Jeqe | |
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Birth name | Sleje Ngcobo |
Born | Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | 2 December 1983
Occupations |
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Years active | 2004–present |
Musical career | |
Genres | |
Instruments | Vocals |
Labels |
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Website | 1020cartel |
Jabulani Hadebe (born 2 December 1983), [2] [3] known professionally as Sjava, is a South African singer, rapper, and actor. He began his acting career in 2005, starring in several drama series and films including uGugu no Andile (2009). [4] He then rose to prominence on the drama series Zone 14, where he starred for three consecutive seasons, Isibaya and the second season of eHostela . Sjava ventured into the music industry and signed to record label Ambitiouz Entertainment. He gained mainstream popularity after he was featured on Miss Pru's acclaimed song "Ameni" in 2015.
Sjava's debut album, Isina Muva (2016), introduced his experimental sound which fuses African pop styles, hip hop and contemporary R&B. [5] His second studio album, Umqhele , was released in 2018 to a critical acclaim. Umqhele, which continues with his fusion sound, grew his African-influenced image, and consolidated to other international regions (mainly in Africa). Before Umqhele, Sjava also released his debut EP, Umphako, in 2018. [6]
Following departure with his former label Sjava and Ruff co-founded 1020 Cartel, released his extended play Umsebenzi (2020), which was certified Gold in South Africa.
His third studio album Isibuko (2023), debuted number one and certified Platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).
Jabulani Hadebe was born in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, the son of Thandi Nkabinde (his mother). [7] He is of Hlubi ancestry. [8] Sjava has two older siblings, Sibusiso (his brother) and Sindy (his sister). [9]
Sjava started writing music at an early age. While at the age of ten, Sjava was in charge of writing original lyrics on songs for his all-boy isicathamiya group Abafana baseMpumalanga, while in primary school. [10] He then took composition of music a step further in high school, where he used to turn notes into songs, then teach them to his classmates. [11]
Sjava's debut recording was a feature on DJ and producer Miss Pru's "Ameni". [12] The successful song also featured then-artists of record label Ambitiouz Entertainment; Emtee, Fifi Cooper, B3nchmarq, and Saudi – who is currently in the label. [13]
On 8 April 2016, he released his debut single as a solo artist, "Ekuseni". [14] He then released his debut album, Isina Muva on 22 July 2016. [15] Its title is derived from a Zulu idiom meaning "late bloomer". [16] Isina Muva was certified Gold by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA) and Sjava celebrated by releasing a deluxe version of the album titled Isina Muva: Gold Deluxe [17] [18] The album earned Sjava an award at the 23rd South African Music Awards for Best Produced Album. [19] It also won for a similar category at the 16th Metro FM Music Awards, and received four nominees: Best Afro Pop Album for Isina Muva, Best Male and Best New Artist. [20] Also in 2017, Sjava recorded the theme song for the Mzansi Magic drama telenovela Isithembiso , which premiered on 3 April 2017. [21]
The film Black Panther was accompanied by a soundtrack album curated by rapper Kendrick Lamar, which Sjava appeared on. [22] Sjava was featured on the song "Seasons", alongside rappers Mozzy and a TDE rapper Reason. [23] The album was nominated at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards for Album of the Year, making it his first nominee at the ceremony for his appearance. [24]
The lead single from Sjava's debut EP Umpakho, "Abangani" featuring Saudi and Emtee was released on 14 June 2018 accompanied by a video paying homage to their humble beginnings. [25] [26] On 24 June 2018, Sjava earned a BET Award for Best New International Act at the 2018 event. [27] Umphako was released on 6 July 2018. [28] The four-track project topped the iTunes local chart on its first day, and is described as Sjava asserting himself as an empathetic worker's champion. [29] [30]
Sjava's second studio album Umqhele was released on 14 December 2018. [31] The album's lead single "Umama", was released seven days before the album was available. [32] "Umama" later spawned a version on the global music platform COLORS, where he was featured performing the song on 13 May 2019. [33] Umqhele atopped the iTunes local chart and received positive reviews from critics. [34]
On 23 November 2019, Sjava bagged Best Male Artist in Southern Africa award at 2019 All Africa Music Awards. [35]
On 26 May 2020, Sjava announced via social media that he has departed his label, Ambitiouz Entertainment. He expressed gratitude towards the label for giving him an "opportunity and platform when no one did". [36]
Following departure with Ambitiouz Entertainment, Sjava self signed to his record deal 1020 Cartel and released his Extended Play Umsebenzi on 14 December 2020. [37] The EP was certified with gold plaque. [38]
Sjava appeared on a collaboration "10k" with South African band Mafikizolo released on 10 June 2022. [39]
In December 2022, he announced his third studio album Isibuko , which was released 27 January 2023. It features 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.
The song "Isoka" featuring Q Twins and Mzukulu charted number 1 on Metro FM Top 30 for two consecutive weeks.
