Sun-El Musician Explained

Sun-El Musician
Birth Name:Sanele Tresure Sithole
Birth Place:Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Birth Date:28 March 1989
Education:University of KwaZulu-Natal (dropped out)
Module:
Embed:yes
Label: Demor Music (PTY)LTD (former)
Years Active:2011–present

Sanele Tresure Sithole (born 28 March 1989), known professionally as Sun-El Musician, is a South African disc jockey, music producer, and songwriter.[1] [2] 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).[3]

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.[4] 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.[5] [6] 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.[7] 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. During that period he worked in the studio with Bucie from 2011-2014,[8] [9] and he produced three albums for Demor.

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

See main article: Africa to the World.

In early 2017 he established EL World Music.[10] [11]

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.[12] [13]

"Bamthathile" featuring Mlindo the Vocalist was released on February 23, 2018, as album's second single.[14]

His debut studio album Africa to the World, was released on April 20, 2018.[15] [16] 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)[17] 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. Africa to the World was also nominated at the 25th South African Music Awards in June 2019.[18]

Sithole made collaboration with Ami Faku on a single "Into Ingawe", released on June 7, 2019. The song was certified 3× Platinum by RiSA.[19] [20] [21]

Also in 2019, Sithole embarked on an extensive tour of South Africa.[22]

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.[23] [24]

Following month May 2020, his second single "Ubomi Abumanga" featuring Msaki was released.[25] 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.[26] The album reached Platinum in South Africa.

African Electronic Dance Music was released on 29 October 2021 in South Africa.[27] On African Electronic Dance Music, Sun-El experimented electronic dance music style incorporated with elements of afro house.[28] [29] 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.[30]

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.[31]

The previous day, Sithole headlined the Basha Uhuru Creative Uprising Festival alongside Langa Mavuso.[32]

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.[33] [34]

2022-present: AEDM: Interstellar

In May 21, he headlined to Bassline I AM LIVE concert.[35]

Towards the end of May 2022, he headlined to MTN Bushfire Festival, held at Malkerns Valley, from May 27–29.[36] [37]

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.[38] 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.[39] [40]

Discography

Singles

As lead artist

Title! scope="col"
YearPeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbum
"Akanamali" (featuring Samthing Soweto)20171RiSA: PlatinumAfrica to the World
"Ntab'Ezikude" (featuring Simmy)2018RiSA: 2× platinum
"Bamthathile" (featuring Mlindo the Vocalist)RiSA: 2× Platinum
"Sonini" (featuring Simmy and Lelo Kamau)RiSA:2× Platinum
"Bomi Abumanga" (featuring Msaki)2020RiSA: 2× PlatinumTo the World & Beyond
"Garden" (featuring Julia Church)
"Uhuru" (featuring Azana)
"Never Never" (featuring Nobuhle)RiSA: Gold[41]
"Into Ingawe" (featuring Ami Faku)RiSA: 3× platinum
"Higher" (featuring Simmy)20216African Electronic Dance Music
"Amateki" (featuring Bholoja)
"Woza" (featuring Linos Rosetta)
"Respond" (Miči, Sun-EL Musician) 2022
"Amandla" (Sun-El Musician, Msaki) 2023
"Hamba Nami" (Sun-El Musician, Fearless Musiq, Section Five)[42] 2024
"Inhliziyo" (Sun-EL Musician, Mthandazo Gatya, Anzo featuring Kenza)
"feelings" (Miči, Frigid Armadillo, Sun-El Musician)
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Albums

Title! scope="col" style="width:13em;"
Album detailsCertifications
Africa to the World[43]
  • Released: 20 April 2018[44]
  • Label: EL World Music
To the World & Beyond
  • 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

Title! scope="col"
EP details
AEDM: Interstellar
  • Released: 9 December 2022
  • Label: Under Da Sun
  • Formats: Streaming, digital download

