{{Short description|South African music producer and DJ}} {{Use dmy dates|date=November 2021}} {{Infobox person | honorific_prefix = | name = Sun-El Musician | birth_name = Sanele Tresure Sithole<ref name="bio" /> | birth_place = [[Mooi River (town)|Mooi River]], [[KwaZulu-Natal]], South Africa | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1989|3|28|df=y}} | education = [[University of KwaZulu-Natal]] (dropped out) | module = {{infobox musical artist | embed = yes | label = {{hlist|Under Da Sun|EL World Music|Demor {{small|(former)}}}} | years_active = 2011–present | genre = | occupation = {{flatlist| *DJ *songwriter *music producer }} | instrument = {{hlist| piano<ref name="MusicRadar">{{cite web|title=Sun-El Musician: "I don't come from an analogue background, it has always been about computers from the word go" |access-date =2022-05-11 |work=MusicRadar|url= https://www.musicradar.com/news/sun-el-musician-interview|date=2022-02-18}}</ref> | vocals | keyboard<ref name="MusicRadar"/> }} }} }} '''Sanele Tresure Sithole''' (born 28 March 1989),<ref name="Briefly"/> known professionally as '''Sun-El Musician''', is a South African disc jockey, music producer, and songwriter.<ref name="Briefly">{{Cite web|last=Makena|first=K.|date=12 May 2020|title=Sun El Musician bio: age, real name, girlfriend, family, songs, album, awards|url=https://briefly.co.za/61901-sun-el-musician-bio.html|access-date=20 November 2020|website=Briefly|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Musician|first=Sun El|title=Sun El Musician mixes for GeeGo|url=https://www.geego.co.za/news/i/50373834/sun-el-geego|access-date=20 November 2020|website=www.geego.co.za|language=en|archive-date=1 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101003505/https://www.geego.co.za/news/i/50373834/sun-el-geego|url-status=dead}}</ref> Born and raised in [[Mooi River (town)|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).<ref>{{cite web|title=Sun-EL Musician is Bringing Africa to the World |url=https://edmidentity.com/2021/03/15/sun-el-musician-featured-interview/| work=EDM Identity| access-date=December 9, 2021| first=Zachary |last=Lefevre|date=March 15, 2021}}</ref>

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.<ref name="bio">{{cite web|title=Sun EL Musician |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/directory/sun-el-musician|publisher=Music In Africa }}</ref> 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 (town)|Mooi River]], [[KwaZulu-Natal]], South Africa, and raised along with his four siblings by a domestic worker mother.<ref name="drum">{{Cite web|last=Dayile|first=Qhama|title=Singer Sun-El Musician going from broke to hugely successful|url=https://www.news24.com/drum/celebs/singer-sun-el-musician-going-from-broke-to-hugely-successful-20190501|access-date=20 November 2020|website=Drum|date=20 September 2018 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=30 January 2018|title=10 Things You Do Not Know About Sun-EL Musician|url=https://samusicmag.co.za/2018/01/10-things-not-know-sun-el-musician/|access-date=20 November 2020|website=SA Music Magazine|language=en-ZA}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Revealed: How Sun-EL Musician sacrificed an Engineering career to become a musician|url=https://savannanews.com/revealed-sun-el-musician-sacrifices-a-lifetime-fortune-to-become-a-musician/|date=2022-02-22|first=David|last=De Paul|website=Savannanews.com|access-date=2022-03-03|archive-date=3 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303153451/https://savannanews.com/revealed-sun-el-musician-sacrifices-a-lifetime-fortune-to-become-a-musician/amp/|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.<ref name="drum" /> During that period he worked in the studio with [[Bucie]] from 2011-2014,<ref>{{cite web|title=The Sun's El|url=http://www.deephouseloveaffair.com/2013/07/the-suns-el.html?m=1|publisher=Deep HouseLove Affair|access-date=8 October 2021|archive-date=8 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008111945/http://www.deephouseloveaffair.com/2013/07/the-suns-el.html?m=1|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Interview: Sun-El Musician On Owning A Record Label, Preparing For The World & Mentoring New Artists | access-date =2022-01-10| publisher= Slikouronlife| date=2021-11-19|url=https://slikouronlife.co.za/blog/20858/interview-at-sunelmusicianza-on-owning-a-record-label-preparing-for-the-world-mentoring-new-artists}}</ref> and he produced three albums for Demor.

