2020 catapults EC muso to a whole new level
Apple Music chooses Sino Msolo for its New Artist Spotlight
When Flagstaff-born singer Sino Msolo posted a video of himself singing on Twitter in 2019 he didn’t imagine he would start the new year with a debut album and being featured by Apple Music on the New Artist Spotlight.
The New Artist Spotlight is an artist development feature where the music giant shines a light on emerging artists from across the African continent.
Msolo, 26, was discovered by SA hitmaker and producer mogul Sun-El Musician, who approached Msolo after watching the video.
The duo hit the ground running and soon recorded a song titled Buya.
Another song, Ndamlinda, followed and soon Msolo had recorded a 16-track album, Mamela, which was released in November last year.
It was his upbeat love song Ndiketha Lowa, however, that propelled him into the local music scene and captured the hearts of thousands of music lovers.
The song’s official music video has received more than 60,000 views on YouTube since its release in August last year.
The singer-songwriter and self-taught guitarist said his music was a fusion of deep house, jazz, soul and afro-pop.
He described the album as a compilation of love songs that told the story of the different stages of a couple’s relationship.
“After recording the song with Sun-El Musician I knew I couldn’t allow the opportunity to pass me by.
“I soon returned to the studio to make sure that I did my best work.
“Within a week we had recorded a number of songs and began formulating the album.
“The response to the album in this short space of time has been so great.
“People are posting videos of themselves listening to my music and that is amazing,” Msolo said.
Responding to the recognition given by music giant Apple Music he said: “I feel so special and honoured to be chosen. It could have been anyone.
“It reminds me of the saying ‘many are called but only few are chosen’.”
Msolo began his music career as a hobby in his hometown and then later formed an a capella group that would perform around town.
He said it was the locals’ “emotional” reaction to his singing that sparked his interest in music as a profession.
He said he looked up to artists such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Black Coffee and Sjava, whom he hopes to work with in the future.
As the new year kicks off, Msolo said fans could expect more of him on the SA music scene.
“This year my supporters can expect new music, more performances and more features,” he said.
Another Eastern Cape artist who was highlighted in the Apple Music Spotight was Port Elizabeth-born Ami Faku, who broke into the industry with hit love song Ndikethe Wena and released an album, Imali.
Faku is another protege of Sun-EL Musician.
People are posting videos of themselves listening to my music and that is amazing