Simphiwe Sihawu, a 23-year-old DJ and producer from Phillipi known by his stage name “Mr Thela,” is set to perform in Seoul and Songtan in March.
This important step in his career comes three months after the release of “Tronics Land Series 1”, his first solo album.
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Mr Thela was first introduced to listeners through his collaborative album, “Make Cape Town Great Again”, which was released in 2020 during lockdown. With its new sound of “gqom gospel”, the album became an instant hit.
The album’s lead single, “iParty”, dominated airwaves and virtual house parties across the country, so much so that Netflix picked it up for the soundtrack to the film JIVA.
The album was later certified platinum by the South African Recording Industry (RiSA) and nominated for Best Gqom Album at the 2021 South African Music Awards (SAMA).
Speaking about this achievement, Mr Thela said:
“I’m extremely excited about this gig. It will be my first time out of the country, let alone my first time playing internationally. It’s like a dream come true. Those that know me from where I come from know that I’ve always told them that one day I will play internationally, and now that is all coming true. Thank you to my team and management. I hope this is the first of many international gigs.”
The young DJ/producer has collaborated with artists such as DJ Tira, Babes Wodumo, Professor Dlala Thukzin, Betusile Mcinga, Nobantu Vilakazi and the late Mampintsha.
Mr Thela will perform in Seoul and Songtan in March.
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Picture: Luvuyo Wogqoyi / Supplied
