Emtee – SA’s best-selling hip-hop artist, shares a few secrets of life as a superstar

Hailing from the small Eastern Cape town of Matatiele and growing up in Yeoville, Mthembeni Ndevu, better known as Emtee, has blown up the SA hip- hop scene with massive hits like ‘Pearl Thusi’ and ‘Roll Up’, reaching Platinum just six months after release. Emtee recently released a number-one single called #GhettoHero, and sat down with us to share the message he hopes to send out with the track. AutoTrader also asked him about his music and car choices.

Autotrader SA:  Hey Emtee!

Emtee: Wassup…

Autotrader SA: Glad you could join us! The first question is about your new track called #GhettoHero. What was the inspiration behind it?

Emtee: Well, there’s plenty of superheroes out there: Hulk, Spiderman, and there’s a new African one, Black Panther, but here in South Africa don’t really have our own superhero, someone that could be made into an action figure. You know, Steve Biko could have been one, we really should acknowledge our heroes. They don’t do it for money or to be famous - they do it to make someone else day. With the song, I was just wanting to shine the light on the people who are hustling to help others, to acknowledge our local heroes who do it for the people, and not for objects or money.

Autotrader SA: Well, you did that all right, the song is blowing up just like your previous hits. So what music do you listen to while you’re driving?

Emtee: Most people might be surprised, but I’ve only just started listening to my own music because I’ve only just started to be a fan of it! I’m starting to see that people like me and the music I make. I was just doing it but wasn’t really into it, but now I actually listen to the stuff I make now.

Autotrader SA: Don’t sell yourself short man - people love your music!

EmTee: Fans don’t know this, but I am not really that outgoing - I stay at home a lot. I make my music at home, I am a family man, a father. In this industry, people my age expect me to be into partying, but I am a father now, and I am just enjoying the responsibility and I like being at home.

Autotrader SA: So what do you guys listen to when you are on the road?

Emtee: Well, anything hip-hop you know, it has to be hype! It’s gotta be get-up and-go, like Trap. So if I am going somewhere in a rush, I know I gotta get there quickly and the music sort of drives you. It makes you feel superhuman.

Autotrader SA:  So we heard that you drive a Mercedes-Benz. What is you favourite thing about it?

Emtee: My favourite thing? I like the options I have, like the sunroof.

I can also switch the Benz from Auto to Manual or to Sport. I love my Mercedes! People tend to take you seriously when you have a Merc. I grew up as a quiet kid and I’ve only recently gotten some self-esteem. The Merc has really helped with that. It’s like a sign that says I’ve made it.

Autotrader SA: So, have you ever done anything bad in your car?

Emtee: You know, I always tell myself that I am not going to smoke in the car, but every now and then I’ll break the rules.

Autotrader SA: What about speeding?

Emee: Nah man… I am a pretty cautious driver - even when I am late, some of the guys are like, “Step on it man”, but I just like to cruise, you know.

Autotrader SA: So if money was no object, what would your dream car be?

Emtee: I actually wouldn’t buy a car, I would get a state-of-the-art double-decker bus, kit it out with everything and make it a tour bus. Then I’ll just travel, live on the road and live out my dreams! I’ve got the crew that travels with me and that’s what we’d do, just travel, man.

Autotrader SA: Well, thanks Emtee, it’s been a pleasure!

Emtee: No, thank you.