Simphiwe Sihawu (born 2000[1]) better known as Mr Thela, is a South African DJ and music producer. Born in Gugulethu and raised in Samora Machel, Philippi, his professional musical career began in 2016 at the age of 16.[1] Aside from his solo career, Sihawu was a member of Mshayi & Mr Thela duo.[2]
Mr Thela | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Simphiwe Sihawu |
| Born | Gugulethu, Western Cape, South Africa |
| Genres | |
| Instrument(s) | keyboard, synthesizer |
| Years active | 2016–present |
| Labels | Universal Music Group |
| Formerly of | Mshayi & Mr Thela |
| Website | mrthela |
Their debut studio album Make Cape Town Great Again (2020), became their best-selling album, certified Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).[3]
His second studio album Tronics Land Series 2, was released on 17 November 2023.[4] The album debuted No. 3 on Apple Music and No. 5 on Spotify South Africa Charts respectively.[5][6]
In February 2024, Mr Thela signed a recording deal with Universal Music Group.[7]
Artistry
editMr Thela's musical styles encompass gqom, sgubhu and a genre of his own creation alongside Mshayi ,gospel gqom (Cape Town gqom).[8]
Discography
editMshayi & Mr Thela
edit- Make Cape Town Great Again (2020)
- Make Cape Town Great Again 2.0 (2023)
Solo albums
edit- Tronics Land Series 1 (2022)
- Tronics Land Series 2 (2023)
- Tronics Land Series 3 (2024)
Achievements
editMetro FM Music Awards
edit| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | "Hello" | Best Kwaito/Gqom | Won | [9][10] |
South African Music Awards
edit| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Make Cape Town Great Again | Best Gqom Album | Nominated | |
| 2024 | Tronics Land Series 2 | Nominated | [11] |
References
edit- ^ a b Cebo, Khanyisa (2023-07-14). "Cape DJ and producer Mr Thela jetting off to the UK as his music travels across the globe". Independent Online. Archived from the original on 2023-10-31. Retrieved 2024-07-02.
- ^ "Interview: Mshayi & Mr Thela Are Reviving Cape Town's Gqom Scene With Their Unique Take on the Genre - Okayplayer". OkayAfrica. Archived from the original on 2023-12-09. Retrieved 2024-07-11.
- ^ "MAKE CAPE TOWN GREAT AGAIN by MSHAYI & MR THELA sales and awards". Best Selling Albums. Archived from the original on 2024-07-02. Retrieved 2024-07-02.
- ^ Phiri, Janice (26 November 2023). "Mr Thela returns home and releases an album, Tronics Land Series 2". South Africa: City Press. Retrieved 2024-07-02.
- ^ "Mr Thela's Tronics Land Series 2 receives over 4 million streams across digital platforms in less than a month and without a music video". Trace TV. 2023-12-13. Retrieved 2024-07-02.
- ^ "Mr Thela's Tronics Land Series 2 receives over 4m streams across digital platforms". Biz Community. 2023-12-13. Retrieved 2024-07-02.
- ^ "Cape Town DJ Mr Thela's moving up as he inks a deal with Universal Music Group". Independent Online. 2024-02-14. Retrieved 2024-07-02.
- ^ "These are the most exciting gqom producers right now". DJ Mag. 2023-03-27. Retrieved 2024-07-16.
- ^ "Mr Thela goes Gold, scoops Metro FM Award and secures partnership with SKYY Vodka". Independent Online. 2024-03-22. Retrieved 2024-07-02.
- ^ Dean, Marsha (2024-04-29). "Unbeatable: Kaapse Mr Thela wins maiden gong at Metro FM Music Awards for Best Kwaito/Gqom song". Daily Voice.
- ^ "Sensational Tyla leads the pack with five SAMA30 nominations". Sunday World. 26 September 2024. Retrieved 26 September 2024.