Born in Nigeria, the 27-year-old’s vibrant creations are an Afropop dream. Bringing the visceral sounds of Lagos into the global mainstream, Santi is a key player in the alté scene within a boundary-breaking new wave of Nigerian creatives. Having moved to Dubai a few years ago, the vibrant star has fused the inspirations of his rich heritage with varied Western influences, and has formed an innovative new vibe. So let Santi be your Internet Guide, and find out the memes and dreams behind the star…
What would you like to see more of online? What about less of?
I would like to see more memes and more videos showing life hacks or the good side of humans, I would like to see less of war and sadness.
What or who is the best account you follow? The worst?
The best account I follow goes to my friends, I feel like my twitter makes me know everything going on in every part of the world, from news to memes and videos making them laugh. I have friends spread across different parts of the world, so just seeing what makes them laugh, or the stuff going on in their country, makes it really good.
The worst account I follow is probably Arsenal, the football club I support, they were on a crazy streak of losses last season, so anytime I see anything from them I get upset.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve read about yourself online?
I have a cult and practice dark magic.
What’s your favourite meme?
My favourite meme has to be the kid holding the cutlass and crying, it is literally the funniest thing in the world.
What’s your earliest memory of the Internet?
I remember watching cartoons on cable and at the break, they tell you to go visit their website to play all the games, that really got me excited.
Is the Internet a good or bad thing for music?
It is the best thing, and it is also a key part of how we share our music. It literally allows anybody from any part of the world to find you, learn more about you, and share your music with other people
How many followers represent success?
I don’t think followers represent success per se. Someone could have 10k followers and those followers could make more noise than someone who has over a million followers. It isn’t about the number of followers you have, I feel it’s the cause of the following that determines success, if all your followers are following you for a genuine cause and know what you do, learn from you and push you in their own ways, that is success.
Finally…what’s going on in your life?
I dropped my first ever album earlier this year, and I am about to embark on another journey because of this album. It feels very exciting but at the same time nervous: its all part of it. I am looking forward to making the best memories out of all of this.
Watch Santi’s new video for ‘Raw Dinner’ below, and follow him on Instagram here.