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"2018SimmyTugela FairyProducerSimmy
"Wawundithembisile"2021The One Who SingsZolani MaholaKenza (SA)
"Light House"TRESORMotionCo-producerTRESOR
Da Capo
"Ezangakini"2022Professor featuring Shwi, and Sun-El Musician[47] Producer Mkhonzeni Langa, Mandla Xaba, Zwelenduna Magubane, and Khethonjani DludlaMpho.Wav and Tebogo Mbolekwa
"Indlela" 2023 Drega, Sun-El Musician and Maline Aura Producer Bonga Ntozini, Sanele Sithole and Thandolwethu NkomoDrega

Guest appearances

TitleYearOther artist(s)Album
"Ndivulele" 2019Imali
"Hosana" 2020
"Yasha Imizi" Claudio x Kenza Circle of Life
"Shine" S-ToneMbabane
"Control" 2021Imizamo
"Jungle"KenzaFly Away
"You need Me" Black Coffee Subconsciously
"Ngaphesheya"Mobi Dixon, Nombila, Massive RiccoWhen House Was House
"Idwala" 2022Idwala
"Africa Hey" Ndlovu Youth ChoirGreatful
"Esikhathini" Murumba Pitch Horumar
"Umthwalo"VitotoAfro Nation

Other charted and certified songs

List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
TitleYearPeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbum
ZA
"Best Friend" (Sun-EL Musician, Msaki) 202175[48] GoldAfrican Electronic Dance Music
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Tours

