after Emtee's street brother, who died. Emtee wanted to honour Manando for standing by him when he was bullied and motivating him in his career.
Logan: The much-awaited album with Emtee’s new songs like Logan, carries the theme of acceptance, appreciation, and gratitude. The rapper expresses these sentiments throughout the 16-song tracklist.
Emtee has been in a long-term relationship with Nicole Kendall Chinsamy. They are blessed with two children, Avery, born in 2015, and Logan, who was born in 2018.
Emtee's girlfriend, Nicole, completed her studies in 2019. The two are now married. Their initial plan to wed was pushed back because Nicole was still in school. As Emtee explained, her girlfriend was very intentional about her studies: "Nicole wanted to complete her studies and start a business before she could walk down the aisle."
Something strange happened at the 15th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAS) 2021. Emtee went MIA just moments before he was set to perform with Ami Faku. A whole lot of drama ensued backstage when the rapper disappeared. They were to perform their hit collaboration, Lala Ngoxolo, together that night. Furthermore, Emtee went missing while still in clothes and shoes borrowed from the costume department. Consequently, Ami Faku performed solo.
Recently, Emtee alleged that his wife, Nicole was abusive. Nicole came out and defended herself, a move that led Emtee to issue a public apology to his wife. He said: "I'd like to apologize to the mother of my children, my wife, Nicole. I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me. I love you, Mrs Ndevu.
The musician's controversial lifestyle has always been in the public eye. In 2018, a video of him being warned about his lifestyle by Lerato Kganyago emerged. Kganyago told him: "You're gonna die, whatever that you're drinking here, you're gonna die." The clip showed footage of him collapsing on stage. It made quite a stir in the entertainment industry and even led the media mogul Bob Mabena to send out a video pleading with Emtee to get some help.
In another occurrence, Emtee's drinking and substance abuse was laid bare in 2017 when the musician revealed his genitals by accident in an unfortunate Instagram live video. Fans suspected that he was intoxicated. He said he didn't regret it. His response was, "... it's more famous than a lot of people..."
Emtee's latest news emerges from his social media battle with his former employer, Ambitiouz Entertainment. Many artists have left the record label after it gained a reputation of being financially abusive to its artists.
Emtee's exit from Ambitiouz Entertainment ended in a Twitter battle. The rapper urged the record label to stop using his name to promote their artists. He also doesn't want them to take credit for his work.
He shared more during the SA Hip Hop Awards, "I remember my first win was at the South African Hip Hop Awards. I was very happy, and everyone congratulated me while I had the award in my hand. The boss man then comes up behind and says, 'Give me what's mine.' When I checked, the award had my name on it." He has even challenged the Ambitiouz Entertainment founder to a boxing match.
When Emtee requested to have his awards back, they insisted that he return the car Ambitiouz Entertainment bought for him. The battle between Ambitiouz Entertainment and rapper Emtee is now being addressed by the courts.
Emtee bought his first car in 2016 after the huge success of his debut tracks. He later added a Mercedes-AMG A45, which cost an astounding R800,000 to his collection. Sadly, Emtee crashed both his cars and lost them in the process of repossessions. The rapper is notorious for getting into car crashes and lately survived his fifth car accident.
Emtee took the internet by storm after he posed in front of a stunning mansion speculated to be priced at around R4.5 million. Soon after the picture went viral, many started to congratulate the rapper. He quickly put the rumours to rest by saying the house is not his. Nonetheless, the star acquired his own Trap House Mansion, a two-story architectural wonder that shows he's pretty cushy right now.
With success from his debut album and consequent releases, his new record label, and brand endorsements, Emtee is estimated to be worth around R5 million or 350,000 USD. Emtee has worked hard to become a big player in the South African music industry. Even though fans are concerned about certain aspects of his life, he still manages to make great music that all of Mzansi enjoys. His new record label is set to change how the rapper makes music, and we're looking forward to it. Good luck, Emtee. We're with you!
These are the nominations and awards that Emtee has received:
2015: Song of the year at the South African Hip Hop Awards
2015: Best Remix 'Roll Up' at the South African Hip Hop Awards
2015: Best Hip Hop Album 'Avery' at Metro FM Music Awards
2015: Listeners Choice award at the Metro FM Music Awards
2016: Best New International Act at the 2016 BET Awards Viewers'
2016: Amstel Record of the Year at the 22nd South African Music Awards
2016: Best Rap Album at the 22nd South African Music Awards
2017: Nominated for Best Male Artiste in South Africa at the AFIRMA Awards
2019: Nominated for Best Hip Hop Album for DIY 2 at the SAMA Awards
Emtee's Instagram: @EmteeTheHustla
Emtee's Twitter: @EmteeRecords
How much is Emtee’s net worth?
With success from his debut album and consequent releases, his new record label, and brand endorsements, Emtee is estimated to be worth around R5 million or 350,000 USD.
How much does Emtee make monthly?
