Sun-El Musician

Last updated

Sun-El Musician
Born
Sanele Tresure Sithole [1]

(1989-03-28) 28 March 1989 (age 35)
Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Education University of KwaZulu-Natal (dropped out)
Musical career
Occupations
  • DJ
  • songwriter
  • music producer
Instruments
Years active2011–present
Labels
  • EL World Music
Demor Music (PTY)LTD (former)

Sanele Tresure Sithole (born 28 March 1989), [3] known professionally as Sun-El Musician, is a South African disc jockey, music producer, and songwriter. [3] [4] Born and raised in Mooi River, he attended the University of KwaZulu-Natal but dropped out to pursue a career in music. His debut studio album Africa to the World (2018), was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA). [5]

Contents

Sun-El's second album, To the World & Beyond (2020), was met with further commercial success, certified Platinum by Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

He was a producer for Demor Music before the establishment of his own record label, EL World Music. [1] His most recent album African Electronic Dance Music was released in October 2021.

Life and career

Early life and education

Sanele Tresure Sithole was born on 28 March 1989 in the town of Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and raised along with his four siblings by a domestic worker mother. [6] [7] He attended the University of KwaZulu-Natal but dropped out in 2007.

Career

Shortly after he left school Sithole spent two years at home and began his musical career in 2007 remixing songs and creating mixtapes. [8] Sithole met Thandukwazi Demor Sikhosana who signed him under his record label Demor Music (Pty) Ltd, worked as music producer for a period of 5 years. [6] During that period he worked in the studio with Bucie from 2011-2014, [9] [10] and he produced three albums for Demor.

2015-2019: EL World Music, Africa to the World

In early 2017 he established EL World Music. [11] [12]

Sithole then began to create his own music under the name Sun-El Musician. His debut single "Akanamali" featuring Samthing Soweto was released on May 21, 2017. It became his first biggest song reached no.1 on Shazam and certified Platinum in South Africa. [13] [14]

"Bamthathile" featuring Mlindo the Vocalist was released on February 23, 2018, as album's second single. [15]

His debut studio album Africa to the World , was released on April 20, 2018. [16] [17] The album reached Platinum in South Africa.

The singles "Sonini", "Bamthathile", and "Ntab'Ezikude" all received 2× Platinum certifications from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) [18] In June 2018, his single "Akanamali" earned him three awards at the 24th South African Music Awards, including Best Collaboration, Highest Airplay Song and Highest Airplay Composer. [19] Africa to the World was also nominated at the 25th South African Music Awards in June 2019. [20]

Sithole made collaboration with Ami Faku on a single "Into Ingawe", released on June 7, 2019. The song was certified 3× Platinum by RiSA. [21] [22] [23]

Also in 2019, Sithole embarked on an extensive tour of South Africa. [24]

2020-2021: To the World & Beyond, African Electronic Dance Music

In April 2020, Sithole released album's lead single "Uhuru" with South African singer Azana. [25] [26]

Following month May 2020, his second single "Ubomi Abumanga" featuring Msaki was released. [27] It was certified 2× Platinum by Recording Industry of South Africa.

"Emoyeni", a single by Sun-El Musician, Khuzani, Simmy was released in July 2020, in celebration of Ukhozi FM 60th Anniversary.

His second studio album To the World & Beyond was released in December 4, 2020. [28] [23] The album reached Platinum in South Africa.

African Electronic Dance Music was released on 29 October 2021 in South Africa. [29] On African Electronic Dance Music, Sun-El experimented electronic dance music style incorporated with elements of afro house. [30] [31] It was supported by four singles; "Higher", "Amateki/Ululate", "Woza". Pan-African Music enlisted African Electronic Dance Music number 1 on The 30 best albums of 2021 year-end lists. [32]

African Electronic Dance Music received three nominations; Album of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, and Best Dance Album at the 28th South African Music Awards. [33]

The previous day, Sithole headlined the Basha Uhuru Creative Uprising Festival alongside Langa Mavuso. [34]

In December 2021, Sithole was chosen by Gallo Records to work on classic songs remix on the Extended Play titled Music is Forever along with Nobuhle, Muzi, and other artists. [35] [36]

2022-present: AEDM: Interstellar

In May 21, he headlined to Bassline I AM LIVE concert. [37]

Towards the end of May 2022, he headlined to MTN Bushfire Festival, held at Malkerns Valley, from May 27–29. [38] [39]

Sithole announced his upcoming project AEDM: Interstellar (pronounced African Electronic Dance Music: Interstellar) on December 8, 2022 set to be released on 2023 released double single "Makwande" with Fk Mash, Ami Faku, "Rata" with TNS and Skillz. [40] Both singles were released on December 9, 2022.