Awards and nominations

!Year!Award Ceremony!Prize!Result!
201824th South African Music AwardsCollaboration[49] [50]
Highest Airplay Song[51] [52]
Highest Airplay Composer[53]
201925th South African Music AwardsRecord of the Year [54] [55] [56]
Newcomer of the Year
Best Dance Album
2020KZN Entertainment AwardsBest Club DJ Male[57]
Best Producer
2021SAMAs 27Best Dance Album[58] [59]
Male Artist of the Year
Best Produced Album of the Year
Remix of the Year
Best Live Audio of the Year
M K H M ABest DJ
2021All Africa Music AwardsBest Male Artist in Southern Africa[60]
2022SAMA 28Album of the Year[61]
Best Dance Album
Male Artist of the Year
Remix of the Year[62]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Makena. K.. 12 May 2020. Sun El Musician bio: age, real name, girlfriend, family, songs, album, awards. 20 November 2020. Briefly. en.
  2. Web site: Musician. Sun El. Sun El Musician mixes for GeeGo. 20 November 2020. www.geego.co.za. en. 1 November 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201101003505/https://www.geego.co.za/news/i/50373834/sun-el-geego. dead.
  3. Web site: Sun-EL Musician is Bringing Africa to the World . EDM Identity. December 9, 2021. Zachary . Lefevre. March 15, 2021.
  4. Web site: Sun EL Musician . Music In Africa .
  5. Web site: Dayile. Qhama. Singer Sun-El Musician going from broke to hugely successful. 20 November 2020. Drum. 20 September 2018 . en-US.
  6. Web site: 30 January 2018. 10 Things You Do Not Know About Sun-EL Musician. 20 November 2020. SA Music Magazine. en-ZA.
  7. Web site: Revealed: How Sun-EL Musician sacrificed an Engineering career to become a musician. 2022-02-22. David. De Paul. Savannanews.com. 2022-03-03. 3 March 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220303153451/https://savannanews.com/revealed-sun-el-musician-sacrifices-a-lifetime-fortune-to-become-a-musician/amp/. dead.
  8. Web site: The Sun's El. Deep HouseLove Affair. 8 October 2021. 8 October 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211008111945/http://www.deephouseloveaffair.com/2013/07/the-suns-el.html?m=1. dead.
  9. Web site: Interview: Sun-El Musician On Owning A Record Label, Preparing For The World & Mentoring New Artists . 2022-01-10. Slikouronlife. 2021-11-19.
  10. Web site: Africa to the World by Sun-El Musician on TIDAL. 20 April 2018 . Tidal.
  11. Web site: Album of the Week: Sun-El Musician delivers a majestic & groovy debut 'Africa to the World' [Review] ]. 23 April 2018. YoMzansi. 23 April 2018.
  12. Web site: 1 September 2017. 'Akanamali' by Sun-El Musician is the No. 1 most Shazamed song in SA . www.yomzansi.com.
  13. Web site: 4 December 2020. Interview: Sun-El Musician Is Going 'To the World & Beyond'. okayafricasite.
  14. Web site: Akanamali' Hitmaker Sun-El Musician Releases Another Potential Hit . July 10, 2023. Sabelo. Mkhabela. OkayAfrica.
  15. Web site: 4 May 2018. Sun-El Musician's 'Africa To The World' Album Knocks Hard. okayafricasite.
  16. Web site: Sun El Musician releases debut album Africa To The World – ZAlebs. Zalebs. 22 June 2020. 3 June 2021. 23 September 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220923141758/https://zalebs.com/top-of-the/sun-el-musician/sun-el-musician-releases-debut-album-africa-world. dead.
  17. News: 2023-07-24 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230724065457/https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/weekend-argus-sunday-edition/20190526/281500752724511 . Sun-El's time to shine . 26 May 2019 . Shingai . Darangwa . Weekend Argus . en . 24 July 2023 . . live.
  18. Web site: Africa to the World – Sun-El Musician . Top Charts.
  19. Web site: Sun EL-Musician x Ami Faku's Into Ingawe goes Double Platinum. 19 May 2020. SA Music Magazine.
  20. Web site: Sun-EL Musicain [sic] x Ami Faku – Into Ingawe, Goes Double Platinum]. Zkhiphani. 21 May 2020.
  21. Web site: Ami Faku & Sun El Musician's Hit Into Ingawe Now Double Platinum ». Ubetoo. 20 May 2020.
  22. Web site: Sun-El Musician launches El World Music Experience Tour . JustNje. 24 May 2019. 5 June 2021. 5 June 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210605134948/https://justnje.com/sun-el-musician-launches-el-world-music-experience-tour/. dead.
  23. Web site: Sun-EL Musician's Upcoming Song "UHURU" Gets A Release Date. Ubetoo. John. Jabulani. 6 April 2021.
  24. Web site: Sun-El Musician Previews Upcoming Album "Uhuru", With Single Featuring Azana . Ubetoo. 14 July 2020. John . Israel A.
  25. Web site: 20 May 2020. Sun-EL Musician Announced New Msaki Featured Song "Ubomi Abumanga" And Release Date . Ubetoo.
  26. Web site: 3 December 2020. To the World and Beyond Album. 20 November 2020. iminathi. en-ZA.
