Birth name Donald Moatshe Years active 2008 - present | Name Donald Moatshe Labels D-Exclusive | |
Born 7 February 1985 (age 39) Mantserre, North West, South Africa ( 1985-02-07 ) Genres Afro-SoulDanceHouseR&B Occupation(s) Musicianvocalistperformerrecording artistentertainer | ||
Donald Moatshe (born 7 February 1985), commonly known by the monomyn Donald, is a South African Afro-soul singer, songwriter, recording artist and entertainer, originally from the town of Rustenburg, in the North-West province.
Life and music career
Donald was born in the village of Kraalhoek in the North West province. He began singing at a young age in the church choir, and this is where his musical talent was discovered.
In the year 2008, he inked a recording deal with South African DJ Cleo on his Will of Steel imprint. The label released his 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 sophomore album Train of Love there.
He rose to fame in 2011 with his debut single I Deserve, which later appeared on his much anticipated and critically acclaimed sophomore album Love Train, 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 household name in South Africa. The success of the album brought him much attention, enabling him to make appearances on South African TV shows, Rhythm City, 3Talk with Noeleen, MTV Base, Vuzu and various others.
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 which were Best Produced Album, Best Video, Best Male and Best Dance Album.
Two years later, in 2015, his album critically acclaimed album Train of Love was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa.
In March 2015, Donald was featured on Dreamteam's first single "What's Your Name" off their debut studio album Dreams Never Die, along with South African singer NaakMusiq.
His third studio album Black and White, was certified Gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa, only three months after its release in 2014.