Connell Cruise is my guest today. Born in a small suburb of Johannesburg into a very musical family, Connell was discovered locally by David Gresham Records in 2013. In April 2014, a social media frenzy surrounding the iTunes release of his single “Into the Wild” grabbed the attention of none other than music industry titan, L.A. Reid. Connell’s subsequent deal with Island Records, in New York City, is considered the largest and most significant record deal in South African music history, introducing him to the international music scene and trailblazing the way for a new wave of South African talent.