Sjava & Big Zulu worked on their joint album Ukhamba, as Inkabi Zezwe. [40] Album's lead single "Umbayimbayi" was released on 24 March 2023 and debuted number one on Top 100 South Africa. [41] The song was certified 3× Platinum in South Africa. [42] [43] [44]
In October 2023, Sjava contested with Focalistic at Red Bull Sound Clash South Africa and won the title held at Sun Arena, Time Square. [45] [46]
Towards the end of July 2024, he announced his upcoming The 2016 Tour, to promote his debut studio album Isina Muva. [47] It will commerce on 27-29 September, Joburg Theatre, follows 1-2 November, Play House Theatre, other dates will be announced.[ citation needed ]
In July 2024, Sjava announced partnership with Omega as the brand ambassador. [48] [49] [50]
From 2005 to 2013, Sjava enrolled to acting. He appeared on several television shows; including Zone 14, Generations and Soul City and 7de Laan , uGugu and Andile, Isibaya . In August 2020, he landed on a small role on Uzalo [51] and eHostela season 2.
In March 2023, Sjava bagged acting role of Prince Mkhuseli Khahlamba in Queendom. [52] [53]
Title | Album details | Certification |
---|---|---|
Isina Muva |
| RISA: Gold |
| ||
RiSA: Platinum |
Title | EP details | Certification |
---|---|---|
Umphako |
| |
Umsebenzi |
| RiSA: Gold |
Title | Year | Other artist(s) | Album |
---|---|---|---|
"Broken Promises" | 2024 | Bravo Le Roux, Benjaman | Igazi, Iinyembezi Nombilo (Deluxe) |
Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ZA | |||||||
"Mngani" (Darque, Sjava) | 2023 | — | More Life | ||||
"Umbayimbayi" (Sjava, Big Zulu) | 1 | 3× Platinum | Ukhamba | ||||
"Ingunaphakade" (Zaba, Sjava) | — | Non-album single | |||||
"Umntu" (Sjava, Bravo Le Roux) | — | Igazi, Iinyembezi Nombilo | |||||
"Ngibongiseni" | 2024 | — | Isibuko (Deluxe) | ||||
"Tholakuwe" (Herc Cut The Lights, Sjava, Blxckie featuring Young Stunna ) | — | Non-album single | |||||
"Love is still a answer" (Mawat, Soweto Gospel Choir, Sjava, Lebo Sekgobela, Masandi, Mariechan) | — | Non-album single | |||||
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. |
Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ZA | |||||||
"God Laughs" (A-Reece featuring Sjava, Shekhinah) | 2023 | 16 [56] | P2: The Big Hearted Bad Guy | ||||
"Isoka" (Sjava featuring Mzukulu, Qwabe Twins) | 3 [57] | 2× Platinum | Isibuko | ||||
"Typhoon" (Sjava featuring Sastii, LaCabra, Lowfeye & Blue Pappi) | 2024 | 12 [58] | Gold [59] | ||||
"Uvalo" (Usimamane featuring Sjava) | 1 [60] [61] | 20th: Days Before Maud | |||||
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory. |
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Totals [lower-alpha 1] | |||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Wins | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Nominations | 22 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Note
|
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | Himself | Best Male Artist in African Inspirational Music | Nominated | [62] |
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2023 | Himself | Best Male Southern Africa | Nominated |
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2017 | Isina Muva | Best Male [63] | Nominated |
Best New Artist [63] | Nominated | ||
Best Afro Pop Album [63] | Nominated | ||
Best Produced Album [63] [64] [65] [66] [67] | Won | ||
2023 | "Isoka" | Best Collaboration | Nominated |
Song of the Year | Nominated | ||
Artist of the Year | Nominated | ||
Isibuko | Best Afro Soul Pop | Nominated | |
Himself | Best Styled Artist | Nominated | |
Artist of the Year | Nominated | ||
Best Male Artist | Nominated |
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2017 | Isina Muva | Best Produced Album [68] [69] [70] [71] | Won |
2019 [72] | Umqhele | Album of the Year | Won |
Himself | Male Artist of the Year | Nominated | |
Umqhele | Best Engineered Album of the Year | Nominated | |
Best Afro Pop Album | Won | ||
2021 | Umsebenzi | Best Adult Contemporary Album | Nominated |
2023 | Male Artist of the Year | Nominated | |
Album of the Year | Nominated | ||
Best Produced Album | Nominated | ||
Best Engineered Album | Nominated | ||
Best Afro pop Album | Won |
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | Umsebenzi | Best Male Artist/Group | Nominated | [73] |
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2017 | Himself | Rising Star [74] [75] [76] [77] | Won |
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
2018 | Himself | Best New International Act [78] [79] [80] | Won |
Mthembeni Ndevu, professionally known by his stage name Emtee is a South African rapper.Regarded as one of the best and most influential figures in the South African music scene .He was born and grew up in Rockville, Soweto, where he was involved in talent shows. His career began at the age of 17, and his debut hit single, "Roll Up" was released in 2015. Emtee was signed to Ambitiouz Entertainment, released his debut album Avery (2015), which was commercially successful and was eventually certified platinum by Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).
Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo, known professionally as Nasty C, is a South African rapper, songwriter, and record producer.
Refilwe Boingotlo Moeketsi, known professionally as Fifi Cooper is a South African recording artist. Fifi Cooper started her music career as an R&B singer before her musical versatility saw her release her breakthrough rap single "Chechela Morago" in 2010. In 2015, she released her award-winning debut studio album 20FIFI.
O.G RECORDS is a South African rapper owned and founded by G-Star Da Hustler. The label was founded in April 2016 and houses notable acts including, KeMoRaTile, Da Nation Ernesta.
Paradise is the debut studio album by South African hip-hop artist A-Reece. It was released by Ambitiouz Entertainment on 21 October 2016. It features guest appearances from Emtee, P-Jay and Amanda Black. Paradise topped the iTunes chart under 24 hours of release.
Lehlogonolo Ronald Mataboge, known professionally as A-Reece, is a South African rapper, songwriter and record producer. He was raised in Pretoria, Gauteng.
Lesego Nkaiseng, better known as DJ Speedsta, is a South African DJ and TV personality from Johannesburg, South Africa. He is best known for his hit single, "Mayo".
Shekhinah Thandi Donnell, known mononymously as Shekhinah, is a South African singer-songwriter, Shekhinah was among the Top 32 of M-Net's Season 7 of SA Idols in 2011 and among the Top 6 of Season 8 of SA Idols in 2012.
Manando is the second studio album by South African rapper and singer Emtee, released by Ambitiouz Entertainment on September 15, 2017 and features guest appearances from fellow Ambitiouz label-mates Sjava and Saudi, as well as Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage. The album was produced by Ruff, Tweezy, Christer, Lunatik, Ron Epidemic and Bizz Boy.
South African hip hop artist and record producer AKA has released four studio albums, two collaborative albums with Anatii as well as Costa Titch respectively, one extended play (EP), 42 singles and 23 music videos. AKA's music has been released on record labels Sony Music Entertainment Africa, Vth Season and Beam Group.
South African rapper Nasty C has released four studio albums, two extended plays (EPs), 36 singles and 22 music videos. Nasty C's music has been released on record labels Venomous Production, Outy Records, Free World Music, Mabala Noise Entertainment and Universal Music. He gained major attention after the release of his second mixtape Price City, which was released in 2015. He won the Best Freshman Award at the 2015 South African Hip Hop Awards for Price City at the age of 18, making him the youngest recipient for the award.
Mnqobi Nxumalo, professionally known as Lunatik is a recording artist, songwriter, and record producer born in the town of Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He founded the hip hop sub-genre known as Skhanda along with South African rapper K.O.
Blaq Diamond is a South African Afro pop duo from Ladysmith KwaZulu-Natal. They met in 2010 on a school trip where both participated in a music cypher in the school bus. They signed to record label Ambitiouz Entertainment, releasing their debut album Inqola (2017), which became their first iTunes number one.
Siyabonga Nene, known professionally as Big Zulu, is a South African rapper and songwriter. He rose to spotlight after releasing the single "Donsa Nkabi" in 2016.
Logan is the third studio album by South African rapper and singer Emtee, released by Emtee Records on April 9, 2021, and features guest appearances from Lolli Native, Moozlie, J Smash, Flash Ikumkani as well as Malawian rapper Gwamba. The album was produced by Ruff and others. Emtee renamed this album after his second born Logan.
"Mali Eningi" is a song recorded by South African singer-songwriter and rapper Big Zulu featuring Riky Rick and Intaba Yase Dubai. It was released as the lead single of his third studio album, Ichwane Lenyoka (2021), on November 20, 2020, by Inkabi Records.
Sihle Sithole, known professionally as Blxckie, is a South African rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer from Sydenham Heights, Durban. His debut studio album B4Now (2021) was certified gold in South Africa.
Prudence Sebalo, is a South African DJ and record producer prominently known under the alias of Miss Pru DJ. She gained recognition subsequent to the release of her single "Ameni" with guest appearances from Sjava, Emtee, Saudi, A-Reece, Fifi Cooper and B3nchmarQ.
Inkabi Zezwe is a South African duo composed of Sjava and Big Zulu formed in 2022. Their debut single "Umbayimbayi", charted number 1 and certified 4× Platinum in South Africa.
"Umbayimbayi" is a debut single by South African duo Inkabi Zezwe released on March 24, 2023, through Warner Music Africa, as album's lead single from debut studio album Ukhamba. Written by Sjava, Big Zulu and production was handled by Xowla.