Mr Thela
South African record producer and DJ
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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 | |
|---|---|
| Born | Simphiwe Sihawu Gugulethu, Western Cape, South Africa |
| Genres | |
| Instruments | keyboard, synthesizer |
| Years active | 2016–present |
| Label | 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
Mr Thela's musical styles encompass gqom, sgubhu and a genre of his own creation alongside Mshayi, gospel gqom (Cape Town gqom).[8]
Discography
Mshayi & Mr Thela
- Make Cape Town Great Again (2020)
- Make Cape Town Great Again 2.0 (2020)
Solo albums
- Tronics Land Series 1 (2022)
- Tronics Land Series 2 (2023)
- Tronics Land Series 3 (2024)
- Langa (2025)
Achievements
Metro FM Music Awards
South African Music Awards
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Make Cape Town Great Again | Best Gqom Album | Nominated | |
| 2024 | Tronics Land Series 2 | Nominated | ||
| 2026 | Langa | Best Gqom Album | Nominated | [12] |