In 2016, Emtee made around $10,000. Since then, his income has skyrocketed. In 2020, his average earnings per month were between $5,000 to $10,000 which made his yearly revenue approximately $30,000 in 2020 and 2021.
Is Emtee Zulu or Xhosa?
Born in the Eastern Cape of Matatiele, Emtee is Xhosa.
Where is Emtee originally from?
Emtee is originally from the Eastern Cape of Matatiele, SA.
What car does Emtee drive?
Emtee drives a Mercedes-AMG A45, which is estimated to cost R800,000.
Emtee has been performing from a young age. At nine years old he held a stage performance at his primary school in the Eastern Cape. At 17, he became the youngest choir conductor of the Barnato Park High School choir. It's no wonder he became the great rapper and musician he is today.
Emtee was named Mthembeni Ndevu at birth. He got the name Emtee as a rapper. He was born in Matatiele in the Eastern Cape on 15th September 1992 which means Emtee’s age is 29. His family moved to Johannesburg for work and he stayed in Rockville, Soweto. Having come from the Eastern Cape of Matatiele, Emtee is Xhosa.
The rapper went to Yeoville Primary School in Johannesburg. His first taste of success was when he won a talent show for his stage performance. Emtee later went to Barnato Secondary School. He didn't care much about academics because he focused so much on his music. By then, he had also mastered different instruments.
Emtee was sold on the idea of pursuing a music career when he won a talent show at school when he was only nine. As he grew older, he learned the art of producing, recording, and delivering his lyrics through Zulu and English. He eventually joined a choir at Barnato in high school and became the youngest choir conductor due to his musical ear and understanding of the instruments.
When he was 17 years old, Emtee was part of the band, Marimba. Known to be the best in several inter-provincial competitions, he collected several awards. Emtee won cash prizes through these accolades and was further motivated to join the music industry. Emtee did a song with South African rapper Maraza in 2010 titled In It to Win It, which turned out to be a great hit.
Emtee released his single debut, Roll Up, in 2015 with Ambitiouz Records. This is the track that kick-started his career. It peaked at number one on YFM's DJ Speedsta's Hip Hop charts. Moreover, because it was downloaded over 500,000 times, RISA has certified it three times platinum. Talk about a career jump-start!
In the same year, the much-awaited debut album from Emtee finally dropped with the release of the track Avery, which the rapper lovingly named after his firstborn son. Much like his debut hit single, the album peaked in January 2016 and topped the South African Hip Hop Chart. By July that year, the album got certified by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) after it sold over 40,000 units.
We Up: We Up was a mega-hit by our biggest and most awarded artist in 2016. It speaks of his struggle on the way up and eventually his incredible and spectacular success.
Pearl Thusi: His song dedicated to Pearl Thusi's success went on to show that Emtee was not just the new kid on the block but that he was here to stay.
Abantu: The Emtee Abantu song had great visuals and lyrics and featured Snymaan and S'Villa from his 2018 project DIY 2.
Brand New Day: Rapper Emtee features Lolli in his song Brand New Day which went on to become a huge hit in 2020.
Manando: Manando was Emtee's second studio album released by Ambitiouz Entertainment in 2017. It featured guest appearances from Sjava and Saudi, as well as Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage.
Wave: The song Wave by Emtee started a new phase in his career. Having had differences with his former label, Ambitiouz Entertainment, the rapper ventured out as an independent artist with this song.
Emtee left Ambitiouz Records in 2019 amid tension between both parties. He went on to launch his label Emtee Records under his company, The African Trap Movement. He's already released two new singles under it, including Wave and Brand-New Day.
Working under his label has given the rapper a whole new lease of freedom, creating original and different music.
"It is going to be different because I have freedom of creativity now, freedom of speech. I'll be touching on important topics which I've always wanted to touch on as well as the fun ones," said Emtee on starting his label.
Emtee’s new album is called Logan. He has named it after his second son. Logan is his third studio album, released by Emtee Records in April 2021. It features guest appearances from Lolli Native, Moozlie, J Smash, Flash Ikumkani, as well as Malawian rapper Gwamba.
Here's a look at some of the Emtee Albums that have been setting the airways on fire:
Avery: Officially released in December 2015, the album was named after Emtee's firstborn son, Avery. Among the 16 tracks, some of the more notable songs from the album include Roll Up, We Up, Pearl Thusi, About Me, Dreams, Winning, Pray for Me, and Mama.
Manando: Manando, Emtee’s second album was released in September 2017. This 20-track album was named after Emtee's street brother, who died. Emtee wanted to honour Manando for standing by him when he was bullied and motivating him in his career.
Logan: The much-awaited album with Emtee’s new songs like Logan, carries the theme of acceptance, appreciation, and gratitude. The rapper expresses these sentiments throughout the 16-song tracklist.
Emtee has been in a long-term relationship with Nicole Kendall Chinsamy. They are blessed with two children, Avery, born in 2015, and Logan, who was born in 2018.
