Sjava, whose real name is Jabulani Hadebe, has begun 2025 on a soaring note, with the prestigious nomination for the Trace Awards, the release of his new EP, and the announcement of an exciting nostalgic tour.
Hadebe, who is part of the acclaimed duo Inkabi Zezwe with Big Zulu, has received a nod in the prestigious Best Artist category, competing against a wealth of South African music giants.
They have been nominated in a fiercely competitive category that features a line-up of South African music stars, including TitoM & Yuppe, De Mthuda, Dlala Thukzin, Tyla, Uncle Waffles, and Tyler ICU.
Reflecting on this recognition, Sjava expressed immense gratitude, stating, “This means a lot to me because when I looked at the people in the category, many of them I didn’t know, and they are from other countries. That showed me that there are many musicians in the world. To be part of that is something great. Being recognised on the continent is a great thing. So I am so grateful.”
Hadebe’s accomplishments are not limited to awards recognition; he has also released a new EP titled Inkanyezi, following the resounding success of his third studio album Isibuko in 2023.
He explained the significance of the EP's title, stating that live performance has been a cornerstone of his artistry.
“The way I am able to connect with my supporters and fans during live performances is so profound and has been an anchor for me in my career. Even during the toughest of times, when I am on stage and the flow and exchange of light and energy is happening between me and the crowd, everything inside and all around catches fire; a bright burning fire. That’s what keeps me going. That is what I do it for,” he said.
Moreover, the artist is gearing up for an upcoming tour aptly named the Sjava 2018 Tour. He reveals that this tour promises to take fans on a nostalgic journey back to 2018, a pivotal year in which Sjava released his influential sophomore album Umqhele and the deeply resonant Umphako EP.
Reflecting on 2018, Hadebe remembers it not only for its musical success but also for the international acclaim it brought him, including a BET Award and a feature on the Kendrick Lamar-produced Black Panther soundtrack.
“As an artist, performing the music I create to a live audience is very important to me. It's a different skill to create music in the studio, and it keeps me connected to the people. This project is for the people who have supported me in my live shows, and it's also an invitation to those who are yet to attend a Sjava show,” Sjava says.
The tour kicks off on March 30 at the Green Point, Salesians AFC in Cape Town, followed by two special nights at Durban's Playhouse Theatre on April 11 and 12. Pretoria will be treated to performances at the State Theatre on May 23 & 24, before Bloemfontein gets its turn at the iconic Sand Du Plessis Theatre on June 6.
Johannesburg audiences can anticipate two powerful shows at the Joburg Theatre on August 15 & 16, wrapping up the tour in Emalahleni at @PlayTsogo Dome on September 20.