The sky is certainly the limit for music producer and Gqom DJ Simphiwe Sihawu, who performs under the name Mr Thela, as he scooped a Metro FM Music Award for his hit song Hello last Saturday.
The 24-year-old soft-spoken artist from Samora Machel is beaming with pride after snatching the award from the other nominees including DJ Lag and Mr Nation Thingz, Hade Boss ft K.C Driller, and Sisestyleni Babies ft Skillz and RudeBoyz in the category for Best Kwaito/Gqom song.
Mr Thela collaborated with DJ Kotin on the track Hello, which features Big Nuz and Mshayi.
In an interview with Vukani, he says he never thought at this early stage of his career he would win a Metro Award.
He says they put in the hard work without thinking about awards.
His ultimate goal is to ensure that he entertains people and he is thankful for the overwhelming support and appreciation of his music.
“This is my first time winning an award. I have been nominated for the SAMAs (South African Music Awards) before but unfortunately did not win.
“This means a lot to me especially coming from where I come from, Samora Machel, from mphelazwe to Metro FM Awards.
“I hope this serves as a beacon of hope for those who have similar backgrounds: that if you put your mind into something and believe, things will happen for you too.
“I knew that one day I would eventually win an award but never thought it would happen this early in my career, but God has his own way of working things out and also the hard work eventually pays off.”
Talking about his recent work, Mr Thela says a single titled Kwandonga Ziyaduma from his album Tronics Land Series 2, which he released last year, has reached Gold status and is a few streams away from going platinum in less than a year.
Speaking about some of his latest achievements, he said his sponsorship with an alcohol brand has been officiated and this will see him continue with creative ways to introduce his music via his YouTube channel or social media.
He has also recorded live session with the brand and people will get an opportunity to hear new and old songs and a mix.
He added that he has secured an interview with BBC World Service which gives him access to over 300 million listeners across the globe.
He said he wants to release more music and there is also an album coming later on this year and he appreciates everyone who has listened to his music.
