WizTheMc
Biography
Sanele Sydow, known professionally as WizTheMc, is a South African-German singer, rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He was born in Cape Town, South Africa, in 1999 and moved to Lüneburg, Germany, with his family at the age of two. His musical style is a blend of alternative pop and hip hop, often characterized by upbeat, feel-good melodies as well as more introspective and emotional tracks.
Career Beginnings
WizTheMc's interest in music began in his early teens, inspired by artists like 2 Chainz and Tyga. In 2015, he and his friends formed the music collective NOHOMES in Germany. After the group disbanded, Sydow decided to pursue a solo career and moved to Toronto, Canada, in 2017 to immerse himself in the local music scene. This move proved to be formative for his career, allowing him to develop his skills as a producer and connect with collaborators.
Rise to Prominence
In 2018, WizTheMc released his first two projects, "Backin Toronto" and "Blessings in Disguise". He followed these with his mixtape "Growing Teeth" in 2020. His breakout moment came with the 2020 single "For a Minute," which gained significant traction, accumulating over 76 million streams on Spotify. The success of the song, which was featured in various media including the show "Grey's Anatomy" and the Netflix film "He's All That," led to his signing with 10K Projects. Following this, he released the EP "What About Now," which included the hit single.
Recent Work
In 2022, WizTheMc released the EP "Where Silence Feels Good," showcasing a more mature and emotionally raw side to his music. A deluxe version of the EP was released later the same year. He has continued to release a steady stream of singles and EPs, including "Never Home" in 2024. A significant collaboration in 2025 with Bees & Honey on the track "Show Me Love" achieved silver certification in the UK and charted in the top five in both the UK and Germany. A remix of the song featuring Tyla was also released.
Musical Style and Influences
WizTheMc's music often explores themes of relationships, love, and life. He has cited artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole as major inspirations, admiring their ability to convey vulnerability and relatable emotions in their lyrics. His sound is dynamic, ranging from catchy, rhythmic beats to more somber, acoustic arrangements. He is known for blending genres, creating a unique sound that has been described as "borderless pop".
Tours and Performances
WizTheMc has toured across Europe, the United States, and Canada, supporting artists such as Lola Young, Half Alive, and UPSAHL. In 2019, he won the newcomer contest at the Splash! Festival, a major German hip-hop festival.