Akanamali

"Akanamali"
Single by Sun-El Musician featuring Samthing Soweto
from the album Africa to the World
Released	May 21, 2017 (2017-05-21)
Recorded	2016–2017
Genre	Electronic
Length	5:22
Label	EL World Music Sony
Songwriter(s)	Sanele Tresure Sithole, Mdolomba Samkelo, Dibodu Karabo
Producer(s)	Sanele Sithole
Sun-El Musician singles chronology
"Akanamali" (2017) "Sengimoja" (2017)
Music video
"Akanamali" on YouTube

"Akanamali" is a single by South African DJ and music producer Sun-El Musician featuring South African singer-songwriter Samthing Soweto. EL World Music and Sony released it on 21 May 2017, as the lead single from his debut studio album, Africa to the World (2018).[1]

It reached number one on Shazam charts, becoming the first single from the album to reach summit of the chart.[2] The song's lyrics discuss a lady who runs away with a guy who has no money, to finds her happiness. "Akanamali" was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).[3]

At the 24th ceremony of South African Music Awards the song won three awards includes: Best Collaboration, Highest Airplay Composer and Highest Airplay Song.

Background and release

"Akanamali" marks first collaboration with Samthing Soweto. The song was produced by Sun-El Musician.

Sun-El Musician released Extended Mix version of the song on 17 July 2021.[4]

Composition

The song lasts for 5 minutes and 22 seconds, composed using common time in the key D♭ minor, having a tempo of 105 beats.[5]

"Akanamali" addresses a lady who runs away with a guy who has no money, to find her happiness.[6]

Music video

The music video for "Akanamali" was released in 2018, filmed in Soweto, South Africa.[7][8]

Live performances

The song was first performed live at Huawei Joburg Day in 2018 by Samthing Soweto and Sun-El Musician.[9]

Charts

Weekly charts Chart (2017) Peak position South Africa (EMA)[10] 1

Certifications

Region	Certification	Certified units/sales
South Africa (RISA)[11]	Platinum	20,000^‡
^‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Accolades

At the 24th South African Music Awards "Akanamali" won three accolades.[12]

Year	Nominee / work	Award	Result
2018	"Akanamali"	Best Collaboration	Won
		Highest Airplay Composer	Won
		Highest Airplay Song	Won

Release history

Region	Date	Format	Version	Label	Ref.
South Africa	21 May 2017	Digital download	Original	EL World Music	[13]

References

1. "Sun-EL Musician Releases Hit Song 'Akanamali' Featuring Samthing Soweto – SA Music Magazine". South Africa Music Magazine.
2. "Akanamali' by Sun-El Musician is the No.1 most Shazamed song in SA | YOMZANSI". YoMzansi. 1 September 2017.
3. "Certificate Reporting". RiSA.
4. Jabulani, John (17 July 2021). "Sun-EL Musician – Akanamali (Extended Mix) Ft. Samthing Soweto". Ubetoo.
5. "Akanamali - Sun-El Musician, Samthing Soweto Key and BPM". Songdata.
6. Ncube, Carlos. "Akanamali video hits all the wrong notes | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 7 October 2017.
7. "WATCH: Sun El-Musician releases 'Akanamali' music video feat. Samthing Soweto | YOMZANSI". YoMzansi. 18 October 2018.
8. "Sun-EL Musician To Release Music Video For The Song Akanamali – SA Music Magazine". South Africa Music Magazine. 4 August 2017.
9. Pillay, Preneil (17 May 2018). "Huawei Joburg Day in the Park 2018 – After Movie, Photos & Live Performances". 702.
10. "Stream The Top 10 Biggest Songs In South Africa At The Moment - SA Music Magazine". SA Music Magazine.
11. "South Africa certifications". Recording Industry of South Africa. Retrieved 9 September 2020.
12. Tiiya, Emmanuel (2 June 2018). "Sun-El Musician, Joyous Celebration big winners at first night of Samas". Sowetan Live.
13. "Akanamali (feat. Samthing Soweto) – Single – Apple Music". Apple Music. 21 May 2017.