What you didn’t know about Sjava
Jabulani Hadebe aka Sjava, is a South African singer, rapper, actor and he was mentored by Nqedolwethu Mabuza. Sjava began his career by listening to advice from Mabuza to become an actor first in 2005, starring in several drama series’ and films including uGugu no Andile (2009).
He then rose to prominence on the drama series, Zone 14 where he starred for three consecutive seasons. Sjava ventured into the music industry after Mabuza advised him to join a record label Ambitiouz Entertainment and was featured on Miss Pru’s critically acclaimed song “Ameni” in 2015.
Sjava is one man who is very proud of his culture and tradition and he is not afraid to show it in his dressing.
Because of the hard work that Sjava has done he has set a legacy that would take another artist decades to set. Here’s a look into his life and his rise to stardom.
Sjava Age and Family
Jabulani Hadebe was born on 2 December 1984, in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal. He is 35 years old.
He was born to Thandi Nkabinde, his mother and was mostly raised by his grandmother. Sjava has two older siblings, Sibusiso (his brother) and Sindy (his sister). Sjava’s parents were not well off financially. His mother used to run a business of selling food at a taxi terminus. His father was not so much involved in bringing him up. In an interview, he stated that he did not let his situation hinder him from pursuing his goals. He frankly describes his childhood as ‘tough’.
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. 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.
Sjava Career
Growing up, Sjava had a liking for arts; music and acting. He was also a committed soccer player. Sadly his soccer career didn’t go so well for him and he then decided to devote all his time and energy in the arts industry with music taking precedence.
His debut on television was when he landed a role on Zone 14 and this opened more doors for him for other shows such as Rhythm City and The Bantu Hour. in 2016, he decided to quit acting and that is when he signed a contract to work with Ambitiouz Entertainment.
That same year he released his debut album, Isina Muva. The performance of the album was exemplary, and within the first day of its release, it had secured the first position on iTunes. He did a deluxe version of the album which was the best part of it because it reached the gold status. The latter then won himself the Viewers’ Choice Best International Act for the BET International Awards.
2019 seems to have ended on a good note for the singer as his acting skills were recognized and put to good use again. Sjava managed to land himself a role on one of SA’s most-watched soapies, Isibaya.
Sjava Awards and Nominations
2017 – Best Male at Metro FM Awards for Isina Muva (Nominated)
2017 – Best New Artist at Metro FM Awards for Isina Muva (Nominated)
2017 – Best Afro Pop Album at Metro FM Awards for Isina Muva (Nominated)
2017 – Best Produced Album at Metro FM Awards for Isina Muva (Won)
2017 – Best Produced Album at SAMAs for Isina Muva (Won)
2017 – Rising Star at the DSTV Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards (Won)
2018 – Viewers’ Choice Best International Act at the BET Awards (Won)
2019 – Album of the Year at SAMAs for Umqhele (Won)
2019 – Best Engineered Album of the Year at SAMAs for Umqhele (Nominated)
2019 – Best Afro Pop Album at SAMAs for Umqhele (Won)
2019 – Male Artist of the Year at SAMAs (Nominated)
2019 – Best Male Artist In Southern Africa at the AFRIMAs
Sjava Controversy
Well, a bomb was dropped when Lady Zamar decided to air Sjava’s dirty laundry and Twitter was set ablaze. During his One Night With Sjava concert what had everyone talking was when he introduced his mother and WAIT FOR IT, his wife.
Sjava’s wife with his mom ❤️😂 pic.twitter.com/rETDBD6N5Q
— MaMshengu (@Ms_Comfy) October 29, 2019
The Collide hitmaker was tired of all the questions surrounding her relationship with Sjava and she decided it was time to let people know of what he had put her through. Lady Zamar did not spare a single detail, she said everything she wanted to say.
Sjava did not take this lightly as he said he was going to seek legal action against Lady Zamar. The last we heard of this was Sjava saying the matter was now in the hands of the high court.
Good morning here is my final statement on this matter🙏🏿 pic.twitter.com/sqPYqX6xnx
— Sjava indlalifa (@Sjava_atm) November 13, 2019
Last year also had Black Twitter going in on Sjava and Sjava on how the two were an item. Although Sho Madjozi had put those rumours to bed earlier in the year when a picture of the two made the rounds on social media, that wasn’t enough. Sjava sent a heritage message to Madjozi and that sparked the rumour mill again. Sho Madjozi’s response just added more fuel to the fire.
Early this year Sjava stired the Twitter pot again when he admitted to using muthi and he said there was nothing to be ashamed of a black man. This had tweeps divided on the matter, but hey, that’s Sjava’s choice.
Sjava seems to be on a path to success though and he’s one man who always puts his fans’ interests ahead of his. Another #OneNightWithSjava concert is coming up and the fans can’t wait. So that everyone would have a chance to purchace the tickets, Sjava put the sales of the tickets on hold so that those that get paid at the end of the month are catered for.
Thanks, Sjava and we hope the concert will be a bomb like always.
In other news – So sweet! Ben 10 Vusi blesses his bae, Zodwa Wabantu with Red roses (Watch)
Vusi and Zodwa Wabantu are truly cute #couplegoals. Love is kept burning through such kind of doings, like spoiling your partner, etc.
Zodwa Wabantu and Vusi are not turning back on what they feel about each other and they are not shy at all to show off their glowing love. Recently, Zodwa receives a good and romantic treat from her Ben 10, Vusi Buthelezi. continue reading
Source: Zalebs
