When he popped in for an interview on Massive Music recently, Mthunzi revealed that he did not have any problems with being tagged as the 'next big thing.' He's still up anc coming, after all. But the KZN native, who rose to fame following the release of his single 'Ngibambe La', is not letting the 'new kid on the block' label slow down his pace!
Apple Music’s New Artist Spotlight for February is Mthunzi. This comes on the back of the release of his debut album, “Selimathunzi” written exclusively in his native tongue, isiZulu.
Upon being chosen by Apple Music for this accolade Mthunzi, excitedly said: “This is one of the best things and highlights in any musicians career, I am grateful to Apple Music for their continuous support to artists and it is a great honour.”
The self-taught pianist and guitarist from Kwa-Zulu Natal, has melded a hybrid of styles which marry the best of Maskandi, House, Afro-Pop and RnB. On his 16-track debut album ‘Selimathunzi’ (which means “Sunset”), Mthunzi collaborates with some of Mzansi’s finest including Sun-El Musician, S-Tone, Ami Faku, Simmy, Sino Msolo and Claudio X Kenza.
Citing some of his primary influences, Mthunzi referred to the late Jabu Khanyile. He took inspiration from around the globe to craft and create this album. “I hope listeners will receive and appreciate my music without limitations” he commented, adding that his dream is “to be able to inspire, change and make people happy through what I love which is music”.
RELATED: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MTHUNZI'S DEBUT ALBUM
Mthunzi who is part of Sun El Musician’s El World Music family had this to say: “I had my first deal with a company called Mapsit, but nothing important materialized until I posted a video on social media tagging @sunelmusician, singing cover music from his label El World Music, which is when I got a call and Sun-EL Musician invited me to his studio. We worked on a few songs where I recorded my first single, “Vuka” and a follow up “Insimbi” which is a collaboration with Sun-EL Musician.”
Recounting his favourite moments in his musical career up to now he mentions “getting a call from Sun-EL asking me to join EL World and traveling Africa performing”, both game-changing experiences for any South African artist.
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