===2015-2019: EL World Music, ''Africa to the World''=== {{main|Africa to the World}}

In early 2017 he established EL World Music.<ref>{{cite web|title=Africa to the World by Sun-El Musician on TIDAL|date=20 April 2018 |url=https://tidal.com/browse/album/87263884|publisher=Tidal}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Album of the Week: Sun-El Musician delivers a majestic & groovy debut 'Africa to the World' [Review] |date=23 April 2018|url=https://www.yomzansi.com/2018/04/23/album-of-the-week-sun-el-musician-africa-to-the-world/|publisher=YoMzansi|access-date =23 April 2018}}</ref>

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 (music app)|Shazam]] and certified Platinum in South Africa.<ref>{{Cite web|date=1 September 2017|title='Akanamali' by Sun-El Musician is the No. 1 most Shazamed song in SA |url=https://www.yomzansi.com/2017/09/01/akanamali-by-sun-el-musician-is-the-no-1-most-shazamed-song-in-sa/|website=www.yomzansi.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=4 December 2020|title=Interview: Sun-El Musician Is Going 'To the World & Beyond'|url=https://www.okayafrica.com/sun-el-musician-to-the-world-beyond-interview/|website=okayafricasite}}</ref>

"[[Bamthathile]]" featuring [[Mlindo the Vocalist]] was released on February 23, 2018, as album's second single.<ref>{{cite web|title=Akanamali' Hitmaker Sun-El Musician Releases Another Potential Hit |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/sun-el-musician-bamthathile-single/|access-date = July 10, 2023|first=Sabelo|last=Mkhabela|publisher=OkayAfrica}}</ref>

His debut studio album ''[[Africa to the World]]'', was released on April 20, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|date=4 May 2018|title=Sun-El Musician's 'Africa To The World' Album Knocks Hard|url=https://www.okayafrica.com/sun-el-musician-album/|website=okayafricasite}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sun El Musician releases debut album Africa To The World – ZAlebs|url=https://zalebs.com/top-of-the/sun-el-musician/sun-el-musician-releases-debut-album-africa-world|work=Zalebs|date=22 June 2020|access-date=3 June 2021|archive-date=23 September 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923141758/https://zalebs.com/top-of-the/sun-el-musician/sun-el-musician-releases-debut-album-africa-world|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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)<ref name="press">{{Cite news |archive-date=2023-07-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230724065457/https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/weekend-argus-sunday-edition/20190526/281500752724511 |url=https://www.pressreader.com/south-africa/weekend-argus-sunday-edition/20190526/281500752724511 |title=Sun-El's time to shine |date=26 May 2019 |first=Shingai |last=Darangwa |publisher=Weekend Argus |language=en |access-date=24 July 2023 |via=[[PressReader]] |url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Akanamali " /> ''Africa to the World'' was also nominated at the [[25th South African Music Awards]] in June 2019.<ref>{{cite web|title=Africa to the World – Sun-El Musician |url=https://www.top-charts.com/r/africa-to-the-world-sun-el-musician|work=Top Charts}}</ref>

Sithole made collaboration with Ami Faku on a single "Into Ingawe", released on June 7, 2019. The song was certified 3× Platinum by RiSA.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://samusicmag.co.za/2020/05/sun-el-musician-x-ami-fakus-into-ingawe-goes-double-platinum/|title=Sun EL-Musician x Ami Faku's Into Ingawe goes Double Platinum|date=19 May 2020|website=SA Music Magazine}}</ref><ref name="Ntsinde">{{Cite web|url=https://www.zkhiphani.co.za/sun-el-musicain-x-ami-faku-into-ingawe-goes-double-platinum/|work= Zkhiphani|title=Sun-EL Musicain ''[sic]'' x Ami Faku – Into Ingawe, Goes Double Platinum|date=21 May 2020}}</ref><ref name="ubetoo">{{Cite web|url=https://www.ubetoo.com/news/ami-faku-sun-el-musicians-hit-into-ingawe-now-double-platinum/|work=Ubetoo|title=Ami Faku & Sun El Musician's Hit Into Ingawe Now Double Platinum »|date=20 May 2020}}</ref>