Emtee's girlfriend, Nicole, completed her studies in 2019. The two are now married. Their initial plan to wed was pushed back because Nicole was still in school. As Emtee explained, her girlfriend was very intentional about her studies: "Nicole wanted to complete her studies and start a business before she could walk down the aisle."
Something strange happened at the 15th South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAS) 2021. Emtee went MIA just moments before he was set to perform with Ami Faku. A whole lot of drama ensued backstage when the rapper disappeared. They were to perform their hit collaboration, Lala Ngoxolo, together that night. Furthermore, Emtee went missing while still in clothes and shoes borrowed from the costume department. Consequently, Ami Faku performed solo.
Recently, Emtee alleged that his wife, Nicole was abusive. Nicole came out and defended herself, a move that led Emtee to issue a public apology to his wife. He said: "I'd like to apologize to the mother of my children, my wife, Nicole. I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me. I love you, Mrs Ndevu.
The musician's controversial lifestyle has always been in the public eye. In 2018, a video of him being warned about his lifestyle by Lerato Kganyago emerged. Kganyago told him: "You're gonna die, whatever that you're drinking here, you're gonna die." The clip showed footage of him collapsing on stage. It made quite a stir in the entertainment industry and even led the media mogul Bob Mabena to send out a video pleading with Emtee to get some help.
In another occurrence, Emtee's drinking and substance abuse was laid bare in 2017 when the musician revealed his genitals by accident in an unfortunate Instagram live video. Fans suspected that he was intoxicated. He said he didn't regret it. His response was, "... it's more famous than a lot of people..."
Emtee's latest news emerges from his social media battle with his former employer, Ambitiouz Entertainment. Many artists have left the record label after it gained a reputation of being financially abusive to its artists.
Emtee's exit from Ambitiouz Entertainment ended in a Twitter battle. The rapper urged the record label to stop using his name to promote their artists. He also doesn't want them to take credit for his work.
He shared more during the SA Hip Hop Awards, "I remember my first win was at the South African Hip Hop Awards. I was very happy, and everyone congratulated me while I had the award in my hand. The boss man then comes up behind and says, 'Give me what's mine.' When I checked, the award had my name on it." He has even challenged the Ambitiouz Entertainment founder to a boxing match.
When Emtee requested to have his awards back, they insisted that he return the car Ambitiouz Entertainment bought for him. The battle between Ambitiouz Entertainment and rapper Emtee is now being addressed by the courts.
Emtee bought his first car in 2016 after the huge success of his debut tracks. He later added a Mercedes-AMG A45, which cost an astounding R800,000 to his collection. Sadly, Emtee crashed both his cars and lost them in the process of repossessions. The rapper is notorious for getting into car crashes and lately survived his fifth car accident.
Emtee took the internet by storm after he posed in front of a stunning mansion speculated to be priced at around R4.5 million. Soon after the picture went viral, many started to congratulate the rapper. He quickly put the rumours to rest by saying the house is not his. Nonetheless, the star acquired his own Trap House Mansion, a two-story architectural wonder that shows he's pretty cushy right now.
With success from his debut album and consequent releases, his new record label, and brand endorsements, Emtee is estimated to be worth around R5 million or 350,000 USD. Emtee has worked hard to become a big player in the South African music industry. Even though fans are concerned about certain aspects of his life, he still manages to make great music that all of Mzansi enjoys. His new record label is set to change how the rapper makes music, and we're looking forward to it. Good luck, Emtee. We're with you!
These are the nominations and awards that Emtee has received:
2015: Song of the year at the South African Hip Hop Awards
2015: Best Remix 'Roll Up' at the South African Hip Hop Awards
2015: Best Hip Hop Album 'Avery' at Metro FM Music Awards
2015: Listeners Choice award at the Metro FM Music Awards
2016: Best New International Act at the 2016 BET Awards Viewers'
2016: Amstel Record of the Year at the 22nd South African Music Awards
2016: Best Rap Album at the 22nd South African Music Awards
2017: Nominated for Best Male Artiste in South Africa at the AFIRMA Awards
2019: Nominated for Best Hip Hop Album for DIY 2 at the SAMA Awards
Emtee's Instagram: @EmteeTheHustla
Emtee's Twitter: @EmteeRecords
How much is Emtee’s net worth?
With success from his debut album and consequent releases, his new record label, and brand endorsements, Emtee is estimated to be worth around R5 million or 350,000 USD.
How much does Emtee make monthly?
In 2016, Emtee made around $10,000. Since then, his income has skyrocketed. In 2020, his average earnings per month were between $5,000 to $10,000 which made his yearly revenue approximately $30,000 in 2020 and 2021.
Is Emtee Zulu or Xhosa?
Born in the Eastern Cape of Matatiele, Emtee is Xhosa.
Where is Emtee originally from?
Emtee is originally from the Eastern Cape of Matatiele, SA.
What car does Emtee drive?
Emtee drives a Mercedes-AMG A45, which is estimated to cost R800,000.
