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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 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).

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. 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. 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. 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, and he produced three albums for Demor.

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

In early 2017 he established EL World Music.

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.

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

His debut studio album Africa to the World, was released on April 20, 2018. 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) 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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

2022-present: AEDM: Interstellar

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 "Makwande" with Fk Mash, Ami Faku, "Rata" with TNS and Skillz. 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.

Discography

Albums

EPs

Singles

As lead artist

Production and songwriting credits

Guest appearances

Other charted and certified songs

Tours

• EL World Music Experience (2019)

Awards and nominations

References

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External links

• Sun-El Musician at AllMusic

• 1989 births
• Living people
• University of KwaZulu-Natal alumni
• South African electronic dance music DJs
• South African record producers