Sun-El Musician Biography: Music Journey – Discography

Sanele Tresure Sithole, better known as Sun-El Musician, is a prominent figure in South Africa’s music scene, excelling as a disc jockey, music producer, and songwriter. Born and raised in Mooi River, he found his passion for music early on and decided to pursue it wholeheartedly, even dropping out of the University of KwaZulu-Natal to focus on his musical ambitions.

Sun-El Musician

Career

Sun-El’s debut studio album, “Africa to the World,” released in 2018, quickly garnered attention and was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA), solidifying his place in the industry. Building on this success, his second album, “To the World & Beyond,” released in 2020, achieved even greater commercial success, also earning Platinum certification from RiSA.

Before establishing his own record label, EL World Music, Sun-El worked as a producer for Demor Music. During this time, he collaborated with artists like Bucie, contributing to the production of three albums.

Despite facing challenges along the way, including dropping out of university and navigating the music industry, Sun-El persevered, honing his craft and establishing himself as a prominent figure in South African music. His most recent album, “African Electronic Dance Music,” released in October 2021, further showcases his talent and innovative approach to music production.

Early life

Between 2015 and 2019, Sanele Tresure Sithole, also known as Sun-El Musician, established his own record label, EL World Music. Under this label, he began releasing his own music, starting with his debut single “Akanamali” featuring Samthing Soweto, which became a massive hit, reaching number one on Shazam and earning Platinum certification in South Africa. This success continued with his second single, “Bamthathile,” featuring Mlindo the Vocalist.

In April 2018, Sun-El Musician released his debut studio album, “Africa to the World,” which achieved Platinum status in South Africa. Several singles from the album, including “Sonini,” “Bamthathile,” and “Ntab’Ezikude,” received 2× Platinum certifications and earned him multiple awards at the South African Music Awards.

In 2019, Sun-El Musician collaborated with Ami Faku on the single “Into Ingawe,” which also achieved Platinum certification. He then embarked on a tour of South Africa, further solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the music industry.

Moving into 2020 and 2021, Sun-El Musician released his second studio album, “To the World & Beyond,” which was met with commercial success and Platinum certification. He followed this up with the release of “African Electronic Dance Music” in October 2021, receiving critical acclaim and earning nominations at the South African Music Awards.

In 2022, Sun-El Musician headlined several concerts and festivals, including the Bassline I AM LIVE concert and the MTN Bushfire Festival. He announced his upcoming project, “AEDM: Interstellar,” set to be released in 2023, and released two singles, “Makwande” and “Rata,” in December 2022.

In April 2023, Sun-El Musician teased a new single, “Amandla,” with Msaki, which was released later in the year. With his innovative approach to electronic dance music infused with African elements, Sun-El Musician continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide.

Singles

As lead artist:

• “Akanamali” (featuring Samthing Soweto) – 2017
• “Ntab’Ezikude” (featuring Simmy) – 2018
• “Bamthathile” (featuring Mlindo the Vocalist) – 2018
• “Sonini” (featuring Simmy and Lelo Kamau) – 2018
• “Bomi Abumanga” (featuring Msaki) – 2020
• “Garden” (featuring Julia Church) –
• “Uhuru” (featuring Azana) –
• “Never Never” (featuring Nobuhle) –
• “Into Ingawe” (featuring Ami Faku) –
• “Higher” (featuring Simmy) – 2021
• “Amateki” (featuring Bholoja) –
• “Woza” (featuring Linos Rosetta) –
• “Amandla” (Sun-El Musician, Msaki) – 2023
• “Hamba Nami” (Sun-El Musician, Fearless Musiq, Section Five) – 2024

Albums

• “Africa to the World” – Released: 20 April 2018 – Label: EL World Music – Certifications: RISA: Platinum
• “To the World & Beyond” – Released: 4 December 2020 – Label: EL World Music – Certifications: RISA: Platinum
• “African Electronic Dance Music” – Released: 29 October 2021 – Label: EL World Music – Certifications:

EPs

• “AEDM: Interstellar” – Released: 9 December 2022 – Label: Under Da Sun

Production and Songwriting Credits

• “Ngiyesaba” (2018) – Simmy – Album: “Tugela Fairy” – Producer: Sun-El Musician
• “Wawundithembisile” (2021) – The One Who Sings – Album: Non-album single – Producer: Sun-El Musician – Written with: Zolani Mahola
• “Light House” – TRESOR – Album: “Motion” – Co-producer: Sun-El Musician – Produced with: Da Capo
• “Ezangakini” (2022) – Professor featuring Shwi, and Sun-El Musician – Album: Non-album single – Producer: Sun-El Musician – Produced with: Mpho.Wav and Tebogo Mbolekwa
• “Indlela” (2023) – Drega, Sun-El Musician and Maline Aura – Album: Non-album single – Producer: Sun-El Musician – Produced with: Drega

Tours

• EL World Music Experience (2019)

Awards and Nominations

• 2018
  • 24th South African Music Awards: Collaboration (Won)
  • 24th South African Music Awards: Highest Airplay Song (Won)
  • 24th South African Music Awards: Highest Airplay Composer (Won)
• 2019
  • 25th South African Music Awards: Record of the Year (Won)
• 2021
  • SAMAs 27: Best Live Audio of the Year (Won)
  • All Africa Music Awards: Best Male Artist in Southern Africa (Nominated)
• 2022
  • SAMA 28: Remix of the Year (Won)