Personal Life
Sjava whose real name is Jabulani Hadebe was born on 2 December 1983 in KwaZulu Natal’s Bergville where he did his primary education.
His family moved to Johannesburg where he went to high school. Post his secondary education, Sjava did not further his education.
He worked as a taxi driver to help support the family after his father abandoned his mother.
Also known as:
Hip Hop Sangoma
Real name:
Jabulani Hadebe
Occupation:
Singer, rapper, songwriter, actor
Birthday:
2 December 1983
Nationality:
South African
Birth place:
KwaZulu Natal, Hammersdale
Net Worth:
R1 million – R5 million
Sjava’s Career
Sjava’s first love is music. That notwithstanding, acting is how he got his name out to the world. His roles in prominent shows like Generations, Zone 14, 7de Laan, Soul City, and Gugu no Andile, gave Sjava the platform and foundation.
He then ventured into the music industry where he has enjoyed enormous success. He has popularized a brand of RnB and afro hip hop fusion that propelled him to fame.
In fact, it’s near impossible to discuss South African hip hop without mentioning Sjava songs. Based in Johannesburg, this hitmaker is known for his songs ‘Ekseni’ and ‘uThando’.
Along with his thriving music career, Sjava is also an actor.
How Did Sjava Become Famous?
Sjava discovered his passion for the arts from an early age. When he was just 10 years old, he wrote original lyrics for the all-boy group he was a part of.
In high school, he then evolved to composing music where he would turn notes into songs and would then teach his classmates.
Before he adopted his current well-known moniker, Sjava had landed a role on the Mzansi soap opera Zone 14. It was after this that he appeared on Rhythm City and The Bantu hour where he played the role of ‘Sjava’.
It was from this point onwards that he adopted the name Sjava professionally.
Recommended: Sjava Profile-Biography, Net Worth, Career & Age
Was Sjava An Actor Before He Became A Singer?
In 2009, he was nominated for the South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) after which he served as a judge for the award for two consecutive years.
Even then, he doubled in music by creating jingles for TV shows such as Kilm, and Jika Majika.
He even created the theme song for Mzansi Magic’s ‘iSikizi’, produced by Ruff, who had also produced tracks like Pearl Thusi, Washa, and more.
He worked with artists such as Boom Shaka, Thandiswa Mazwai, Ntando, Busi Mhlongo and Jabu Khanyile. He collaborated on international projects with Andy Sherman from Ireland and Wikki why -T from Germany.
Despite his success in acting, he eventually branched out to pursue his first love, music.
How Did Sjava’s Music Career Start?
Around 2016, the talented artist signed a record deal with Ambitiouz Entertainment. He was featured on the hit singles’ Ameni’ and ‘Phumelela’ with Miss Pru.
He performed as the headlining act along with Miss Pru at the 16th annual MetroFM Music Awards.
He was also a headlining act at the Major League Gardens for two consecutive years. He performed his debut single, “Ek’seni”, at the South African Music Awards.
Sjava’s debut album ‘Isina Muva’, made waves right from the beginning. The title draws from a Zulu idiom that means ‘late bloomer’.
The album went gold by the Recording Industry of SA and Sjava celebrated this by releasing a deluxe version of the album.
The album earned Sjava the award for Best Produced Album at the 23rd South African Music Awards.
It also won in a similar category at the 16th Metro FM Music Awards. There, it received four nominations: Best Afro Pop Album for Isina Muva, Best Male, and Best New Artist.
He’s gone on and released two more albums (Umqhele in 2018 and Umsebenzi in 2021) and two EPs Umphako and Umsebenzi).
After serving fans with exciting music, Sjava broke their heart when he announced that he was taking a break from making music. Most of his fans were disappointed by this announcement and pleaded with him to rethink his decision.
Sjava did not give a reason for his decision.
Has Sjava Been Going Back To Acting?
It also looks like Sjava can’t stay away from acting as he was set to return to television with SABC 1.
His fans will love to see him again on their TV screens getting back to doing what made him famous in the first place.
What International Gigs Has Sjava Performed?
Sjava experienced international exposure when he accompanied Kendrick Lamar on the soundtrack album for the hit movie Black Panther. He was featured on the song “Seasons”, alongside rappers Mozzy and the producer Sabeloans Reason.
Did Sjava Start His Own Label?
2020, Sjava announced via social media that he parted ways with his label, Ambitiouz Entertainment. He expressed appreciation towards the label for giving him an “opportunity and platform when no one did”.
Sjava then went on to collaborate with producer and sound engineer Mfanafuthi Ruff Nkosi. Together, they launched a new record label, 1020 Cartel.
The two teamed up with Nothando Migogo of Sosela Legal and Advisory to establish 1020 Management. This acts as the operations and strategy unit of the 1020 group.
