Nigerian singer and rapper, Babalola Falemi popularly known Sinzu, has narrated his ordeal in the US federal prison.
Sinzu, formerly known as Sauce Kid was sentenced to two years in prison in 2017 after pleading guilty to aggravated identity theft.
He was charged with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, eight counts each of bank fraud and aggravated identity theft, and possession of 15 or more fraudulent bank cards.
Sinzu was however released in 2018 after serving a two year jail term for stealing $15,388 using stolen credit card numbers.
In a recent interview with Cool FM, the rapper said his prison experience was “terrible”, adding that he has also learnt never to do what will take him “back there again”.
“I was accused of something called identity theft and I was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison. That was a lot of time to get my head together and reflect. I came out and that is behind,” he said.
“It was a terrible experience for me I learnt from it because in every negative situation you should be able to take a positive out of it, otherwise it’s a waste of time. I learnt how to never go back there, it was not fun over there.”
Asked about how he felt when his mugshots went viral on the internet, Sauce Kid said he did not see it because it came out “10 months into my sentence”.
“I did not see it is because I was already inside but when my mugshot came out, it was like 10 months into my sentence,” he said.
Known for his unique style and lyrical prowess, Sinzu burst onto the music scene with his debut single “Yebariba Samboribobo.” His witty lyrics and catchy beats quickly garnered a massive following. Sauce Kid’s blend of Nigerian and Western influences set him apart, making him a household name in no time.
Sinzu’s rise to fame was marked by his hit tracks like “Under G,” “Omoge Wa Jo,” and “Carolina” featuring Davido. His debut album, African American, showcased his versatility and solidified his place in the Nigerian music industry.
Sinzu’s influence on the Nigerian rap scene is undeniable. He paved the way for many upcoming artists and remains a source of inspiration for his creativity and perseverance.
Sinzu was still trying to find his footing in the music industry before his incarceration.