In the heart of Soweto’s vibrant township, nestled in Senaone, emerges the prodigious talent, Anele Mbishe, known to the world as Saudi. Born and bred in this cultural hub, Saudi’s journey from the narrow streets of Senaone to becoming a Hip-Hop/RnB linchpin is nothing short of extraordinary.
Rooted in a family that breathed music, Saudi’s early exposure to a diverse collection of records featuring legends like Brenda Fassie, Michael Jackson, and Nina Simone sparked a profound passion for music, steering him towards a career in the industry.
At the tender age of 13, this now 28-year-old artist recorded his first song on an electronic keyboard, laying the foundation for what would become an illustrious musical journey. In 2011, during his high school years, Saudi took a significant step by joining forces with fellow young rappers, forming the crew known as Ozmuzik Victory Lane Over Everything (O.V.L.O.E). This collective played a pivotal role in honing his skills as both a rapper and a beatmaker.
In 2020, Saudi ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing his record label, “OVLOE Monopoly,” after parting ways with Ambitiouz Entertainment, the label that introduced him to South Africa and the world. The moniker “OVLOE Monopoly” symbolizes Saudi’s commitment to monopolizing the music scene with his unique sound.
Saudi’s musical evolution led him to create a distinctive sound called “Japan Four,” a fusion of R&B, trap music, and alternative Afro sounds. More than just beats and lyrics, his music incorporates unconventional elements and contemporary sounds, complemented by ad-libs that enrich and complete each composition.
Joining forces with the award-winning record label, Ambitiouz Entertainment, Saudi showcased his talent by contributing catchy hooks to some of the label’s biggest hits, such as “Washa” by Dj Citi Lyts, “Couldn’t” by A-Reece, and “Dreams” and “Pray for Me” by Emtee. His collaborations extended to hits like “Ameni” and “Phumelela” by Miss Pru.
Saudi’s debut single under Ambitiouz Entertainment, “There She Go,” garnered over a million views on YouTube, setting the stage for his first body of work, “D.R.U.G.S INC.” Released as an acronym for “Devil’s Revenge Upon God’s Servant Is Not Crime,” this 17-track album is a poignant reflection of Saudi’s upbringing and life experiences.
The album features collaborations with award-winning artists Emtee and Sjava, showcasing Saudi’s ability to connect with industry heavyweights. In a surprising turn of events in early 2018, Saudi found himself featured on the Grammy-nominated “Black Panther” soundtrack alongside artists like Sjava and Babes Wodumo. The track “X” by Kendrick Lamar, featuring Saudi, 2Chainz, and Schoolboy Q, reached over 200 million streams and earned platinum certification in the United States.
Saudi’s influence extends beyond music platforms, as he has garnered thousands of fans across social media and streaming platforms. Through his “DRUGS INC” documentary on YouTube, he has connected with fans on a personal level, sharing the stories behind his music.
Excitingly, Saudi made a comeback in 2023 with the collaborative release “Hell Of A Night,” a music video with award-winning South African producer MashBeatz, serving as the lead single for their 7-track collaborative album “Sawfside.” Later in December 2023, he released his second studio album, “Msotra Don’t Die,” featuring 18 tracks, marking a significant chapter in his evolving musical journey.
Saudi’s artistry transcends boundaries, proving that being different and staying true to one’s art can lead to massive success. With each release, Saudi invites audiences into the intricate tapestry of his life, his roots, and the resilience that has propelled him to become the remarkable artist he is today.
Saudi is a game-changer in the hip-hop industry and yet underrated
Saudi’s authenticity shines through his music, and your article perfectly captures the authenticity of both the artist and your writing.