In April 2023, Sun-El Musician and Msaki teased a single "Amandla" on a snippet video clip and announced release date on October. The song was released on November 3, 2023. [41] [42]

Discography

Albums

List of albums, with selected details, sales figures and certifications
TitleAlbum details Certifications
Africa to the World [43]
To the World & Beyond [28]
  • Released: 4 December 2020
  • Label: EL World Music
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
  • RISA: Platinum
African Electronic Dance Music
  • Released: 29 October 2021 [46]
  • Label: EL World Music
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming

EPs

List of EPs, with selected details
TitleEP details
AEDM: Interstellar
  • Released: 9 December 2022
  • Label: Under Da Sun
  • Formats: Streaming, digital download

Singles

As lead artist

List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
TitleYearPeak chart positions Certifications Album
"Akanamali" (featuring Samthing Soweto)20171RiSA: PlatinumAfrica to the World
"Ntab'Ezikude" (featuring Simmy)2018RiSA: 2× platinum [18]
"Bamthathile" (featuring Mlindo the Vocalist)RiSA: 2× Platinum
"Sonini" (featuring Simmy and Lelo Kamau)RiSA:2× Platinum [18]
"Bomi Abumanga" (featuring Msaki)2020RiSA: 2× PlatinumTo the World & Beyond
"Garden" (featuring Julia Church)—
"Uhuru" (featuring Azana)
"Never Never" (featuring Nobuhle)RiSA: Gold [47]
"Into Ingawe" (featuring Ami Faku)RiSA: 3× platinum [22] Non-album single
"Higher" (featuring Simmy)20216 African Electronic Dance Music
"Amateki" (featuring Bholoja)
"Woza" (featuring Linos Rosetta)
"Respond" (Miči, Sun-EL Musician)2022—Non-album single
"Amandla" (Sun-El Musician, Msaki)2023—Non-album single
"Hamba Nami" (Sun-El Musician, Fearless Musiq, Section Five) [48] 2024—Non-album single
"Inhliziyo" (Sun-EL Musician, Mthandazo Gatya, Anzo featuring Kenza)—Non-album single
"feelings" (Miči, Frigid Armadillo, Sun-El Musician)—Non-album single
"Dangerous" (Sun-EL Musician, Jnr SA)—Non-album single
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Production and songwriting credits

List of production and songwriting credits, showing original artists, year released and album name
TitleYearArtist(s)AlbumCredit(s)Written with:Produced with:
"Ngiyesaba"2018 Simmy Tugela FairyProducerSimmy
"Wawundithembisile"2021 The One Who Sings Non-album single Zolani MaholaKenza (SA)
"Light House" TRESOR MotionCo-producerTRESOR
Da Capo
"Ezangakini"2022 Professor featuring Shwi, and Sun-El Musician [49] Non-album single ProducerMkhonzeni Langa, Mandla Xaba, Zwelenduna Magubane, and Khethonjani DludlaMpho.Wav and Tebogo Mbolekwa
"Indlela"2023Drega, Sun-El Musician and Maline AuraNon-album single ProducerBonga Ntozini, Sanele Sithole and Thandolwethu NkomoDrega

Guest appearances

TitleYearOther artist(s)Album
"Ndivulele"2019 Ami Faku Imali
"Hosana"2020 Black Motion The Healers: The Last Chapter
"Yasha Imizi"Claudio x KenzaCircle of Life
"Shine"S-ToneMbabane
"Control"2021 Karyendasoul Imizamo
"Jungle"KenzaFly Away
"You need Me"Black CoffeeSubconsciously
"Ngaphesheya" Mobi Dixon, Nombila, Massive RiccoWhen House Was House
"Idwala"2022 Mafikizolo Idwala
"Africa Hey"Ndlovu Youth ChoirGreatful
"Esikhathini"Murumba PitchHorumar
"Umthwalo"VitotoAfro Nation
"Am Going"DJ Bongz, Zaba, SykesRoad Trip

Other charted and certified songs

List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
TitleYearPeak chart positions Certifications Album
ZA
"Best Friend" (Sun-EL Musician, Msaki)202175 [50] Gold African Electronic Dance Music
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Tours

Awards and nominations

YearAward CeremonyPrizeResultRef.
2018 24th South African Music Awards CollaborationWon [19] [51]
Highest Airplay SongWon [52] [53]
Highest Airplay ComposerWon [54]
2019 25th South African Music Awards Record of the Year (Sun-El Musician featuring Simmy and Lelo Kamau – Sonini)Won [55] [56]

[57]

