Sanele Tresure Sithole (born 28 March 1989), known professionally as Sun-El Musician, is a South African disc jockey, music producer, and songwriter. Born and raised in Mooi River. He attended

University of KwaZulu-Natal The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is a university with five campuses in the province of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. It was formed on 1 January 2004 after the merger between the University of Natal and the University of Durban-Westville ...

but dropped out to purse a career in music. His debut studio album ''

Africa to the World ''Africa to the World'' is a debut studio album by South African DJ Sun-El Musician, released on April 20, 2018 through EL World Music. The album was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA). Critical reception ''A ...

'' (2018), which was certified gold by the

Recording Industry of South Africa Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) is a trade association representing the interests of major and independent record labels of South Africa. Located in Randburg, RISA is responsible for running the annual South African Music Awards (S ...

(RiSA). He was a producer for Demor Music before the establishment of his own record label EL World Music. 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 KwaZulu-Natal (, also referred to as KZN and known as "the garden province") is a province of South Africa that was created in 1994 when the Zulu bantustan of KwaZulu ("Place of the Zulu" in Zulu) and Natal Province were merged. It is loca ...

, South Africa, and raised along with his four siblings by a domestic worker mother. He attended the

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 create mixtapes. Sithole meet Demor Skhosana who signed him under his record label Demor Music, worked as music producer for 5 years. He worked in the studio with Bucie in 2011 and 2014, and during this period he produced three albums for Demor. Sithole then began to create his own music under the name Sun-El Musician. His debut single " Akanamali" reached no.1 on

Shazam Shazam () may refer to: Comic book franchise * Captain Marvel (DC Comics), also known as Shazam, a superhero character published by Fawcett Comics and DC Comics ** Shazam (wizard), a character from the ''Shazam!/Captain Marvel'' comics, who give ...

in 2016. In early 2017 he established EL World Music. His debut album ''Africa to the World'' was released on April 20, 2018. The singles "Sonini", "Bamthathile", and "Ntab'Ezikude" all received platinum certifications from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RISA) In June 2018, his single "Akanamali" earned him three awards at the

24th South African Music Awards The 24th Annual South African Music Awards was held at Sun City, in the North West on June 2, 2018. The list of nominees was announced on April 19, 2018 at Birchwood Hotel in Ekurhuleni. Mafikizolo, Mi Casa and Shekhinah each received a node of n ...

, 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, and was certified gold by RISA the following year. Also in 2019, Sithole embarked on an extensive tour of South Africa. The single "Into Ingawe", featuring

Ami Faku Amanda Faku (born May 28, 1993) is a South African singer, performer and songwriter. Born and raised in the township of eZinyoka, Port Elizabeth. Faku rose to fame as a contestant on The Voice SA season 2 in 2017 and prior getting recognition ...

, was certified platinum by RISA. His second studio album '' To the World & Beyond'' was released in December 4, 2020. The single "Ubomi Abumanga" featured

Msaki Asanda Lusaseni Mvana(born 31 December 1988) 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 b ...

. In April 2021, Sithole released album's lead single "Uhuru" with South African singer Azana. A live recording titled ''Kunye Live Mix'' was released in August 2021. His third studio album '' African Electronic Dance Music'' was released on 29 October 2021 in South Africa. The previous day, Sithole headlined the Basha Uhuru Creative Uprising Festival alongside Langa Mavuso. 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. In May 21, he headlined to Bassline I AM LIVE concert. Towards the end of May 2022, he headlined to MTN Bushfire Festival, held at Malkerns Valley, from May 27-29. 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 "Makwane" with Fk Mash,

, "Rata" with TNS and Skillz. Both singles were released on December 9, 2022.

Discography

Singles

As lead artist

Albums

EPs

Production and songwriting credits

Tours

* EL World Music Experience (2019)

Awards and nominations

References

External links

* {{authority control 1989 births Living people South African DJs South African artists University of KwaZulu-Natal alumni Electronic dance music DJs South African record producers