Also in 2019, Sithole embarked on an extensive tour of South Africa.<ref name="JustNje">{{cite web|title=Sun-El Musician launches El World Music Experience Tour |url=https://justnje.com/sun-el-musician-launches-el-world-music-experience-tour/|work=JustNje|date=24 May 2019|access-date=5 June 2021|archive-date=5 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605134948/https://justnje.com/sun-el-musician-launches-el-world-music-experience-tour/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=== 2020-2021: ''To the World & Beyond'', ''African Electronic Dance Music'' === {{main|To the World & Beyond}}

In April 2020, Sithole released album's lead single "Uhuru" with South African singer [[Azana (singer)|Azana]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Sun-EL Musician's Upcoming Song "UHURU" Gets A Release Date |url=https://www.ubetoo.com/news/sun-el-musicians-upcoming-song-uhuru-gets-a-release-date/|work=Ubetoo|first=John|last=Jabulani|date=6 April 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sun-El Musician Previews Upcoming Album "Uhuru", With Single Featuring Azana |url=https://www.ubetoo.com/news/sun-el-musician-previews-upcoming-album-uhuru-with-single-featuring-azana/|work=Ubetoo|date=14 July 2020|first=John |last=Israel A}}</ref>

Following month May 2020, his second single "Ubomi Abumanga" featuring [[Msaki]] was released.<ref>{{Cite web|date=20 May 2020|title=Sun-EL Musician Announced New Msaki Featured Song "Ubomi Abumanga" And Release Date |url=https://www.ubetoo.com/news/sun-el-musician-announced-new-msaki-featured-song-ubomi-abumanga-and-release-date/|work=Ubetoo}}</ref> 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.<ref name="To the World and Beyond Album">{{Cite web|date=3 December 2020|title=To the World and Beyond Album|url=https://iminathi.net/sun-el-musician-to-the-world-beyond-album/|access-date=20 November 2020|website=iminathi|language=en-ZA}}</ref><ref name="ubetoo" /> The album reached Platinum in South Africa.

''[[African Electronic Dance Music]]'' was released on 29 October 2021 in South Africa.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sun-El Musician drops African Electronic Dance Music album |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/sun-el-musician-drops-african-electronic-dance-music-album|work=Music In Africa| access-date=29 October 2021|first=Ano|last=Shumba|date=29 October 2021}}</ref> On ''African Electronic Dance Music'', Sun-El experimented [[electronic dance music]] style incorporated with elements of [[afro house]].<ref>{{cite web|title= EP Review: Sun-El Musician – AEDM (African Electronic Dance Music) |url= https://www.magneticmag.com/2021/11/ep-review-sun-el-musician-aedm-african-electronic-dance-music/|access-date =2024-02-19|work=Magnetic Magazine|date= 2 November 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sun-EL Musician drops AEDM, 11 track EP|url=https://samusicmag.co.za/2021/10/sun-el-musician-drops-aedm-11-track-ep/amp/|publisher=SA Music Magazine|access-date=2024-01-19|archive-date=6 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106084019/https://samusicmag.co.za/2021/10/sun-el-musician-drops-aedm-11-track-ep/amp/|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=The 30 best electronic albums of 2021|date=22 December 2021 |url=https://pan-african-music.com/en/the-30-best-electronic-albums-of-2021/| publisher=Pan-African|access-date=2024-02-19}}</ref>

''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]].<ref>{{cite web|title=#SAMA28: Take a look at the full list of nominees|url= https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/music/breaking-south-african-music-awards-sama-28-full-list-of-nominees/| work=The South African | access-date =2024-02-19| first=Naledi |last=de Wee |date=2022-06-07}}</ref>

