Sauce Kid on Prison Ordeal: ‘I Learned How to Never Go Back’

Nigerian singer and rapper Sinzu, formerly known as Sauce Kid, has opened up about his harrowing experience in US federal prison. His prison stint, which began in 2017, stemmed from his guilty plea to aggravated identity theft. The charges included conspiracy to commit bank fraud, multiple counts of bank fraud, and possession of fraudulent bank cards.

Sinzu’s sentence, spanning two years, was for stealing $15,388 using stolen credit card details. He was released in 2018 after serving his term. In a recent Cool FM interview, Sinzu described his prison experience as “terrible” and emphasized the lessons learned from it.

“I was convicted of identity theft and sentenced to 24 months in federal prison. It was a tough period for me, but it gave me time to reflect,” Sinzu shared. “It was a terrible experience, but every negative situation has a lesson. I learned never to return to that life. It was not enjoyable.”

Sinzu also addressed the viral spread of his mugshots, revealing that he only saw them ten months into his sentence. “I didn’t see the mugshots until much later because I was already incarcerated when they went viral,” he noted.

Known for his unique musical style, Sinzu made a splash with his debut single “Yebariba Samboribobo.” His blend of Nigerian rhythms and Western influences quickly gained him a massive following. Hits like “Under G,” “Omoge Wa Jo,” and “Carolina” featuring Davido cemented his status in the Nigerian music scene.

Sinzu’s contributions to Nigerian rap have left a lasting impact, paving the way for new artists. Despite the setbacks, his creativity and perseverance continue to inspire.