| Selwyn | |
|---|---|
| Background information | |
| Origin | Perth, Western Australia |
| Genres | Pop, R&B |
| Years active | 2001–2004 |
| Labels | Sony BMG (2001–2004), Epic |
Selwyn (born Selwyn Pretorius, 1982, in Durban, South Africa) is an R&B singer from Perth, Western Australia. He was a contestant on the Australian reality series Popstars 2, but did not make it through to the final group lineup.[1] He was re-discovered while working at a shopping centre as a trolley boy. Producer Audius Mtawarira overheard him singing and offered to produce him.[1][2]
Within a week of Sony Music hearing his demo CD, he was signed, and began his journey as an Urban Artist with Sony Epic as his home label. "Buggin' Me" the first single released from "Meant To Be", was instantly embraced by Australian radio, achievied Gold status, and peaked at 19 on the national ARIA singles chart. The combination of smooth R&B rhythms, teen anthem lyrics and state of the art production, "Buggin' Me" was the perfect introduction of Selwyn's world-class sound.
Six months later the second single, "Way Love's Supposed To Be" saw Selwyn at the song-writing helm, helped by co-conspirators Audius and Paul Begaud, and some final touches from hip hop mixer Rich Travali (Nelly/Jay-Z/R.Kelly). Upon its release “Way Love's Supposed to be” sky rocketed into the Australian ARIA chart at 9, going on to secure 14th place in the end of year Top Australian Singles Chart.
His third single " Rich Girl " was one of the most played songs on Australian radio and sold record numbers for an Urban act in Australia. Billed as Australia’s hottest new R&B sensation, Selwyn launched his debut album “Meant to Be” on Father’s Day in 2002, and it became the highest selling R&B album by an Australian artist.
Australia's R&B king returned in 2004 and was determined to officially put the country's growing urban music scene on the global map with his sophomore album. More accomplished and diverse than his debut, 'One Way' was the culmination of three years hard work dedicated to honing his song writing, developing his sound on the live front, and expanding his artistic direction after the success of the first album. In addition to performing on the album 'One Way' Selwyn also spent time co-writing and co-producing many of the tracks, collaborating with an arsenal of the hottest writers and producers around including; Paul Rein (Christina Aguilera's "Come On Over"), Skillz & Fingaz (Big Brovaz), Red Zone (Mya), Garage/R&B guru K-Warren (Christina Aguilera), and long-time collaborator Audius. The ambitious 12-track collection saw Selwyn coming into his own as an Artist. Merging his effortless soulful vocals, with a myriad of fresh dynamic beats and gritty attitude the world-class urban album displayed his sophistication, vitality and personality.
After taking a break Selwyn is back and currently working on his new album with some of America’s finest talent; Timbaland Productions,Miykal Snoddy (Ne-Yo, Lupe Fiasco, Drake, Diddy). and . With several tracks already completed, Selwyn is working towards releasing his first Single off the new album in early 2012.
Selwyn has signed with international industry powerhouse Unlimited Entertainment Group.
Contents |
| Album information |
|---|
Meant to Be
|
One Way
|
| Year | Song | ARIA Australian Singles Chart | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | "Buggin' Me" | 19 | Meant to Be |
| 2002 | "Way Love's Supposed to Be" | 9 | |
| "Rich Girl" | 8 | ||
| "Like This, Like That" | 44 | ||
| 2004 | "Boomin'" | 28 | One Way |
| "Satisfactual" | — |