The previous day, Sithole headlined the Basha Uhuru Creative Uprising Festival alongside Langa Mavuso.<ref>{{cite web|title=Langa Mavuso and Sun El Musician to headline the 2021 Basha Uhuru Creative Uprising Festival |date=13 October 2021|url=https://www.yomzansi.com/2021/10/13/basha-uhuru-creative-uprising-festival-2021/|access-date =13 October 2021|publisher=YoMzansi}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sun El Musician, Muzi and Nobuhle added to 'Music Is Forever'| url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/local/sun-el-musician-muzi-and-nobuhle-added-to-music-is-forever-79ad30ed-972d-44d9-9e43-b59809f295c5| publisher=Independent Online| access-date =2021-12-22| date=2021-12-20| first=Shingai |last=Darangwa }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Music Is Forever – Iconic Songs Remixed By Sun El Musician, Muzi, And More, For A New Generation|website=Ubetoo |url=https://www.ubetoo.com/news/music-is-forever-gallo-remixed-reimagines-iconic-tracks-by-brenda-fassie-winston-mankunku-ngosi-and-phuzekhemisi/| access-date=2021-12-22| date=2021-12-17| first=Thato|last=Siyabonga}}</ref>

=== 2022-2023: ''AEDM: Interstellar'' ===

In May 21, he headlined to Bassline I AM LIVE concert.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bassline I AM LIVE announces 21 May concert line-up |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/bassline-i-am-alive-announces-21-may-concert-line| publisher=Music In Africa| date=2022-05-16| access-date=2022-05-17| first=Ano| last=Shumba}}</ref>

Towards the end of May 2022, he headlined to [[MTN Bushfire Festival]], held at Malkerns Valley, from May 27–29.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ano|last=Shumba|date=2022-05-12|title=MTN Bushfire adds more artists to 2022 line-up | access-date=2022-05-11|work=Music In Africa|url= https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/mtn-bushfire-adds-more-artists-2022-line}}</ref><ref>{{cite web| title=Diverse Range of Artists Announced for MTN Bushfire Festival |url=https://samusicmag.co.za/2022/05/diverse-range-of-artists-announced-for-mtn-bushfire-festival/amp/ |work=SA Music Magazine |access-date=2022-05-11|archive-date=16 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616171709/https://samusicmag.co.za/2022/05/diverse-range-of-artists-announced-for-mtn-bushfire-festival/amp/ |url-status=dead}}</ref>

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 (DJ)|TNS]] and Skillz.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sun-El Musician teases new album with release of two singles|date=2022-12-09|access-date =2022-12-09|url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/sun-el-musician-teases-new-album-release-two-singles|work=Music in Africa|first=Ano|last=Shumba}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sun-El on collab with Msaki: I wanted to support my best friend through a hard time she was going through |work=Drum|url=https://www.snl24.com/drum/celebs/news/sun-el-on-collab-with-msaki-i-wanted-to-support-my-best-friend-through-a-hard-time-she-was-going-through-20231103|date=2023-11-03|url-access=subscription}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|title=Musical best-friends Sun-El Musician and Msaki return with long anticipated single 'Amandla' |work=Gagasi World|access-date=2023-11-04|date=2023-11-03|url=https://gagasiworld.co.za/musical-best-friends-sun-el-musician-and-msaki-return-with-long-anticipated-single-amandla/}}</ref>

===2024-present: New label Under Da Sun, ''Under The Sun'', Red Bull Symphonic (Afro House, Our Home)===

His fourth studio album ''Under The Sun'', was released on February 13, 2026.<ref name=music >{{cite web|title=SA: Sun-EL Musician shares fourth studio album Under the Sun|url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/sa-sun-el-musician-shares-fourth-studio-album-under-sun-0|work=Music in Africa|date=2026-02-13|access-date=2026-02-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sun-El Musician enters new chapter with ‘Under the Sun’|url=https://mg.co.za/friday/2026-02-13-between-love-and-letting-go/|work=Mail & Guardian|access-date=2026-02-13|first=Kibo |last=Ngowi}}</ref> The production of the album incorporated elements of soulful house, Afro-electronic production and organic instrumentation.<ref name=music></ref>

Towards the end of April 2026, Sun-EL Musician & Dlala Thukzin sold out their Red Bull Symphonic (Afro House, Our Home) 2026 in 2 hours, to be conducted by Chad Hendricks<ref>{{cite web|title=Sun-El Musician and Dlala Thukzin to headline sold-out Red Bull Symphonic 2026|url=https://iol.co.za/entertainment/music/2026-04-22-sun-el-musician-and-dlala-thukzin-to-headline-sold-out-red-bull-symphonic-2026/|first=Oluthando|last=Keteyi|date=2026-04-22|work=Independent Online|access-date=2026-04-22}}</ref> The event is scheduled for June 13 at Montecasino, Johannesburg. <ref>{{cite web|title=Sun-El Musician and Dlala Thukzin announced as first double headliners for Red Bull Symphonic|date=2026-04-22|first=Lineo |last=Lesemane|access-date=2026-04-22|url=https://www.citizen.co.za/lifestyle/entertainment/sun-el-musician-and-dlala-thukzin-are-headliners-for-red-bull-symphonic/|work=Citizen}}</ref>

