Sanele Treasure Sithole, known as Sun-El Musician, is a South African DJ, music producer, and songwriter. Born on March 28, 1989, in Mooi River, he initially attended the University of KwaZulu-Natal but left to focus on his music career.

His breakthrough came with the release of his debut studio album, Africa to the World, in 2018, which went platinum according to the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA). His second album, To the World & Beyond, released in 2020, achieved similar success and was also certified platinum.

Before launching his own record label, EL World Music, he worked as a producer for Demor Music. His latest album, African Electronic Dance Music, was released in October 2021.

Early Life and Education

Sanele Treasure Sithole was born on March 28, 1989, in Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Raised alongside his four siblings, the 36-year-old was brought up by his mother, who worked as a domestic worker. He enrolled at the University of KwaZulu-Natal but left in 2007.

After dropping out, he spent two years at home, during which he began experimenting with music by remixing songs and making mixtapes. His talent caught the attention of Thandukwazi “Demor” Sikhosana, who signed him to Demor Music. As a producer under the label, he worked there for five years, from 2011 to 2014, collaborating with Bucie and producing three albums for Demor.

Career

In early 2017, Sanele Sithole founded his own record label, EL World Music. He then began creating music under the stage name Sun-El Musician. On May 21, 2017, he released his debut single, Akanamali, featuring Samthing Soweto. The song quickly became a hit, reaching number one on Shazam and earning platinum certification in South Africa.

His follow-up single, Bamthathile, featuring Mlindo the Vocalist, was released on February 23, 2018. This track paved the way for his debut studio album, Africa to the World, which dropped on April 20, 2018, and later achieved platinum status. Several singles from the album, including Sonini, Bamthathile, and Ntab’Ezikude, received double platinum certifications from the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA). At the 24th South African Music Awards in June 2018, Akanamali won Best Collaboration, Highest Airplay Song, and Highest Airplay Composer. The following year, Africa to the World earned a nomination at the 25th South African Music Awards.

On June 7, 2019, Sun-El collaborated with Ami Faku on Into Ingawe, which later achieved triple platinum certification. That same year, he embarked on a nationwide tour across South Africa. In April 2020, he released Uhuru featuring Azana, followed by Ubomi Abumanga with Msaki in May, which was certified double platinum. In July 2020, he teamed up with Khuzani and Simmy to release Emoyeni in celebration of Ukhozi FM’s 60th anniversary.

His second studio album, To the World & Beyond, arrived on December 4, 2020, and was certified platinum. The following year, on October 29, 2021, he released African Electronic Dance Music, an album that blended electronic dance elements with Afro-house sounds. The project was supported by four singles—Higher, Amateki/Ululate, and Woza—and was named the best album of 2021 by Pan-African Music. The album received three nominations at the 28th South African Music Awards: Album of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, and Best Dance Album. Around the same time, Sun-El Musician headlined the Basha Uhuru Creative Uprising Festival alongside Langa Mavuso.

In December 2021, he collaborated with Gallo Records to remix classic tracks for the Music is Forever EP, featuring artists like Nobuhle and Muzi. The following year, on May 21, he headlined the Bassline I AM LIVE concert. Later that month, from May 27–29, he performed at the MTN Bushfire Festival in Malkerns Valley.

In December 2022, Sun-El Musician announced his upcoming project, AEDM: Interstellar (African Electronic Dance Music: Interstellar), set for a 2023 release. As a preview, he dropped a double single on December 9, featuring Makwande with Fk Mash and Ami Faku, along with Rata featuring TNS and Skillz.

In April 2023, he and Msaki teased a new song, Amandla, sharing a snippet and confirming an October release. The track was officially released on November 3, 2023.

Discography

Albums

2018 –  Africa to The World

2020 – To The World and Beyond

2021 – African Electronic Dance Music

EPs

2022 – AEDM: Interstellar

Singles

2017 – Akanamali

2018 – Ntab’Ezikude

2018 – Bamthathile

2018 – Sonini

2020 – Bomi Abumanga

2020 – Garden

2020 – Uhuru

2020 – Never Never

2020 – Into Ingawe

2021 – Higher

2021 – Amateki

2021 – Woza

2022 – Respond

2023 – Amandla

2024 – Hamba Nami

2024 – Inhiziyo

2024 – Feelings

2024 – Dangerous

2025 – Sunshine

2025 – You’re Light