Emtee Reflects On 10 Years In The Industry And Battling Stigma. South African rapper Emtee, born Mthembeni Ndevu, recently opened up about his decade-long journey in the music industry. Reflecting on the significant milestone of reaching 10 years in the game, the “Roll Up” hitmaker addressed his challenges and the misconceptions that have hindered his progress.
In an interview, Emteee expressed that while 2025 marks a decade of his career, there are still certain goals he has yet to accomplish. The multi-award-winning artist candidly shared, “There are certain things that I have not managed to achieve because I don’t know, a lot of people like to say because I get high.” This stigma, Emtee revealed, has often been used as a scapegoat for unfulfilled obligations by others in the industry.
“At the same time, I’m thinking, this weed cost millions, and people owe me,” he said, hinting at the financial impact and the debts owed to him. Emtee lamented the constant narrative used against him, explaining that excuses like, “he’s high, he didn’t make it to the interview,” or “he was late for the show, he is high,” have been prevalent throughout his career.
Despite these challenges, Emteee remained resilient. “I have to overcome that and so many other things prior to 2015,” he remarked, referencing the era before his breakout hit “Roll Up” catapulted him into stardom. The rapper’s reflections highlight the personal battles he has faced while trying to maintain his status in the South African music scene.
Emtee’s journey has been marked by both commercial success and public scrutiny. Yet, his tenacity and unwavering dedication to his craft have kept him at the forefront of South African hip-hop. As he steps into the next chapter of his career, Emtee’s reflections serve as a reminder of the challenges that many artists face behind the scenes, and the strength it takes to persevere against the odds.
With his loyal fanbase and a legacy of chart-topping hits, Emtee’s decade-long presence in the industry is a testament to his talent and resilience. As he continues to push forward, the rapper’s focus remains on overcoming obstacles and achieving the milestones that have so far eluded him.