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Sun-El Musician

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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. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest music producers of the modern era. His debut studio album Africa to the World (2018), was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).[5]

Sun-El Musician
Born
Sanele Tresure Sithole[1]

(1989-03-28) 28 March 1989 (age 35)
Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
EducationUniversity 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)

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

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Early life and education

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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

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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

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Main article: 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

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Main article: To the World & Beyond

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

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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

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Singles

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As lead artist

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List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
"Akanamali" (featuring Samthing Soweto) 2017 1 RiSA: Platinum Africa to the World
"Ntab'Ezikude" (featuring Simmy) 2018 RiSA: 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) 2020 RiSA: 2× Platinum To the World & Beyond
"Garden" (featuring Julia Church) —
"Uhuru" (featuring Azana)
"Never Never" (featuring Nobuhle) RiSA: Gold[43]
"Into Ingawe" (featuring Ami Faku) RiSA: 3× platinum[22] Non-album single
"Higher" (featuring Simmy) 2021 6 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)[44] 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
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Albums

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List of albums, with selected details, sales figures and certifications
Title Album details Certifications
Africa to the World[45]
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[48]
  • Label: EL World Music
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming

EPs

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

Production and songwriting credits

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List of production and songwriting credits, showing original artists, year released and album name
Title Year Artist(s) Album Credit(s) Written with: Produced with:
"Ngiyesaba" 2018 Simmy Tugela Fairy Producer Simmy
"Wawundithembisile" 2021 The One Who Sings Non-album single Zolani Mahola Kenza (SA)
"Light House" TRESOR Motion Co-producer TRESOR
Da Capo
"Ezangakini" 2022 Professor featuring Shwi, and Sun-El Musician[49] Non-album single Producer Mkhonzeni Langa, Mandla Xaba, Zwelenduna Magubane, and Khethonjani Dludla Mpho.Wav and Tebogo Mbolekwa
"Indlela" 2023 Drega, Sun-El Musician and Maline Aura Non-album single Producer Bonga Ntozini, Sanele Sithole and Thandolwethu Nkomo Drega

Guest appearances

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Title Year Other artist(s) Album
"Ndivulele" 2019 Ami Faku Imali
"Hosana" 2020 Black Motion The Healers: The Last Chapter
"Yasha Imizi" Claudio x Kenza Circle of Life
"Shine" S-Tone Mbabane
"Control" 2021 Karyendasoul Imizamo
"Jungle" Kenza Fly Away
"You need Me" Black Coffee Subconsciously
"Ngaphesheya" Mobi Dixon, Nombila, Massive Ricco When House Was House
"Idwala" 2022 Mafikizolo Idwala
"Africa Hey" Ndlovu Youth Choir Greatful
"Esikhathini" Murumba Pitch Horumar
"Umthwalo" Vitoto Afro Nation
"Am Going" DJ Bongz, Zaba, Sykes Road Trip

Other charted and certified songs

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List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
ZA
"Best Friend" (Sun-EL Musician, Msaki) 2021 75[50] Gold African Electronic Dance Music
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Tours

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  • EL World Music Experience (2019)[24]

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Ceremony Prize Result Ref.
2018 24th South African Music Awards Collaboration Won [19][51]
Highest Airplay Song Won [52][53]
Highest Airplay Composer Won [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 Year Nominated
Best Dance Album Nominated
2020 KZN Entertainment Awards Best Club DJ Male Nominated [58]
Best Producer Nominated
2021 SAMAs 27 Best Dance Album Nominated [59][60]
Male Artist of the Year Nominated
Best Produced Album of the Year Nominated
Remix of the Year Nominated
Best Live Audio of the Year Won
M K H M A Best DJ Nominated
2021 All Africa Music Awards Best Male Artist in Southern Africa Nominated [61]
2022 SAMA 28 Album of the Year Nominated [62]
Best Dance Album Nominated
Male Artist of the Year Nominated
Remix of the Year Won [63]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Sun EL Musician". Music In Africa.
  2. ^ a b "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. ^ a b 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. ^ a b 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.
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  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.
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  18. ^ a b c 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.
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  20. ^ "Africa to the World – Sun-El Musician". Top Charts.
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  22. ^ a b "Sun-EL Musicain [sic] x Ami Faku – Into Ingawe, Goes Double Platinum". Zkhiphani. 21 May 2020.
  23. ^ a b "Ami Faku & Sun El Musician's Hit Into Ingawe Now Double Platinum »". Ubetoo. 20 May 2020.
  24. ^ a b "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. ^ a b "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. ^ "South Africa certifications". Recording Industry of South Africa. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
  44. ^ "Renowned DJ Sun-El Musician drops new single in celebration of his 35th birthday". MSN. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  45. ^ "S-Tone: Meet the muso Sun El Musician thinks could be the next big thing". TimesLIVE. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
  46. ^ "Africa to the World by Sun-El Musician on Apple Music". Apple Music. 20 April 2018. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  47. ^ "Certificate Reporting". Recording Industry of South Africa. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  48. ^ "African Electronic Dance Music by Sun-El Musician on Apple Music". Apple Music. 29 October 2021. Retrieved 30 October 2021.
  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.
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