Newcomer of the YearNominated
Best Dance AlbumNominated
2020 KZN Entertainment Awards Best Club DJ MaleNominated [58]
Best ProducerNominated
2021 SAMAs 27 Best Dance AlbumNominated [59] [60]
Male Artist of the YearNominated
Best Produced Album of the YearNominated
Remix of the YearNominated
Best Live Audio of the YearWon
M K H M A Best DJNominated
2021All Africa Music AwardsBest Male Artist in Southern AfricaNominated [61]
2022 SAMA 28 Album of the YearNominated [62]
Best Dance AlbumNominated
Male Artist of the YearNominated
Remix of the YearWon [63]

Related Research Articles

Simphiwe Majobe Nhlangulela, better known by her stage name Simmy, is a South African singer-songwriter.

Samkelo Lelethu Mdolomba, known professionally as Samthing Soweto, is a South African singer and songwriter. Samthing is best known for his vocals on Sun-El Musician's song "Akanamali" and his number 1 single on spotify "Akulaleki".

Lindokuhle Mgedeza, known professionally as Mlindo the Vocalist, is a South African singer and songwriter. He initially gained notable recognition following his debut single, "Amablesser", taken from his debut album, Emakhaya (2018).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ami Faku</span> South African singer-songwriter

Amanda Faku is a South African singer, performer and songwriter. Born and raised in the township of eZinyoka, Port Elizabeth, developed musical interest at the age of 6 and participated on church choirs. Faku rose to fame as a contestant on The Voice SA season 2 in 2017, prior getting recognition in the music industry.

Mukengerwa Tresor Riziki, best known by his stage name Tresor, is a Congolese-born singer, songwriter, music producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He gained prominence in 2015 after releasing his single "Mount Everest" from his debut album, VII. His name "Tresor", when translated from French, means "treasure".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big Zulu</span> South African rapper and songwriter

Siyabonga Nene, known professionally as Big Zulu, is a South African rapper and songwriter. He rose to spotlight after releasing the single "Donsa Nkabi" in 2016.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">27th South African Music Awards</span> 27th annual South African music awards, held in 2021

The 27th Annual South African Music Awards were the 27th edition of the South African Music Awards. The award show was broadcast live on SABC 1 on July 31, 2021 and was held virtually due to the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns.

<i>Motion</i> (Tresor album) 2021 studio album by TRESOR

Motion is the fourth studio album by Congolese-born singer TRESOR. It was released through Jacquel Entertainment Group on October 15, 2021, and features guest appearances from local South African musicians such as Ami Faku, Msaki, Da Capo, Sun-El Musician and Scorpion Kings.

Asanda Lusaseni Mvana known professionally as Msaki, is a South African composer, singer, and songwriter. Born and grew up in East London, during her childhood she was involved in musical activities. Her career in music began in 2008, at the age of 20, when she was a member of alternative rock band while attending college.

<i>African Electronic Dance Music</i> 2021 studio album by Sun-El Musician

African Electronic Dance Music is an album by South African DJ and music producer Sun-El Musician, released by EL World Music on October 29, 2021. It features appearances by Ami Faku, Msaki, Yamisava, Bholoja, Simmy, and Linos Rosetta.

Platinumb Heart is the name of two albums by South African singer Msaki, both released on November 19, 2021.

Babili Amos Shili, popularly known by his stage name Aymos is a South African singer-songwriter. He is best known for the hit single "Emcimbini" which was produced by Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa.

<i>To the World & Beyond</i> 2020 studio album by Sun-El Musician

To the World & Beyond is the second studio album by South African DJ Sun-El Musician, released on December 4, 2020 by EL World Music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Blxckie</span> South African rapper and singer (born 1999)

Sihle Sithole, known professionally as Blxckie, is a South African rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer from Sydenham Heights, Durban. His debut studio album B4Now (2021) was certified gold in South Africa.

"Into Ingawe" is a single by South African DJ Sun-El Musician and South African singer Ami Faku, released on June 7, 2019 by EL World Music.

Black Motion is a South African afro house duo formed in Soshanguve, Gauteng and founded in 2010. The group is composed of Roy Thabo Mabogwane (Smol) and Kabelo Koma.

Makhosazana Princess Masango, professionally known as Azana is a South African singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Chesterville, her musical career began at the age of 15. Having signed a record deal with Big City Dreams, Azana's debut studio album Ingoma (2020), debuted number one in South Africa. Its lead single "Your Love" was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

Nicodimas Sekheta Mogashoa, professionally known as Da Capo, is a South African DJ and record producer. Born and raised in Seshego, Da Capo rose to prominence after remixing the single "Pretty Disaster" by Moneoa. He then signed a recording deal with Soulstic Music and his studio debut album Indigo Child (2017), which was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kabza de Small</span> South African DJ & Record producer

Kabelo Petrus Motha is a South African DJ and record producer, popularly known as Kabza de Small. He is a major figure in the amapiano genre of house music. Aside from his solo career, Motha is a member of the Scorpion Kings. Motha gained international recognition after the release of "Umshove", in 2018.