== Discography == === Albums ===

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ List of albums, with selected details, sales figures and certifications ! scope="col" style="width:10em;" | Title ! scope="col" style="width:13em;" | Album details ! scope="col" style="width:15em;" | [[List of music recording certifications|Certifications]] |- ! scope="row" | ''[[Africa to the World]]''<ref>{{Cite web|title=S-Tone: Meet the muso Sun El Musician thinks could be the next big thing|url=https://www.timeslive.co.za/tshisa-live/tshisa-live/2020-08-02-s-tone-meet-the-muso-sun-el-musician-thinks-could-be-the-next-big-thing/|access-date=20 November 2020|website=TimesLIVE|language=en-ZA}}</ref> | * Released: 20 April 2018<ref>{{Cite web |title=Africa to the World by Sun-El Musician on Apple Music |date=20 April 2018|url=https://music.apple.com/za/album/africa-to-the-world/1370992131|publisher=Apple Music|accessdate=30 October 2021}}</ref> * Label: EL World Music * Formats: [[Compact Disc|CD]], [[Music download|digital download]], [[Streaming media|streaming]] | * [[Recording Industry of South Africa|RISA]]: Platinum<ref>{{cite web|title=Certificate Reporting |url=https://www.risa.org.za/website/certification/reporting/|publisher=Recording Industry of South Africa|access-date=30 October 2021}}</ref> |- ! scope="row" | ''[[To the World & Beyond]]''<ref name="To the World and Beyond Album"/> | * Released: 4 December 2020 * Label: EL World Music * Formats: CD, digital download, streaming | * RISA: Platinum |- ! scope="row" | ''[[African Electronic Dance Music]]'' | * Released: 29 October 2021<ref>{{cite web|title= African Electronic Dance Music by Sun-El Musician on Apple Music |date=29 October 2021|url=https://music.apple.com/za/album/african-electronic-dance-music/1587886854|publisher=Apple Music| access-date=30 October 2021}}</ref> * Label: EL World Music * Formats: CD, digital download, streaming | |- ! scope="row" |''Under The Sun'' | * Released: 13 February 2026 * Label: Under Da Sun * Formats: Digital download, streaming | |}