  27. Web site: Sun-El Musician drops African Electronic Dance Music album . Music In Africa. 29 October 2021. Ano. Shumba. 29 October 2021.
  28. Web site: EP Review: Sun-El Musician – AEDM (African Electronic Dance Music) . 2024-02-19. Magnetic Magazine. 2 November 2021.
  29. Web site: Sun-EL Musician drops AEDM, 11 track EP. SA Music Magazine. 2024-01-19. 6 November 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211106084019/https://samusicmag.co.za/2021/10/sun-el-musician-drops-aedm-11-track-ep/amp/. dead.
  30. Web site: The 30 best electronic albums of 2021. 22 December 2021 . Pan-African. 2024-02-19.
  31. Web site:
    1. SAMA28: Take a look at the full list of nominees
    . The South African . 2024-02-19. Naledi . de Wee . 2022-06-07.
  32. Web site: Langa Mavuso and Sun El Musician to headline the 2021 Basha Uhuru Creative Uprising Festival . 13 October 2021. 13 October 2021. YoMzansi.
  33. Web site: Sun El Musician, Muzi and Nobuhle added to 'Music Is Forever'. Independent Online. 2021-12-22. 2021-12-20. Shingai . Darangwa .
  34. Web site: Music Is Forever – Iconic Songs Remixed By Sun El Musician, Muzi, And More, For A New Generation. Ubetoo . 2021-12-22. 2021-12-17. Thato. Siyabonga.
  35. Web site: Bassline I AM LIVE announces 21 May concert line-up . Music In Africa. 2022-05-16. 2022-05-17. Ano. Shumba.
  36. Web site: Ano. Shumba. 2022-05-12. MTN Bushfire adds more artists to 2022 line-up . 2022-05-11. Music In Africa.
  37. Web site: Diverse Range of Artists Announced for MTN Bushfire Festival . SA Music Magazine . 2022-05-11. 16 June 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220616171709/https://samusicmag.co.za/2022/05/diverse-range-of-artists-announced-for-mtn-bushfire-festival/amp/ . dead.
  38. Web site: Sun-El Musician teases new album with release of two singles. 2022-12-09. 2022-12-09. Music in Africa. Ano. Shumba.
  39. Web site: Sun-El on collab with Msaki: I wanted to support my best friend through a hard time she was going through . Drum. 2023-11-03. subscription.
  40. Web site: Musical best-friends Sun-El Musician and Msaki return with long anticipated single 'Amandla' . Gagasi World. 2023-11-04. 2023-11-03.
  41. South Africa. 5 July 2023.
  42. Web site: Renowned DJ Sun-El Musician drops new single in celebration of his 35th birthday. MSN. 2024-03-30.
  43. Web site: S-Tone: Meet the muso Sun El Musician thinks could be the next big thing. 20 November 2020. TimesLIVE. en-ZA.
  44. Web site: Africa to the World by Sun-El Musician on Apple Music . 20 April 2018. Apple Music. 30 October 2021.
  45. Web site: Certificate Reporting . Recording Industry of South Africa. 30 October 2021.
  46. Web site: African Electronic Dance Music by Sun-El Musician on Apple Music . 29 October 2021. Apple Music. 30 October 2021.
  47. Web site: Kwaito legend Professor returns to music with Ezangakini ft Shwi & Sun-El Musician. Independent Online . 2022-05-21. Shingai . Darangwa. 2022-03-29.
  48. Web site: Local Streaming Chart Top 100. The Official South African Charts. 2024-07-27.
  49. Web site: Sun-El Musician, Joyous Celebration big winners at first night of Samas. SowetanLIVE.
  50. Web site: 2018 Collaboration of the year Nominee : Sun-EL Musician ft Samthing Soweto – Akanamali. 15 February 2021. 28 November 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211128030753/https://samusicawards.co.za/ak_sama_award/auto-draft-250/. dead.
  51. Web site: All the winners from SAMA Awards 2018. www.gq.co.za.
  52. Web site: Samas 2018: All the winners. Channel.
  53. Web site: South African Music Awards 2018 – Full List of Winners #SAMA24 . Fakaza News. 2 June 2018.
  54. Web site: 2019 Collaboration of the year Nominee : Sun-El Musician – Sonini. 15 February 2021. 15 August 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220815171953/https://samusicawards.co.za/ak_sama_award/auto-draft-118/. dead.
  55. Web site: All the 2019 SAMA nominees. www.bizcommunity.com. 25 April 2019 .
  56. Web site: 2019 SAMA Record of the Year nominees | Bona Magazine. Kwanele. Mathebula. 31 May 2019 .
  57. Web site: Talent overload: All the winners from the first KZN Entertainment Awards . The South African. 16 December 2020.
  58. Web site: Samas 27 nominations are out and its male dominated . The Citizen . 19 May 2021.
  59. Web site: Full list of SAMA nominees. 20 May 2021. Poelano Malema. East Coast Radio.
  60. Web site: All Africa Music Awards 2021: All the nominees . Music In Africa. Gabriel Myers . Hansen. 23 September 2021. November 21, 2021.
  61. Web site:
    1. SAMA28: Take a look at the full list of nominees
    . The South African . 2022-06-07. Naledi . de Wee . 2022-06-07.
  62. Web site:
    1. SAMA28: Nomfundo Moh, Sun El Musician among first batch of winners
    . The Citizen. 2022-08-28 . Sandisiwe. Mbhele. 2022-08-28.