After the success of the EP Workreleased in 2020, Jabulani Hadebe, better known as Sjava, is back on the music track with a new album titled A mirror (mirror), showing the listener an introspective side of himself. The 18-track album is a summary of his ancestral, cultural and spiritual journey.
“This album is a reflection of my journey over the past few years and tells of my experiences and growth as a person and a musician. I hope the fans enjoy my work,” he said.
Sjava and his musical team laid the groundwork for the album early last year during a retreat in northern KwaZulu-Natal, where he was born. He collaborated with various artists on this album, including rapper Emtee, Saudi and maskandi heavyweight Shwi, 1020 Cartel’s Anzo, Mzukulu and Dumakahle.
“Working with Sjava is not only a good taste, it is a sign of history. The icon believes in producing music with a message, making it more personal for the listener,” said Dumakahle.
Sjava features some leading female musicians on the project, such as Afrotainment star Twins Qwabe and singer/songwriter Mzulu Phaqa.
Sjava held a silent listening session in January, ahead of the album’s official launch, at Circa Gallery in Rosebank, where rapper Big Zulu and actors Khaya Dladla and Mpho Sibeko gathered to listen. A mirror through headphones. The art gallery is filled with cover art from the album. Sjava expressed his appreciation to those who have helped him make music over the years.
“I know it’s been a long time, but I believe that the album will be long-awaited. Thank you to everyone who has supported me in the last eight years of my career and I hope to continue this musical journey together in the future.
On the day of its release, the album topped several social media trending lists with fans declaring “Happy National Sjava Day. #mirror“.
Sjava entered the entertainment industry as an actor in several films and TV series, such as Gugu and Andile and Zone 14. In 2015, she started attracting attention for her talent as a vocalist after appearing on Miss Pru Dj’s hit song. Amen. This led to his debut album No Dust in 2016, where he turned his skills to combine two worlds, urban and rural, creating a sound that emerges with elements of maskdi, hip-hop, trap, R&B and soul.
In 2018, he released his second album Crownwhich won the Album of the Year award at the 2017 South African Music Awards and features a smash hit. mother.
Sjava also appeared on American rapper Kendrick Lamar’s Black Panther soundtrack album, along with Saudi label mates.
A preview of some of the tracks on the new album:
Track 1: Thxio as a request to God to remain in His presence and grace, asking to be accepted with all defects.
Track 2: Natural Beauty talking about how peaceful it is for Sjava to be at home in Bergville, a small town in KZN where he was born and raised. They describe the natural beauty of the area and how difficult and stressful life can be in urban areas. He said it is wise for people to go back to their place of origin for alignment.
Track 7: Grounding explores how the mother complains about the elderly, shows that time is moving fast and asks when will settle down and start a family. He tries to explain to her how hard it is to find true love.
Track 8: My lifeis a powerful and passionate song that talks about how he is often envied by people who don’t know how hard he is in his shoes.
Track 9: A peach paint a picture of lasting love, while some women choose to be in marriages/relationships based on what a man has – money, luxurious lifestyle, fame.
Track 11: Disagree as a reminder not to let people tell you how to live your life.
Song 12: On He burned them, he tells how he never walked alone; He is protected by his ancestors, sending a message to his enemies and anyone who tries to pull him down.
Isibuko is available on all major digital platforms and can be accessed here: https://africori.to/isibuko.