2011–2016: Ozzy B to Santi, Suzie's Funeral, Gangsta Fear In 2011, he launched his music career as a rapper on
SoundCloud, with the stage name Ozzy B. On 13 September 2011, he released a 21-track mixtape titled
Diaries of a Loner, on SoundCloud. In review for We Plug Good Music, Neefemi, said "the project is one of Nigeria’s best mixtapes with time". On 29 September 2013, he released his second mixtape
Birth of Santi. In 2016, he changed his stage name to Santi, with the release of his first extended play ''Suzie's Funeral'', through Monster Boy on 30 June 2016. On 29 June 2016, "Gangsta Fear" a song of his own composition, co-written by
Odunsi the Engine, breakout from
SoundCloud, with elements of afro-dancehall. Following the release of the music video directed by Falomo and Santi himself. The record became a commercial success in the alternative music scene, in
Nigeria, and
Britain.
2017–2018: OVO Sounds, Beat 1, Concerts, Rapid Fire In 2017, he opened for
Skepta’s at
Our Homecoming concert in Nigeria. On 1 April 2017, " Jungle Fever", and "Gangsta Fear" was aired on
OVO Sound’s Episode 40. On 22 December 2017, he opened for
Burna Boy,
Skepta, and
J Hus at the second edition of Nativeland concert. On 29 December 2017, he opened for
Show Dem Camp at The Palmwine Music Fest, alongside Bez, Ajebutter22, Lady Donli, Odunsi, Tomi Thomas, among others. On 21 January 2018, Santino, Odunsi, MAKA, and
Lady Donli, covers the Guardian Life Magazine, Vibes Of The New Age edition, where they spoke about their plans for the future. On 2 November 2018, as Santi, he released "Rapid Fire", featuring
Shane Eagle,
Tomi Agape, and
Amaarae through Monster Boy, and produced by Genio Bambino. On 23 November 2018, the music video for "Rapid Fire" was released, and self-directed by Santino, as Santi. After his interview with
Julie Adenuga, and
Ebro Darden, on
Apple Music 1, he gained international awareness. In 2018, he signed a partnership deal with the North Carolina–based imprint Immaculate Taste, and rereleased ''Suzie's Funeral''. with special appearances from
DRAM,
GoldLink,
Tay Iwar,
Amaarae, Krisirie,
Nonso Amadi, Bridge,
Shane Eagle,
Kida Kudz, Seki, and
Tomi Agape. With production credits from Odunsi(The Engine),
GMK, Higo, LeMav, DOZ, and Genio Bambino. Mandy & The Jungle, was cited as one of
the Guardian albums and tracks of 2019. On 28 August 2019, Santino, credited as Santi, directed "U Say" music video by
GoldLink, featuring
Tyler, The Creator, and Jay Prince, off
Diaspora studio album. On 6 February 2020, Santi on the lineup of
Lovebox Festival, set to take place at
Gunnersbury Park in
London, from June 12–14. Following the outbreak of the ongoing spread of coronavirus, the festival was cancelled. On 3 November 2019, he performed at Day n Vegas Festival at
Las Vegas Festival Grounds, and opened for
Tyler, The Creator, and
Doja Cat. On 10 November 2020, he performed at the Gnaw Stage, of the
Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival. On 5 December 2019, he headline his first show in
London, titled No Tears In The Jungle, at
Islington Assembly Hall. On 3 March 2020, Santi reveals his plan, to create a TV show about Nigerian youth culture. He tells
Crack Magazine, "That’s where my heart is right now. In Nigeria, we have never had a show about high school, sexuality and drugs. I feel like the kids need a safe space, something to explore and escape to." On 19 May 2020, he tweeted "U Guy's I had to change my name to Cruel Santino, cause of one man in Spain, he didn't want to free the name for me. On 30 May 2020, he starred in The Late Night Show with Daisy Ola, where he played numerous characters as Hamma Santino, Santino Criminal, Santino and the leader, Cruel Santino. On 19 June 2020, Cruel Santino unveiled the joint venture deal with Interscope Records, and Monster Boy, with the release of "End of The Wicked", featuring
Octavian.
Since 2021: Publishing deal, Subaru Boys : FINAL HEAVEN On 17 February 2021, following the publishing partnership between
Warner Chappell Music, and
Love Renaissance, Monster Boys collective (Cruel Santino,
GMK, and Genio Bambino) signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music. On 4 March 2022, he released his anticipated studio album
Subaru Boys : FINAL HEAVEN, through
Interscope Records, with guest appearances from Brazy, Maison2500, Bratzbih, Seo, Ebee,
Koffee,
Gus Dapperton,
Amaarae, Chi Virgo, Solis, and
Skepta. On 10 February 2023, Santino released "Showmetheway!!" featuring Poco Lee, and produced by
GMK for Monster Boy. ==Artistry==