Mthembeni Ndevu, professionally known as Emtee (stylized as eMTee), is a South African rapper widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the country’s music scene. Born in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, and raised in Rockville, Soweto, Emtee discovered his passion for music early on, participating in talent shows as a child.
His career took off at the age of 17, but it was in 2015 that he made a breakthrough with his debut hit single, “Roll Up.” The song gained massive popularity and led to his signing with Ambitiouz Entertainment. That same year, he released his debut studio album, Avery, which became a commercial success and was later certified platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA). The album featured hit singles like “Roll Up” and “We Up,” solidifying his place in the hip-hop industry.
Emtee – Albums in Order
- Emtee – DIY (Mixtape) 2015
- Emtee – Avery – 2015
- Emtee – Manando – 2017
- Emtee – DIY II – 2018
- Emtee – LOGAN – 2021
- Emtee – Cold Winter – EP – 2024
- Emtee – Truth from a Liar – EP – 2024
- Emtee – DIY 3 – 2024
- Emtee – LiveWLosses – EP – 2025
In 2017, Emtee released his second studio album, Manando, named after his late childhood friend. The album received widespread acclaim for its introspective storytelling and authentic sound. The following year, he dropped his second mixtape, DIY 2 (2018), with the lead single “Abantu.”
After parting ways with Ambitiouz Entertainment in 2019, Emtee took control of his career and launched his independent record label, Emtee Records. Under his own imprint, he released his third studio album, Logan (2021), which debuted at number 1 in South Africa. The album was a deeply personal project reflecting on his journey and overcoming life’s struggles.
Continuing his legacy, Emtee released his long-awaited project, DIY 3, on October 31, 2024, marking the third installment of his DIY mixtape series. With his unique blend of trap and introspective lyricism, Emtee remains a dominant force in South African hip-hop.