Growing up in the melting pot that is the United Arab Emirates, Tayeb Santo’s story is one of cultural fusion and originality. Known online as @SantoxSanto, the artist has been quietly carving a niche for himself in the Arab hip-hop scene, thanks to his capability and art of mixing languages, rhythms, and perspectives that reflect the multicultural world he comes from.
“Growing up in the UAE exposed me to so many cultures and sounds. I was surrounded by people from every background, so my identity and music naturally became a mix of everything — Arabic, French, English, African rhythms. The UAE taught me how to blend worlds and still stay true to where I come from,” he says.
From Bedroom Mic to Big Stages
Like many self-made artists, Tayeb’s journey started humbly, with a cheap mic, a dream, and unwavering drive. “The turning point was when I started performing and seeing real reactions — people who didn’t even know me singing my lyrics. That’s when I realized it’s bigger than just me in my room recording. It’s a purpose, not just a hobby,” he reflects.
Tayeb’s fluency in multiple Arabic dialects adds a rare versatility to his craft: “It gives me range. I can switch between Algerian, Khaleeji, or even Egypo slang depending on the vibe. It lets me connect with different crowds and gives my songs identity — I can tell a story in my language but still make it sound international.”
His online alias, Santox Santo, carries personal meaning that mirrors his artistic philosophy. “‘San-to-x’ was originally just a twist of my name, Tayeb Santo, but the ‘X’ became more symbolic later. It represents evolution and crossing worlds, between cultures, genres, and languages. ‘Santo’ itself means ‘saint,’ so it’s kind of like light and duality.”
He draws inspiration from both global hip-hop icons and Arab trailblazers. “Globally: Asap Rocky, JID, Denzel Curry, and Schoolboy Q. Regionally: Abyusif, ElGrandeToto, and Marwan Pablo — they showed me you can be Arab and still make global-sounding hip-hop.”
Breaking Barriers in the Middle East
The artist acknowledges that building a music career in the Middle East comes with unique challenges. Highlighting the hardest part, he said it was building without a real industry around him, with no structure, no labels, no roadmap.
“You have to be the artist, manager, and director at once. But that’s what made me independent — I learned to build systems from scratch.”
But nothing stopped him. Despite those challenges in his way, Tayeb was and is optimistic about where the music scene is headed.
“It’s growing fast. There’s more confidence, more originality. I see it moving from copying Western styles to creating our own sound — one that represents Arab youth, our slang, our stories. I think the UAE will be one of the main hubs for that.”
There’s a lot under his kitty for the future as he is leaving no stone unturned in expanding his creative vision beyond music. “I’m working on new music that blends Arabic and French even more naturally. Also expanding my creative direction — events, fashion, workshops — everything that pushes culture forward, not just music.”
Furthermore, when I asked him about his dream collaborations, he had a quick response, a reveal that strikes a balance between global ambition and regional respect. “Asap Rocky or Big Sean. Marwan Pablo or Abyusif,” he exclaims.
To put an end, Santo also shared one of his favorite places to perform in the UAE, adding, it’s “SOLE DXB”, which is not just a stage according to him, but it’s culture.
“The crowd actually understands the movement and energy behind what we do.”
Tayeb Santo’s journey reflects the evolution of Arab hip-hop itself — experimental and deeply rooted in identity. As he continues to blur boundaries between languages and cultures, he’s not just building a sound, he is ready to take over the music scene, build a community around him, and inspire the next gen as well.
