Donald (singer)

Donald Moatshe (born 7 February 1985),[1][2] commonly known by the mononym Donald, is a South African Afro-soul singer, songwriter, recording artist and entertainer. He was born in the town of Rustenburg, in the North-West province.

This article is about the South African musician. For other uses, see Donald (disambiguation).

Donald
Birth nameDonald Moatshe
Born (1985-02-07) 7 February 1985
Mantserre, North West, South Africa
OriginRustenburg, North West, South Africa
Genres
  • Afro-Soul
  • Dance
  • House
  • R&B
Occupation(s)
  • Musician
  • vocalist
  • performer
  • recording artist
  • entertainer
Years active2008–present
LabelsD-Exclusive

His career began at an early age, and he signed a record deal with the Will of Steel Imprint in 2008. He came to notice with his single "I Deserve" released in 2011.

Life and career

Donald Moatshe was born in the village of Kraalhoek in the North West province.[3][4] He began singing at a young age in the church choir, where his musical talent was discovered.

2011:Train of Love

In 2008, he signed a recording deal with South African DJ Cleo on his Will of Steel imprint. The label released Donald's debut album, which received a lukewarm reception. He departed from the DJ Cleo's label, and started his own imprint, D-Exclusive in 2011, and began production on his second album Love Train.[5]

2011:Love Train

He rose to fame in 2011 with his notable single I Deserve,[6] which later appeared on his much anticipated and critically acclaimed second album Love Train,[7] which was released in 2012. He released three singles from the album, titled I Deserve, Denial, and Over the Moon. I Deserve topped the RAMs Top 100 & Top 40 charts, as well as entering the Top 10 on the Media Guide charts, instantly making him a celebrity in South Africa. The success of the album brought him much attention, enabling him to make appearances on South African TV shows such as Rhythm City, 3Talk with Noeleen, MTV Base, Vuzu and various others. Over the Moon became a well known song in Africa at large.

Donald has worked with fellow South African acts such as Kelly Khumalo, KB, Malaika, Selaelo Selota and rapper Slikour. Donald was nominated for the Best New Artist at the 2012 Channel O Music Video Awards.

In 2013, Donald became the stand-out artist at the 2013 Metro FM Music Awards for having been the most nominated artist; among the nominations were Best Produced Album, Best Video, Best Male and Best Dance Album. He was nominated for Best International Act: Africa at BET Awards 2013.

2015:Train of Love

Two years later, in 2015, his album critically acclaimed album Train of Love was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa.[8][9]

In March 2015, Donald was featured on Dreamteam's first single "What's Your Name" from their debut studio album Dreams Never Die, along with South African singer NaakMusiq.[10]

2014:Black and White (2014)

On March 25, 2014, his third studio album Black and White was released, and was certified Gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa, only three months after its release.[11][12]

At MTV Africa Music Awards 2014, he received a nomination for Best Male Artist of the Year.

In October 2021 Donald announced his album, Dreams, releasing in October the first single from the album, "Inkayezi", an RnB song.[13]

Discography

Studio albums
Title Album Details Certification
Know You Better
  • Released: 2010
  • Label: Will of Steel Productions
  • Formats: CD
Train of Love[14]
  • Released: 2012
  • Label: D-Exclusive, Universal Music
  • Formats: CD, Digital Download
 RISA: Platinum
Black and White[15]
  • Released: 2014
  • Label: D-Exclusive, Universal Music
  • Formats: CD, Digital Download
 RISA: Platinum[16]

References
  1. "Museke on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  2. "One-on-One with Donald by Brat". ctvibes. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  3. "Smooth moves, from the heart". News24. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  4. "Rustenburg's where riches are made". Sowetan Live. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  5. "One-on-One with Donald by Brat". ctvibes. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  6. "Channel O TV Online | Music Monday Interview: Donald". channelo.dstv.com. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  7. "Donald Moatshe Biography | Salyrix". www.salyrix.co.za. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  8. "Smooth moves, from the heart". News24. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  9. "One on one with Donald Moatshe". DRUM. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  10. "Dreamteam Drops YouTube Link for 'What's Your Name'". hypemagazine.co.za. Retrieved 5 November 2015.
  11. "Confirmed! Donald to re release his latest album". Channel24. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  12. "Donald reaches gold with 'Black and White | YOMZANSI". YoMzansi. 29 September 2015.
  13. Bukola (8 October 2021). "Donald announces release date of his album, 'Dreams' | Fakaza News". Fakaza News.
  14. "Train of Love by Donald on iTunes". iTunes Store. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  15. "Black & White (Deluxe Version) by Donald on iTunes". iTunes Store. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
  16. "CONFIRMED! Donald to re release his latest album". Channel. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
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