After his successful EP umsebenzireleased in 2020, Jabulani Hadebe, better known as Sjava, returns to street music with a new album titled isibuko (mirror), showing listeners 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 last few years and speaks to my experiences and growth as a person and as a musician. I hope my followers enjoy the body of work,” he says.
Sjava and her music team laid the foundation for the album early last year during a retreat in north KwaZulu-Natal, where she was born. She collaborated with a variety of artists on this album, including rapper Emtee, Saudi and maskandi heavyweights Shwi, 1020 Cartel’s Anzo, Mzukulu and Dumakahle.
“Working with Sjava is more than a great feeling, it is a mark in history. The icon believes in producing music with a message, making it more personal to the listener,” says Dumakahle.
Sjava featured some of the top female musicians on the project, including Afrotainment stars Qwabe Twins and singer-songwriter Mzulu Phaqa.
Sjava hosted a silent listening session in January, ahead of the album’s official release, at the Circa Gallery in Rosebank, where artists including rapper Big Zulu and actors Khaya Dladla and Mpho Sibeko gathered to listen. isibuko through headphones. The art gallery was filled with album cover images. Sjava expressed appreciation to him for those who have helped him make music over the years.
“I know it’s been a while, but I’m confident the album will be worth the wait. Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the past eight years of my career and I look forward to continuing this musical journey together in the future.”
On the day of the release, the album topped several social media trending charts and was declared by fans “Happy National Sjava Day”. #Isibuko”.
Sjava broke into the entertainment industry as an actor in various movies and TV series, such as uGugu no Andile and Zone 14. In 2015, she began to gain attention for her vocal talents after appearing on Miss Pru Dj’s hit song. Amen. This led to their debut album. isina muva in 2016, where he brought to life his ability to merge his two worlds, urban and rural, creating an emerging sound with elements of maskandi, hip-hop, trap, R&B and soul.
In 2018, he released his second album. umqhelewhich won Album of the Year at the 2017 South African Music Awards and featured the smash hit umama.
Sjava also appeared on American rapper Kendrick Lamar’s Black Panther soundtrack album, along with labelmate Saudi.
An overview of some of the tracks on the new album:
Track 1: thxio it is a plea to God to keep it in his sight and grace, asking him to accept it with all its defects.
track 2: Ubuhle Bendalo talks about how peaceful it is for Sjava to be at home in Bergville, the small KZN town where he was born and raised. She reflects on the beauty of the nature in the area and how hard and stressful life is in urban areas. He says it is wise for people to return to their hometowns to align.
Track 7: Grounding explores how his mother complains that he is getting old, points out that time is passing quickly, and asks him when he will settle down and start a family. He tries to explain to her how difficult it is to find true love.
Track 8: My lifeis a strong and optimistic song where he talks about how many times he has been envied by people who don’t know how difficult it is to be in his shoes.
Track 9: Ifisi paints a picture of lasting love, while some women choose to be in marriages/relationships based on what the man has: money, a lavish lifestyle, fame.
Track 11: Ungavumi it’s a reminder not to let people tell you how to live your life.
Track 12: In amakhela, relates that he never walks alone; he is protected by his ancestors, sending a message to his enemies and anyone else who tries to bring him down.
Isibuko is available on all major digital platforms and can be accessed here: https://africori.to/isibuko.