=== EPs ===

{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ List of EPs, with selected details ! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" | EP details |- ! scope="row" | ''AEDM: Interstellar'' | * Released: 9 December 2022 * Label: EL World Music * Formats: Streaming, digital download |} == Singles == === As lead artist === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name ! scope="col" style="width:22em;"| Title ! scope="col" | Year ! scope="col" | Peak chart positions ! scope="col" style="width:12em;"| [[List of music recording certifications|Certifications]] ! scope="col" | Album |- |- ! scope="row" | "Akanamali" (featuring [[Samthing Soweto]]) | 2017 | 1 | RiSA: Platinum |rowspan="4"| ''Africa to the World'' |- ! Scope="row"| "Ntab'Ezikude" (featuring [[Simmy]]) | rowspan="3"| 2018 | |RiSA: 2× platinum<ref name="press" /> |- ! Scope="row"| "Bamthathile" (featuring [[Mlindo the Vocalist]]) | | RiSA: 2× Platinum |- ! scope="row"| "Sonini" (featuring Simmy and Lelo Kamau) | |RiSA:2× Platinum <ref name="press" /> |- ! scope="row"| "Bomi Abumanga" (featuring [[Msaki]]) | rowspan="5"|2020 | | RiSA: 2× Platinum | rowspan="4"|''To the World & Beyond'' |- ! scope="row"| "Garden" (featuring Julia Church) | — | |- ! scope="row"| "Uhuru" (featuring Azana) | | |- ! scope="row"| "Never Never" (featuring Nobuhle) | |RiSA: Gold<ref>{{Cite certification|region=South Africa|access-date=5 July 2023}}</ref> |- ! Scope="row"| "Into Ingawe" (featuring [[Ami Faku]]) | |RiSA: 3× platinum<ref name="Ntsinde" /> |{{Non-album single}} |- ! scope="row"| "Higher" (featuring Simmy) |rowspan="3"|2021 |6 | |rowspan="3"|''[[African Electronic Dance Music]]'' |- ! Scope="row"| "Amateki" (featuring Bholoja) | | |- ! Scope="row"| "Woza" (featuring Linos Rosetta) | | |- ! scope="row"|"Respond" (Miči, Sun-EL Musician) | 2022 | — | |{{Non-album single}} |- ! scope="row" | "Amandla" (Sun-El Musician, [[Msaki]]) | 2023 | — | |{{Non-album single}} |- ! scope="row" | "Hamba Nami" (Sun-El Musician, Fearless Musiq, Section Five)<ref>{{cite web|title=Renowned DJ Sun-El Musician drops new single in celebration of his 35th birthday|work=MSN|access-date=2024-03-30|url=https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/renowned-dj-sun-el-musician-drops-new-single-in-celebration-of-his-35th-birthday/ar-BB1kGJI2}}</ref> |rowspan=4|2024 |— | |{{Non-album single}} |- ! scope="row" | "Inhliziyo" (Sun-EL Musician, Mthandazo Gatya, Anzo featuring Kenza) |— | |{{Non-album single}} |- ! scope="row" | "feelings" (Miči, Frigid Armadillo, Sun-El Musician) |— | |{{Non-album single}} |- ! scope="row" | "Dangerous" (Sun-El Musician, Jnr SA) |— | |{{Non-album single}} |- ! scope="row" | "Sunshine" (Frigid Armadillo, Sun-El Musician) |rowspan=4|2025 |— | |{{Non-album single}} |- ! scope="row" | "You're Light" (Sun-El Musician, Msaki, Karyendasoul) |— | |{{Non-album single}} |- ! scope="row" | "Koyika" (Sun-EL Musician featuring Sai Hle) |— | |rowspan=3|''Under The Sun'' |- ! scope="row" | "The Rise" (Sun-EL Musician featuring Mpho.Wav, Nurogroove) |— | |- ! scope="row" | "Angeke" (Sun-EL Musician, Thatohatsi, JNR SA, Kenza) |2026 |— | |- | colspan="8" style="font-size:90%"| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. |}

=== Production and songwriting credits === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+List of production and songwriting credits, showing original artists, year released and album name |- ! scope="col" style="width:15em;"| Title ! scope="col" style="width:1em;"| Year ! scope="col"| Artist(s) ! scope="col"| Album ! scope="col"| Credit(s) ! scope="col"| Written with: ! scope="col"| Produced with: |- ! scope="row"| "Ngiyesaba" | 2018 | [[Simmy]] | ''Tugela Fairy'' | rowspan="2"|Producer | Simmy | |- ! scope="row"| "Wawundithembisile" | rowspan="2"| 2021 | [[Zolani Mahola|The One Who Sings]] | {{non-album single}} | Zolani Mahola | Kenza (SA) |- ! Scope="row"|"Light House" | [[Tresor (singer)|TRESOR]] | ''Motion'' | Co-producer | |TRESOR<br>Da Capo |- ! scope="row"| "Ezangakini" | 2022 | [[Professor (musician)|Professor]] featuring Shwi, and Sun-El Musician<ref>{{cite web|title=Kwaito legend Professor returns to music with Ezangakini ft Shwi & Sun-El Musician|url=https://www.iol.co.za/entertainment/music/local/kwaito-legend-professor-returns-to-music-with-ezangakini-ft-shwi-and-sun-el-musician-f2a49e28-68cf-4c68-9c36-83c3a7cddf37| publisher=Independent Online | access-date=2022-05-21| first=Shingai |last=Darangwa| date=2022-03-29}}</ref> | {{non-album single}} | Producer | Mkhonzeni Langa, Mandla Xaba, Zwelenduna Magubane, and Khethonjani Dludla | Mpho.Wav and Tebogo Mbolekwa |- ! scope="row"| "Indlela" |2023 | Drega, Sun-El Musician and Maline Aura | {{non-album single}} | Producer | Bonga Ntozini, Sanele Sithole and Thandolwethu Nkomo | Drega |}