In July 2020, the label introduced four new artists signed to their label, namely singer Yallunder, rapper Anzo, poet Nue_Sam and maskhandi artist Mzukulu. The label then shared plans to launch their album Isambulo in August 2020.
Sjava’s Relationships
What Is Sjava’s Origin?
Sjava was born to Thandi Nkabinde and is of Hlubi ancestry. He was born in KwaZulu Natal but moved to Johannesburg for high school.
Sjava wasn’t close to his father and was raised by his mother. In fact, he had a tough childhood. His mom had to work as a vendor at a taxi rank to take care of her family.
Sjava might have been brought up in such difficult circumstances but he had raw talent and a powerful drive to succeed. That makes his success even more inspiring. Here is a man who beat the odds to come out on top.
Who Are Sjava’s Siblings?
He has two older siblings – a brother, Sibusiso, and a sister, Sindy.
Is Sjava Married?
Elegance7Sjava’s relationship status has always been a subject of interest. At one time, he led people to believe that he was married but kept the identity of his wife a secret.
In 2021, Sjava revealed that he had three wives and posted them on his Twitter page. He was also rumoured to be dating two other women, Andy Mnguni and an unidentified poet.
Who Was Sjava Dating?
Sjava dated Lady Zamar in 2017 but the news only became public two years later. In fact, by the time Sjava and Zamar confirmed their relationship, Zamar quickly followed the update with a post that they broke off their relationship.
The couple had a nasty split which meant that any possibilities of a Sjava and Lady Zamar wedding were certainly quashed.
Lady Zamar accused Sjava of rape. The case was taken to court but was eventually thrown out on the grounds of insufficient evidence.
Sjava’s Controversies
First, Sjava finally confirmed rumours that he had a relationship with singer Lady Zamar. That out of the way, Zamar followed that up with the news that the two were no longer an item.
Months after the breakup, Zamar dropped a bombshell on Sjava. She accused him of rape. As per Lady Zamar, the incident took place in 2017 at the Royal Heritage Festival in Limpopo after the two performed together at the event.
These damning allegations led to Sjava losing his place at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival artists line-up. In the aftermath of these developments, Sjava broke his silence and issued a statement.
In a detailed statement, Sjava outlined his chronology of events between October 2019 and February 2020.
The case was taken to court but was eventually thrown out on the grounds of insufficient evidence.
Sjava’s Car
Before he parted ways with Ambitiouz Entertainment, word went around that Sjava could not afford a car because the record label was underpaying him.
Early this year, he posted a picture of him standing next to one of those classic cars. Honestly, it really speaks to his style.
He loves his traditional look. It’s no surprise Sjava’s car follows this theme.
Sjava’s House
In 2018, Sjava was celebrated by his fans for building his mother a house in the countryside. Sjava has always spoken about wanting to make his mother proud and this was just one way of doing that.
Sjava’s Net Worth
How Much Is Sjava Worth?
Sjava’s net worth stands between R1 million and R5 million. He makes this from his music royalties, shows, endorsements, private businesses, and more. Sjava claims that he invests more in his private businesses than in his musical career.`
Awards and Recognitions
Sjava’s album was nominated for the 61st Annual Grammy Awards in the Album of the Year category. This was its first nomination at the ceremony
In 2018, Sjava earned a BET Award for Best New International Act. Umphako was released on July 6th 2018. The same year, he released his second studio album Umqhele.
The album consists of a list of Sjava songs that have performed well, including the lead single “Umama”, which later inspired a version on the global music platform COLORS.
Sjava was featured performing the song in 2019. He has the following awards.
- Metro Fm’s Best Produced Album – Isina Muva (2017)
- Mzansi Magic Viewers Choice Awards – Rising Star (2017)
- South African Music Awards – Best Music Video of the Year- (2017)
- South African Music Awards – Album of the Year – Umqhele (2018)
- BET Best International Act (2018)
- South African Music Awards – Best Afro Pop Album – Umqhele (2019)
- NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Soundtrack/Compilation – Black Panther (2019)
- Best Male Artiste in Southern Africa at the AFRIMAs (2019)
Social Media
Sjava’s Instagram: @Sjava_ATM
Sjava’s Twitter: @Sjava_ATM
Sjava’s Facebook: Sjava
Q&A
What is Sjava’s real name?
Sjava’s real name is Jabulani Hadebe.
Where is Sjava originally from?
Sjava was born in KwaZulu Natal but moved to Johannesburg to attend high school.
Is Sjava a Sangoma?
Although he is frequently seen wearing traditional regalia, Sjava confirmed that he is not a Sangoma but a Zulu who is proud of his culture.
How much is Sjava worth?
Sjava has a net worth of R1 million – R5 million from his music royalties, shows, endorsements, private businesses, and more.
