Sjava
- Birth name: Jabulani Hadebe
- Born: 2 December 1984
- Place of birth: Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Nationality: South African
- Main activity: Singer, rapper, songwriter, actor
Sjava is a versatile artist who has made a mark in the South African entertainment industry. He then switched to music and signed with Ambitiouz Entertainment, where he released his debut album Isina Muva in 2016. In 2020, he left Ambitiouz Entertainment and co-founded his own label, 1020 Cartel, with producer Ruff.
Career
Sjava began his career as an actor in 2005, after getting mentored by Nqedolwethu Mabuza. He starred in several drama series and films, such as uGugu no Andile (2009), Zone 14 (2010-2012), Isibaya (2013-2014) and Ehostela (2020). He also featured on the Black Panther (2018) soundtrack.
Sjava ventured into music in 2016, when he was featured on Miss Pru’s hit song “Ameni”, along with other artists from Ambitiouz Entertainment. He then released his debut single “Ek’seni” in 2016, followed by his debut album Isina Muva.
In 2018, Sjava released his second album Umqhele, which was praised for its maturity and diversity. Some of the songs from the album include “Intombi Yami” and “Linda”. The album also earned him two South African Music Awards for Album of the Year and Best Afro Pop Album.
Before Umqhele, Sjava also released his debut EP Umphako in 2018, which contained four tracks: “Confession”, “Abangani”, “Intombi” and “Impilo”. The EP was certified gold in South Africa.
In 2020, Sjava left Ambitiouz Entertainment and co-founded his own label, 1020 Cartel, with producer Ruff. He then released his second EP Umsebenzi, which contained four tracks: “Umcebo”, “Imigomo Nemibandela”, “Ikusasa” and “Masuze”. The EP was also certified gold in South Africa.
In 2023, Sjava released his third album Isibuko, which debuted at number one on the charts. The album featured collaborations with artists such as Q Twins, Mzukulu and Nue_Sam. Some of the songs from the album include “Isoka”, “Thixo” and “Amaphiko”.
Personal life
Sjava was born in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, to Thandi Nkabinde (his mother). He has two older siblings: Sibusiso (his brother) and Sindy (his sister). He belongs to the Hlubi ethnic group.
Sjava has a son with Mandisa Mtubu, who claimed that he refused to pay child support. She also alleged that Sjava and his former label Ambitiouz Entertainment tried to bribe her to keep quiet about their relationship.
Sjava was also involved in a controversial relationship with singer Lady Zamar, who accused him of raping her in 2017. Sjava denied the allegations and said that their relationship was consensual. The case was dismissed by the National Prosecuting Authority due to lack of evidence.
Awards
Sjava has won several awards for his music and acting, such as:
- South African Music Award for Best Produced Album (2017) for Isina Muva
- South African Music Award for Album of the Year (2019) for Umqhele
- South African Music Award for Best Afro Pop Album (2019) for Umqhele
- BET Award for Viewers’ Choice: Best International Act (2018)
- DSTV Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Award for Favourite Rising Star (2017)
- 2023 South African Music Awards (SAMAs): Best Afro Pop Album for Isibuko
Albums
Here is a list of Sjava’s albums, in chronological order from earliest to latest, along with the title and year:
- Isina Muva (2016)
- Isina Muva: Gold Deluxe (2017)
- Umqhele (2018)
- Umphako - EP (2018)
- Umsebenzi - EP (2020)
- Isibuko (2023)
- Isibuko (Deluxe) (2024)
- Inkanyezi (Live) - EP (2025)
