Sjava
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Jabulani Sihle Makhubo, better known by the name Sjava, was born on December 2, 1983 in Bergville, in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Of Zulu origin, he began writing musical lyrics at the age of ten for his isicathamiya group Abafana baseMpumalanga. He then deepened his musical practice in high school, composing melodies and teaching them to his classmates. Alongside this budding passion, he turned to film in 2005, appearing in several drama series and films, notably uGugu no Andile (2009), Zone 14, Isibaya, and eHostela, where he played characters for three consecutive seasons.
🎟️ See concerts & tickets for SjavaBiography of Sjava
Isina Muva: the explosion of sound
Sjava made his musical debut as a featured artist on Miss Pru's song "Ameni" in 2015. On April 8, 2016, he released his first solo single "Ekuseni", followed on July 22, 2016 by his studio album Isina Muva, whose title is derived from a Zulu idiom meaning "tardif". This album, certified Gold by the RiSA, introduced an experimental sound fusing African pop, hip hop, and contemporary R&B. It won the Best Produced Album award at the 23rd South African Music Awards and was nominated in several categories at the Metro FM Music Awards.
Umqhele and international ascent
In 2018, Sjava released his EP Umphako, of which the single "Abangani" featuring Saudi and Emtee was released on June 14. The project reached number one on the local iTunes chart upon its release. On June 24, 2018, he received a BET Award for Best New International Act. His second studio album, Umqhele, was released on December 14, 2018, and confirmed his image as an artist with a consolidated African influence on an international level. He also appears on the soundtrack of the film Black Panther, singing "Seasons" alongside Mozzy and Reason, a nomination for the 2019 Grammy Awards marking his first candidacy at the ceremony.
The founding of 1020 Cartel
On May 26, 2020, Sjava announced his departure from the label Ambitiouz Entertainment. He then co-founded his own label, 1020 Cartel, with Ruff. On December 14, 2020, he released the EP Umsebenzi, certified Gold in South Africa. In June 2022, he collaborated with the group Mafikizolo on the track "10k". In January 2023, he released his third studio album Isibuko, which reached number one on the charts and was certified Platinum by RiSA. This album brings together numerous guests such as Shwi, Saudi, Emtee, Sampa the Great, Delayde, Lolli Native, Qwabe Twins, Umzukulu, Umzulu Phaqa, Udumakahle, Anzo, Vernotile, Inkos' Yamagcokama and Nontokozo Mkhize.
Ukhamba and Ukhamba: the collaboration with Big Zulu
In March 2023, Sjava released the single "Umbayimbayi", certified 3× Platinum in South Africa, from the collaborative album Ukhamba with Big Zulu. The project is produced under the name Inkabi Zezwe. In September 2024, he launched The 2016 Tour to promote his first studio album Isina Muva, with dates at the Joburg Theatre from September 27 to 29 and at the Play House Theatre from November 1 to 2. In December 2024, he announced the live EP Inkanyezi, released on January 31, 2025.
The Trap Temptations: a collective project
On June 16, 2026, Sjava released the collaborative album The Trap Temptations with Emtee, Saudi, and Ruff. This album amassed 1.3 million streams in the two days following its release. In January 2026, he also released his studio album INkanyezi NeZinkanyezi. In July 2024, he announced his partnership with Omega as the brand's ambassador.
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