Osayaba Andrew Ize-Iyamu, better known by his stage name Cruel Santino, is a Nigerian alternative singer-songwriter, rapper and director. He is a member of Monster Boys collective, with music producers Genio Bambino, and GMK. As a teenager, he developed a passion not just for music but also for film and storytelling, which later shaped his signature style of producing cinematic music videos that often feel like mini-movies. In his personal life, Santino is known to be extremely private, rarely speaking about his family or relationships, choosing instead to let his art define him. He has a unique sense of fashion and self-expression that aligns with his role as one of the pioneers of the Nigerian Alté movement, a cultural wave built on freedom, individuality, and pushing against mainstream boundaries. Beyond music, he is also a director and often works on visual projects for himself and others through his creative collective, drawing inspiration from anime, Nollywood, and global pop culture. In 2019, he rebranded from “Santi” to Cruel Santino, a move that symbolized his growth and evolution as an artist. Today, he is celebrated not only for his boundary-pushing sound but also for the way he has shaped the Alté scene into a global conversation, even though he still isn’t given the full spotlight he deserves.
Four: FINAL CHAMPION
“Final Champion,” produced by Tyler Turner and co-written by Cruel Santino (Osayaba Ize-Iyamu), is the tenth track on his 2022 concept album Subaru Boys: FINAL HEAVEN, officially released on March 4, 2022 . This song quickly emerged as a standout anthem within the Alté scene—it’s often hailed as the project’s lead single and is frequently referenced as the track with the strongest recall value. Santino delivers a fierce, rapid-fire flow that blends hip-hop cadence with nostalgic 90s rap influences—his rhythmic delivery and infectious chorus make the song persist in the mind long after it ends. It has garnered over 2.6M streams on spotify and over 107K views on it’s Official Visualizer on Youtube. Lyrically rich with Yoruba, pidgin, and poetic swagger, he raps about invincibility and self-worth. Critics and fans alike view it as an Alté anthem that embodies community pride—“Subaru Boys”—and stands out for how it captured the movement’s zeitgeist. In essence, “Final Champion” is a masterclass in sonic boldness and local lyricism—an energizing track whose memorable hook, fresh blend of genres, and conceptual bravado helped propel Cruel Santino’s Subaru Boys: FINAL HEAVEN into alté lore.
FYI
- Cruel Santino is widely regarded as the trailblazing face of Nigeria’s Alté movement. He isn’t just a musician—he’s a visionary. He’s reshaping Nigeria’s creative landscape with his genre-bending art, experimental visual storytelling, and bold self-expression.
Three: Borderline by Boj ft. Cruel Santino
“Borderline,” a sultry and evocative track released on July 25, 2024, is featured on Boj’s album 12 Summers (and its Deluxe edition) and showcases a dynamic collaboration with Cruel Santino. “Borderline” with Boj in 2024 didn’t just drop as another collab; it came at a key moment in Cruel Santino’s career. By then, Santino was already established as the face of Nigeria’s Alté movement, but he was often seen as a niche artist—someone loved for his experimental sound yet not always fully embraced by the mainstream. Teaming up with Boj, who himself is a respected Alté pioneer, gave Santino a chance to bridge audiences. This track has garnered over 1.3M streams on spotify and over 20K views on it’s Official Lyrics video on YouTube. Written collaboratively by Mobolaji Odojukan, Tim Lyre, Oluwademilade Alabi, and Osayaba Ize-Iyamu (Cruel Santino himself), the track highlights his lyrical versatility and creative input beyond just performance. The song’s smooth blend of Afrobeats and Alté vibes made it more accessible to a wider audience, showing that Santino could shine in a groovy, romantic setting while still keeping his trademark style. Because Boj’s 12 Summers album had significant anticipation, “Borderline” became one of the standout tracks that introduced Santino’s artistry to new listeners, especially those who may not have been deep into the Alté scene before.
Two: The Shift by Cruel Santino, Jeriq, and Vivendii Sound
Released on July 10, 2025, “The Shift” is a captivating new track by Vivendii Sound, featuring vibrant contributions from Cruel Santino, Jeriq, and Knucks. Sonically, the track is both polished and emotionally charged: Santino’s signature experimental flair blends seamlessly with Jeriq’s lyrical grace and Knucks’s UK-tone edge, all anchored by Vivendii Sound’s sleek production. It has garnered over 185K streams on spotify and over 14K views on it’s Official Visualizer on Youtube. Wrapped in vibrant energy—its valence score hits 94%, while its danceability (63%) and energy (62%) make it feel both infectious and emotionally resonant. Released under VVS Recording with exclusive licensing to NQ Records, this collaboration marks a major cross-border moment, blending Nigerian Alté vibes with international rap and hip-hop elements. Cruel Santino’s role as a featured vocalist inherently contributes to the song’s collaborative energy and dynamic interplay between the artists. This track is a standout convergence of talents, highlighting how Santino continues to push creative boundaries and flourish in diverse collaborative spaces.
Awards/Nominations
Cruel Santino—formerly known as Santi—is making major moves in the Nigerian music scene, and it’s paying off with some serious recognition.
- In 2022, he earned a nod at the African Entertainment Awards USA for Video Director of the Year, showcasing not just his musical talents but also his visual artistry.
- The next year, his artistry was again spotlighted at The Headies 2023, where his standout track “FINAL CHAMPION” was nominated for Best Alternative Song, and his ambitious project Subaru Boys: FINAL HEAVEN was up for Best Alternative Album.
- Though he didn’t walk away with the awards, these nods are a huge testament to his influence in shaping alté culture in Nigeria and beyond—with recognition spanning both his music and direction, honey.
Discography
- Mandy & The Jungle (2019)
- Subaru Boys: FINAL HEAVEN (2022)
One: DOG EAT DOG II by ODUMODUBLVCK Ft. Cruel Santino & Bella Shmurda
“Dog Eat Dog II” is the high-octane remix to Odumodublvck’s 2022 breakout hit, released on May 29, 2023 under NATIVE Records. Featuring powerhouse verses from Cruel Santino and Bella Shmurda, this track served as a street anthem for Nigerians. Thematically, the song uses the metaphor of dogs in competition to portray the ruthless dynamics of the music industry—how some bite down on others, only to be bitten back. It has garnered over 35M streams on spotify and over 12M views on it’s Official Music Video on YouTube. Odumodublvck himself described it as a spiritual collaboration of “three wise men coming together,” expressing gratitude to Santino and Bella Shmurda for elevating the record and expanding its reach. Critics also praised the electric chemistry between the three artists, who each delivered intense, complementary verses that made the remix stand out and feel like a true “dog feast” of talent. Cruel Santino isn’t just featured on the track—he brings his alté flair and lyrical prowess, adding authentic verses that mesh seamlessly with Odumodublvck’s raw energy and Bella Shmurda’s street-centric flow. He’s also credited as one of the songwriters, alongside Odumodublvck and Bella Shmurda. On the video front, Santino elevates the artistry behind the lens. Satino directed and edited the music video, crafting a cinematic world that blends old Nollywood nostalgia with edgy, modern visuals.