=== Guest appearances === {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" ! scope="col" style="width:14em;" |Title ! scope="col" |Year ! scope="col" |Other artist(s) ! scope="col" |Album |- ! scope="row" |"Ndivulele" |2019 |[[Ami Faku]] |''Imali'' |- ! scope="row" |"Hosana" |rowspan="3"|2020 |[[Black Motion]] |''[[The Healers: The Last Chapter]]'' |- ! scope="row" |"Yasha Imizi" | Claudio x Kenza | ''Circle of Life'' |- ! scope="row" | "Shine" |S-Tone |''Mbabane'' |- ! scope="row" |"Control" |rowspan=4|2021 |[[Karyendasoul]] |''Imizamo'' |- ! scope="row" |"Jungle" |Kenza |''Fly Away'' |- ! scope="row" | "You need Me" |Black Coffee |''Subconsciously'' |- ! scope="row" |"Ngaphesheya" |[[Mobi Dixon]], Nombila, Massive Ricco |''When House Was House'' |- ! scope="row" |"Idwala" |rowspan=5|2022 |[[Mafikizolo]] |''Idwala'' |- ! scope="row" | "Africa Hey" |Ndlovu Youth Choir |''Greatful'' |- ! scope="row" |"Esikhathini" |Murumba Pitch |''Horumar'' |- ! scope="row" | "Umthwalo" |Vitoto |''Afro Nation'' |- ! scope="row" | "Am Going" |DJ Bongz, Zaba, Sykes |''Road Trip'' |- ! scope="row" | "Love & Pride" |rowspan=2|2025 |Thakzin, Miči |''Gods window, Pt. 1'' |- ! scope="row" | "Ngiyakhala" |Nomfundo Moh, Simmy, LeeKeyz, NDLOH JNR |''Out The Box'' |}

== Other charted and certified songs == {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" border="1" |+ List of other charted songs, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name |- ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Year ! scope="col" colspan="1"| Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" style="width:12em;"| [[List of music recording certifications|Certifications]] ! scope="col" rowspan="2"| Album |- ! scope="col" style="width:3em;font-size:100%;"|[[Entertainment Monitoring Africa|ZA]]<br /> |- ! scope="row" |"Best Friend" (Sun-EL Musician, Msaki) |2021 |75<ref>{{cite web|title=Local Streaming Chart Top 100|work=The Official South African Charts|access-date=2024-07-27|url=https://theofficialsacharts.co.za/charts/local-streaming-chart-top-100-week-42-2022/}}</ref> |Gold |''[[African Electronic Dance Music]]'' |- | colspan="8" style="font-size:90%"| "—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. |}

