GQOM DJ Simphiwe Sihawu, popularly known as Mr Thela, has joined Universal Music Group.
On Wednesday, 14 February Mr Thela was signed by the record label at their offices in Rosebank, Joburg.
Celebrations were the order of the day with champagne popping for their big partnership.
The 24-year-old musician born in Gugulethu, Cape Town, said he was excited to join the label.
After being in the industry for eight years, the Iparty hitmaker said he can’t wait to grow bigger and better.
“I'm super-excited. You know, coming from Cape Town and pushing my way up to where my career is right now and being recognised by major record labels like Universal is huge for me,” he said.
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Mr Thela said signing the deal will benefit him and the label.
“The future looks bright with Universal. For me, it’s all about making good music. I'm looking forward to my music going global. It's already known overseas but now it’s going to reach more places I couldn’t reach before,” he said.
Mr Thela said when he started, he opened his own record label.
He said he has big plans.
“My supporters know that music needs to be out there, so an album is going to drop this year, for sure. Nothing is going to change,” he said.
Fuelled by his dreams and aspirations, Mr Thela said he was determined to make the most of this new chapter with Universal Music Group.
“I’ve dreamed of where I am now, and I am dreaming of where I want to be. I was able to make it here independently and now I'm going to make it where I want to be through my new home,” he said.
Manusha Sarawan, Managing Director of Universal Music Group, said: “We're extremely delighted to have Mr Thela as part of our stable. The gqom genre continues to have staying power and remains a part of our dance music culture.”
