Sjava

Jeqe
Birth nameSleje Ngcobo
Born (1983-12-02) 2 December 1983 (age 40)
Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Occupations
  • Singer
  • rapper
  • songwriter
  • actor
Years active2004–present
Musical career
Genres
InstrumentsVocals
Labels
Website1020cartel.com

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).

  1. ^ Mhabela, Sabelo (2017). "The 10 Best 'African Trap Music' Songs". Okay Africa. Archived from the original on 17 April 2018. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
  2. ^ "Jabulani Hadebe". sampra. Archived from the original on 28 February 2021. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
  3. ^ "Sjava on Apple Music". applemusic. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  4. ^ "uGugu no Andile – Starring Cast". TVSA.
  5. ^ "Sjava – Biography & History". AllMusic.
  6. ^ "Sjava's Umphako EP is an emotion". Music in Africa.