TAYEB SANTO

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE MOMENT YOU REALIZED YOU WANTED TO PURSUE MUSIC?

I started rapping when I was young, but it wasn't until I came back from Malaysia in 2016 after finishing my bachelor's degree that I saw how much hip-hop was growing in the GCC. Everyone was using YouTube, and the numbers were way higher than before, especially for underground artists like us. This gave me hope for a better future in hip-hop. Since then, I've been trying to make my mark in the local and regional hip-hop scene.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE MUSIC THAT YOU MAKE?

I describe my music as unpredictable, experimental, nostalgic, funny, and energetic. I'm on a mission to carve out my own lane and focus on a specific vibe, which I think is the ultimate challenge as an artist. To grow and reach new heights, I believe in evolving my sound smartly.

Finding my musical identity in the UAE has been tricky. I'm Algerian but grew up in Sharjah, and I've lived in Malaysia, the USA, and the UK for my studies. My music reflects this diverse background, as I rap in Emirati, Darja, and classic Arabic dialects. It's a blend of cultures and languages that I'm proud to carry with me—it's who I am as a person, and it represents the essence of the UAE.

WHAT ARE SOME KEY ELEMENTS THAT DRIVE YOU TO CONTINUE MAKING MUSIC?

What keeps me going in music is my passion for it and the fact that I can actually make a living doing what I love. Music has taken me to places and introduced me to people I never imagined meeting—I'm truly grateful for that. It empowers me and boosts my confidence because it's something I'm good at and always improving in.

Expressing my uniqueness and personality through music is what fascinates me the most. Where I come from, many doubted that you could make a career out of music, but now, because of my talent and energy, people respect and show love for what I do. It's crazy to see how far I've come.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE BIGGEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER SO FAR?

I've had many experiences that shaped where I am today, but one recent highlight stands out: my collaboration with ‘du’ on a commercial project. It was a proud moment for me to see Emirati hip-hop transition from underground to mainstream, and to create a song for such a prominent company in the UAE like ‘du’—it was truly an honor.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS WHEN WRITING OR MAKING MUSIC? HAS IT ALWAYS BEEN THE SAME?

My creative process usually starts with searching for beats, then freestyling and mumbling over them until I catch a vibe. Once I have that, I start structuring the song and eventually, head to my friend Saif's studio in Ajman to lay down the tracks.

When it comes to writing lyrics, I like to change up my environment. I'd write in my room, take walks on the beach, drive around in my car, or just stroll through the neighborhood. Most of my time is spent writing.

Sometimes, a random line will pop into my head, and I'll jot it down in my notes to use later.

WALK US THROUGH YOUR LATEST RELEASE ‘UMORAK TAYBA’

I was approached by ‘du’ to create a rap song embodying the phrase 'Umorak Tayba,' which means 'Everything is alright' in Arabic. To switch things up, I chose a boom bap beat, crafted simple yet catchy lyrics, and added a memorable hook. After sending the first draft, they loved it, and the rest is history.

WHICH MUSIC VIDEO WAS YOUR FAVORITE TO WORK ON AND WHY?

I'd say 'MajaNeeN' is one of my favorites. I collaborated with director Mark Issa on this one. I sent him the song via WhatsApp, and he immediately called me, saying we had to shoot it once I was back in town.

At the time, I was studying in England, but was due to visit my family in the UAE for a week. We planned the shoot with no budget, just pure passion. I drove all the way from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi, and Mark gathered a team of friends to help us out. It was a long day, but we had a blast!

WHAT MAKES YOUR MUSIC DIFFERENT TO THAT OF YOUR MUSICAL PEERS?

I believe what sets me apart is my diverse beat selection, the depth of my lyrics, and the energy I bring. My North African roots also play a huge part in shaping and crafting my music. Growing up and being exposed to a wide range of music has shaped me, not just as an artist, but also in terms of mentality. I think this is what makes me stand out from other rappers.

WHAT CAN FAN AND FOLLOWERS EXPECT WHEN ATTENDING YOUR SHOWS?

My performances are all about bringing high fun energy and unexpected moments to the stage. My best friend, Maxi Zee, is also a rapper and has been performing for years. He's always teaching me new tricks to spice up our shows, and whenever we hit the stage together, we both elevate our performance game.

IF YOU COULD CHOOSE ANY COUNTRY TO PERFORM IN NEXT, WHICH ONE WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

I've set my sights on performing in Saudi Arabia because there's a vibrant youth crowd hungry for shows, which aligns perfectly with the type of music I make and perform. I also grew up listening to the Saudi hip-hop scene, so it's a place that holds a special influence on my music.