== Tours == * EL World Music Experience (2019)<ref name="JustNje" />

== Awards and nominations ==

{| class="wikitable" |+ !Year !Award Ceremony !Prize !Result !{{abbr|Ref.|References}} |- | rowspan="3" |2018 | rowspan="3" |[[24th South African Music Awards]] |Collaboration |{{won}} |<ref name="Akanamali">{{Cite web|url=https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/entertainment/2018-06-02-sun-el-musician-joyous-celebration-and-mafikizolo-big-winners-at-samas/|title=Sun-El Musician, Joyous Celebration big winners at first night of Samas|website=SowetanLIVE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://samusicawards.co.za/ak_sama_award/auto-draft-250/|title=2018 Collaboration of the year Nominee : Sun-EL Musician ft Samthing Soweto – Akanamali|access-date=15 February 2021|archive-date=28 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128030753/https://samusicawards.co.za/ak_sama_award/auto-draft-250/|url-status=dead}}</ref> |- |Highest Airplay Song |{{won}} |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gq.co.za/culture/entertainment/all-the-winners-from-sama-awards-2018-16564938|title=All the winners from SAMA Awards 2018|website=www.gq.co.za}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news24.com/channel/music/news/samas-2018-all-the-winners-20180602|title=Samas 2018: All the winners|website=Channel}}</ref> |- |Highest Airplay Composer |{{won}} |<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fakazanews.com/2018/06/02/south-african-music-awards-2018-full-list-of-winners-sama24/|title=South African Music Awards 2018 – Full List of Winners #SAMA24 |website=Fakaza News|date=2 June 2018}}</ref> |- |rowspan="3"|2019 |rowspan="3"|[[25th South African Music Awards]] |Record of the Year {{small|(Sun-El Musician featuring Simmy and Lelo Kamau – Sonini)}} |{{won}} |rowspan="3"|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://samusicawards.co.za/ak_sama_award/auto-draft-118/|title=2019 Collaboration of the year Nominee : Sun-El Musician – Sonini|access-date=15 February 2021|archive-date=15 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220815171953/https://samusicawards.co.za/ak_sama_award/auto-draft-118/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/480/190180.html|title=All the 2019 SAMA nominees|website=www.bizcommunity.com|date=25 April 2019 }}</ref> <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bona.co.za/celebrity/2019-sama-record-of-the-year-nominees/|title=2019 SAMA Record of the Year nominees &#124; Bona Magazine|first=Kwanele|last=Mathebula|date=31 May 2019 }}</ref> |- |Newcomer of the Year |{{nom}} |- |Best Dance Album |{{nom}} |- |rowspan="2"|2020 |rowspan="2"|[[1st KZN Entertainment Awards|KZN Entertainment Awards]] | Best Club DJ Male |{{nom}} |rowspan="2"|<ref>{{cite web|title=Talent overload: All the winners from the first KZN Entertainment Awards |url=https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/entertainment/winners-knz-entertainment-awards/|website=The South African|date=16 December 2020}}</ref> |- | Best Producer | {{nom}} |- |rowspan="6"|2021 |rowspan="5"|[[27th South African Music Awards|SAMAs 27]] |Best Dance Album |{{nom}} |rowspan ="5"|<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.citizen.co.za/lifestyle/samas-27-nominations-are-out-and-its-male-dominated/|title=Samas 27 nominations are out and its male dominated |work=The Citizen |date= 19 May 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Full list of SAMA nominees|url= https://www.ecr.co.za/news/entertainment/full-list-sama-nominees/|date= 20 May 2021|last=Poelano Malema|work=East Coast Radio}}</ref> |- |Male Artist of the Year |{{nom}} |- |Best Produced Album of the Year |{{nom}} |- |Remix of the Year |{{nom}} |- |Best Live Audio of the Year |{{won}} |- | [[6th Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards|M K H M A]] | Best DJ |{{nom}} | |- |2021 |All Africa Music Awards |Best Male Artist in Southern Africa |{{nom}} |<ref>{{cite web|title=All Africa Music Awards 2021: All the nominees |url=https://www.musicinafrica.net/magazine/all-africa-music-awards-2021-all-nominees| publisher=Music In Africa| first=Gabriel Myers |last=Hansen|date=23 September 2021|access-date=November 21, 2021}}</ref> |- | rowspan="4"| 2022 | rowspan="4"|[[28th South African Music Awards|SAMA 28]] | Album of the Year | {{nom}} | rowspan="3"|<ref>{{cite web|title=#SAMA28: Take a look at the full list of nominees|url= https://www.thesouthafrican.com/culture/music/breaking-south-african-music-awards-sama-28-full-list-of-nominees/| work=The South African | access-date =2022-06-07| first=Naledi |last=de Wee |date=2022-06-07}}</ref> |- | Best Dance Album | {{nom}} |- | Male Artist of the Year | {{nom}} |- | Remix of the Year | {{won}} |<ref>{{cite web|title=#SAMA28: Nomfundo Moh, Sun El Musician among first batch of winners| publisher=The Citizen| access-date=2022-08-28 |first=Sandisiwe|last=Mbhele|url=https://www.citizen.co.za/entertainment/samas-22-first-winners-list-august-2022/|date=2022-08-28}}</ref> |}

== References == {{reflist}}

== External links == {{Wikiquote}} * {{AllMusic|class=artist|id=-mn0003690636|name=Sun-EL Musician}} {{authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Musician, Sun-El}} [[Category:1989 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:University of KwaZulu-Natal alumni]] [[Category:South African electronic dance music DJs]] [[Category:South African record producers]]