Bonga Ntozini, professionally known as Karyendasoul, is a South African DJ and music producer.

References

  1. 1 2 "Sun EL Musician". Music In Africa.
  2. 1 2 "Sun-El Musician: "I don't come from an analogue background, it has always been about computers from the word go"". MusicRadar. 18 February 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  3. 1 2 Makena, K. (12 May 2020). "Sun El Musician bio: age, real name, girlfriend, family, songs, album, awards". Briefly. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  4. ↑ Musician, Sun El. "Sun El Musician mixes for GeeGo". www.geego.co.za. Archived from the original on 1 November 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  5. ↑ Lefevre, Zachary (15 March 2021). "Sun-EL Musician is Bringing Africa to the World". EDM Identity. Retrieved 9 December 2021.
  6. 1 2 Dayile, Qhama (20 September 2018). "Singer Sun-El Musician going from broke to hugely successful". Drum. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  7. ↑ "10 Things You Do Not Know About Sun-EL Musician". SA Music Magazine. 30 January 2018. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  8. ↑ De Paul, David (22 February 2022). "Revealed: How Sun-EL Musician sacrificed an Engineering career to become a musician". Savannanews.com. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  9. ↑ "The Sun's El". Deep HouseLove Affair. Archived from the original on 8 October 2021. Retrieved 8 October 2021.
  10. ↑ "Interview: Sun-El Musician On Owning A Record Label, Preparing For The World & Mentoring New Artists". Slikouronlife. 19 November 2021. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
  11. ↑ "Africa to the World by Sun-El Musician on TIDAL". Tidal. 20 April 2018.
  12. ↑ "Album of the Week: Sun-El Musician delivers a majestic & groovy debut 'Africa to the World' [Review]". YoMzansi. 23 April 2018. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  13. ↑ "'Akanamali' by Sun-El Musician is the No. 1 most Shazamed song in SA". www.yomzansi.com. 1 September 2017.
  14. ↑ "Interview: Sun-El Musician Is Going 'To the World & Beyond'". okayafricasite. 4 December 2020.
  15. ↑ Mkhabela, Sabelo. "Akanamali' Hitmaker Sun-El Musician Releases Another Potential Hit". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 10 July 2023.
  16. ↑ "Sun-El Musician's 'Africa To The World' Album Knocks Hard". okayafricasite. 4 May 2018.
  17. ↑ "Sun El Musician releases debut album Africa To The World – ZAlebs". Zalebs. 22 June 2020. Archived from the original on 23 September 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2021.
  18. 1 2 3 Darangwa, Shingai (26 May 2019). "Sun-El's time to shine". Weekend Argus. Archived from the original on 24 July 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2023– via PressReader.
  19. 1 2 "Sun-El Musician, Joyous Celebration big winners at first night of Samas". SowetanLIVE.
  20. ↑ "Africa to the World – Sun-El Musician". Top Charts.
  21. ↑ "Sun EL-Musician x Ami Faku's Into Ingawe goes Double Platinum". SA Music Magazine. 19 May 2020.
  22. 1 2 "Sun-EL Musicain [sic] x Ami Faku – Into Ingawe, Goes Double Platinum". Zkhiphani. 21 May 2020.
  23. 1 2 "Ami Faku & Sun El Musician's Hit Into Ingawe Now Double Platinum »". Ubetoo. 20 May 2020.
  24. 1 2 "Sun-El Musician launches El World Music Experience Tour". JustNje. 24 May 2019. Archived from the original on 5 June 2021. Retrieved 5 June 2021.
  25. ↑ Jabulani, John (6 April 2021). "Sun-EL Musician's Upcoming Song "UHURU" Gets A Release Date". Ubetoo.
  26. ↑ Israel A, John (14 July 2020). "Sun-El Musician Previews Upcoming Album "Uhuru", With Single Featuring Azana". Ubetoo.
  27. ↑ "Sun-EL Musician Announced New Msaki Featured Song "Ubomi Abumanga" And Release Date". Ubetoo. 20 May 2020.
  28. 1 2 "To the World and Beyond Album". iminathi. 3 December 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  29. ↑ Shumba, Ano (29 October 2021). "Sun-El Musician drops African Electronic Dance Music album". Music In Africa. Retrieved 29 October 2021.
  30. ↑ "EP Review: Sun-El Musician – AEDM (African Electronic Dance Music)". Magnetic Magazine. 2 November 2021. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  31. ↑ "Sun-EL Musician drops AEDM, 11 track EP". SA Music Magazine. Archived from the original on 6 November 2021. Retrieved 19 January 2024.
