The Evolution of Donald

Riding to the top on the beat of international house music.

The Evolution of Donald - South African-born Donald (or Donald Moatshe) has emerged on the global stage as one of the biggest acts in the dance genre known as house music. The singer-songwriter has had immense success with his sophomore LP, Train of Love, which was released in early 2012 and spawned a huge hit with the single "I Deserve." As one of the nominees for Best International Artist (Africa) at the 2013 BET Awards, let's look at the evolution of this dance music star. (Photo: D Exclusive/Universal Music South Africa)

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The Evolution of Donald - South African-born Donald (or Donald Moatshe) has emerged on the global stage as one of the biggest acts in the dance genre known as house music. The singer-songwriter has had immense success with his sophomore LP, Train of Love, which was released in early 2012 and spawned a huge hit with the single "I Deserve." As one of the nominees for Best International Artist (Africa) at the 2013 BET Awards, let's look at the evolution of this dance music star. (Photo: D Exclusive/Universal Music South Africa)

Discovering Donald - In 2000, Donald's music career begins in Johannesburg, South Africa, when he meets the afro pop trio Malaika. An audition for the group doesn't yield membership, but Donald is recruited to fill-in when a member isn't able to make it to performances.  (Photo: Sony Music Entertainment)

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Discovering Donald - In 2000, Donald's music career begins in Johannesburg, South Africa, when he meets the afro pop trio Malaika. An audition for the group doesn't yield membership, but Donald is recruited to fill-in when a member isn't able to make it to performances.  (Photo: Sony Music Entertainment)

Meeting DJ Cleo - After touring with Malaika and recording an album that was never released, Donald meets DJ Cleo, for whom he records his first house track, "Angel of Love," which is released on the LP Es'khaleni 5.  (Photo: Justin Barlow/Getty Images for MTV Base)

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Meeting DJ Cleo - After touring with Malaika and recording an album that was never released, Donald meets DJ Cleo, for whom he records his first house track, "Angel of Love," which is released on the LP Es'khaleni 5.  (Photo: Justin Barlow/Getty Images for MTV Base)

Just Being Me - DJ Cleo is so impressed with Donald, he offers him a recording deal, which leads to the release of Donald's debut album Just Donald. The project's sound leans more toward Afro pop. (Photo: Will Of Steel Productions)

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Just Being Me - DJ Cleo is so impressed with Donald, he offers him a recording deal, which leads to the release of Donald's debut album Just Donald. The project's sound leans more toward Afro pop. (Photo: Will Of Steel Productions)

Finding a Home in House - Working with a few prominent dance music artists Donald thought it best that he switch to the genre of house music, which is huge in South Africa. In 2012 he releases his second disc, Train of Love, which is an immediate hit thanks to the lead single "I Deserve." (Photo: D-Exclusive)

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Finding a Home in House - Working with a few prominent dance music artists Donald thought it best that he switch to the genre of house music, which is huge in South Africa. In 2012 he releases his second disc, Train of Love, which is an immediate hit thanks to the lead single "I Deserve." (Photo: D-Exclusive)

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Deserving the Love - Following the success of the song "I Deserve," Donald releases a music video for the track, which pushes his popularity even further.  (Photo: D-Exclusive)

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Deserving the Love - Following the success of the song "I Deserve," Donald releases a music video for the track, which pushes his popularity even further.  (Photo: D-Exclusive)

Bringing You Joy - To maintain his LP's momentum, the singer puts out a music video for the tune "Your Joy." (Photo: D-Exclusive)

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Bringing You Joy - To maintain his LP's momentum, the singer puts out a music video for the tune "Your Joy." (Photo: D-Exclusive)

Can't Be Stopped - Donald releases the video for the track "Denial."  (Photo: D-Exclusive)

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Can't Be Stopped - Donald releases the video for the track "Denial."  (Photo: D-Exclusive)

A Space of Love - As the latest sex symbol to hit the music scene, Donald continues to capitalize on his charm over fans with the music video for "Over the Moon." (Photo: D-Exclusive)

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A Space of Love - As the latest sex symbol to hit the music scene, Donald continues to capitalize on his charm over fans with the music video for "Over the Moon." (Photo: D-Exclusive)

You Have to Recognize - At this year's Metro FM Music Awards Donald was nominated for six awards. He took home statues for Best Produced Album and the Best Styled Artist. (Photo: D-Exclusive)

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You Have to Recognize - At this year's Metro FM Music Awards Donald was nominated for six awards. He took home statues for Best Produced Album and the Best Styled Artist. (Photo: D-Exclusive)