  32. ↑ "The 30 best electronic albums of 2021". Pan-African. 22 December 2021. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  33. ↑ de Wee, Naledi (7 June 2022). "#SAMA28: Take a look at the full list of nominees". The South African. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  34. ↑ "Langa Mavuso and Sun El Musician to headline the 2021 Basha Uhuru Creative Uprising Festival". YoMzansi. 13 October 2021. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  35. ↑ Darangwa, Shingai (20 December 2021). "Sun El Musician, Muzi and Nobuhle added to 'Music Is Forever'". Independent Online. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
  36. ↑ Siyabonga, Thato (17 December 2021). "Music Is Forever – Iconic Songs Remixed By Sun El Musician, Muzi, And More, For A New Generation". Ubetoo. Retrieved 22 December 2021.
  37. ↑ Shumba, Ano (16 May 2022). "Bassline I AM LIVE announces 21 May concert line-up". Music In Africa. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  38. ↑ Shumba, Ano (12 May 2022). "MTN Bushfire adds more artists to 2022 line-up". Music In Africa. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  39. ↑ "Diverse Range of Artists Announced for MTN Bushfire Festival". SA Music Magazine. Archived from the original on 16 June 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  40. ↑ Shumba, Ano (9 December 2022). "Sun-El Musician teases new album with release of two singles". Music in Africa. Retrieved 9 December 2022.
  41. ↑ "Sun-El on collab with Msaki: I wanted to support my best friend through a hard time she was going through" . Drum. 3 November 2023.
  42. ↑ "Musical best-friends Sun-El Musician and Msaki return with long anticipated single 'Amandla'". Gagasi World. 3 November 2023. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  43. ↑ "S-Tone: Meet the muso Sun El Musician thinks could be the next big thing". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  44. ↑ "Africa to the World by Sun-El Musician on Apple Music". Apple Music. 20 April 2018. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  45. ↑ "Certificate Reporting". Recording Industry of South Africa. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  46. ↑ "African Electronic Dance Music by Sun-El Musician on Apple Music". Apple Music. 29 October 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  47. ↑ "South Africa certifications". Recording Industry of South Africa . Retrieved 5 July 2023.
  48. ↑ "Renowned DJ Sun-El Musician drops new single in celebration of his 35th birthday". MSN. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  49. ↑ Darangwa, Shingai (29 March 2022). "Kwaito legend Professor returns to music with Ezangakini ft Shwi & Sun-El Musician". Independent Online. Retrieved 21 May 2022.
  50. ↑ "Local Streaming Chart Top 100". The Official South African Charts. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  51. ↑ "2018 Collaboration of the year Nominee : Sun-EL Musician ft Samthing Soweto – Akanamali". Archived from the original on 28 November 2021. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  52. ↑ "All the winners from SAMA Awards 2018". www.gq.co.za.
  53. ↑ "Samas 2018: All the winners". Channel.
  54. ↑ "South African Music Awards 2018 – Full List of Winners #SAMA24". Fakaza News. 2 June 2018.
  55. ↑ "2019 Collaboration of the year Nominee : Sun-El Musician – Sonini". Archived from the original on 15 August 2022. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
  56. ↑ "All the 2019 SAMA nominees". www.bizcommunity.com. 25 April 2019.
  57. ↑ Mathebula, Kwanele (31 May 2019). "2019 SAMA Record of the Year nominees | Bona Magazine".
  58. ↑ "Talent overload: All the winners from the first KZN Entertainment Awards". The South African. 16 December 2020.
  59. ↑ "Samas 27 nominations are out and its male dominated". The Citizen. 19 May 2021.
  60. ↑ Poelano Malema (20 May 2021). "Full list of SAMA nominees". East Coast Radio.
  61. ↑ Hansen, Gabriel Myers (23 September 2021). "All Africa Music Awards 2021: All the nominees". Music In Africa. Retrieved 21 November 2021.
  62. ↑ de Wee, Naledi (7 June 2022). "#SAMA28: Take a look at the full list of nominees". The South African. Retrieved 7 June 2022.
  63. ↑ Mbhele, Sandisiwe (28 August 2022). "#SAMA28: Nomfundo Moh, Sun El Musician among first batch of winners". The Citizen. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.