Sjava's first-ever live EP goes triple platinum

News24

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Sjava released a five-track EP titled Inkanyezi in January, following a live recording in December 2024.
The album has gone triple platinum with some singles reaching platinum and gold, respectively.
The reaching of the milestones was shared with fans during his Joburg Theatre leg of Sjava The 2018 Tour.
It was a celebratory night for multi-award-winning musician Jabulani 'Sjava' Hadebe and his team, as they announced that his first live EP, Inkanyezi, released in January, had officially gone triple platinum.
@citypressza
Sjava's first live EP, Inkanyezi released in January this year, has gone triple platinum. His team announced during his Sjava The 2018 Tour at the Joburg Theatre. #sjava
♬ original sound - City Press
The announcement was made during his five-hour performance at the Joburg Theatre as part of his nationwide Sjava The 2018 Tour, which began in Cape Town in March.
'We see you and we thank you. Because of you, we are pleased to announce that Inkanyezi, our first live project, has gone triple platinum,' said one of Sjava's team members.
Inkanyezi was recorded at the State Theatre in Pretoria on 20 December last year, following the release of his third studio album, Isibuko, in 2023.
Isibuko was released through his record label, 1020 Cartel.
The live EP and the ongoing tour came after the Sjave The 2016 Tour and the Isibuko Tour, which took place last year. The EP features five songs: Uyena, Kuye, Madibuseng, Sleepover and Indoda Enjani. These tracks delve into themes of love, relationships and spirituality.
Sjava said the live recordings offered him and his fans a deeper connection than traditional studio versions.
During the last day of the two-day concert, which took place on Friday and Saturday, the crowd erupted when it was revealed that fan-favourite Uyena had reached platinum status, while Sleepover had gone gold.
@citypressza
Multi-award-winning musician Sjava left his heart on stage at the Joburg Theatre over the past two days for his 'Sjava The 2018 Tour', as he and the fans went down memory lane, reminiscing about a year that catapulted him to greater heights - 2018, the year he released his second, album Umqhele. #sjava #sjavaumqhele #joburgtheatre #sjava2018tour
♬ original sound - City Press
Thanking his fans, producers and team, Sjava recalled how the idea of a live EP was not embraced at first:
'They said, 'What you are saying is ridiculous.' But you showed that it was not ridiculous, because you listened to the songs and you loved them. If it were not for your support, we would not have these tracks, so thank you so much. Thank you for coming to the tours.'
He reflected on the challenges of doing what he was passionate about.
Sometimes, there is no money in what we do, but we continue because of its importance and seriousness. We will keep trying because you appreciate our efforts.
Sjava
Speaking to City Press in February as he prepared for the tour, the Bergville-born artist explained that the tour was designed to help his fans relive the memories they had through his music in 2018.
That year proved to be pivotal in his career. Sjava released his second studio album, Umqhele, and the Umphako EP. He also achieved international recognition by winning the BET Award for Viewer's Choice: Best New International Act and being featured on the Black Panther soundtrack, which was later nominated for Album of the Year at the Grammy Awards.
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He cemented his dominance by winning the Best R&B/soul/reggae Album award for Isina Muva and the Song of the Year award for Umama at the 2018 Metro FM Music Awards.
'In 2018, some of my fans were still young, and today many of them are adults with responsibilities. This tour was created so they could recreate and relive those memories,' he said.
During his Saturday night performance, Sjava shared a heartfelt moment with a long-time supporter. Spotting her in the front row, he invited her onto the stage for a brief exchange.
'When I met her, she was really young. She used to attend my shows, and now she is a young woman. It is good to see you. Have a good time and be good,' he told her as she returned to the crowd.
He also revealed that the same fan inspired his merchandise line. She had worn a t-shirt with his face printed on it, prompting him to ask how she had made it. That moment sparked the idea of official Sjava merchandise.
After his five-hour performance, he took time for a meet-and-greet and photographs with fans, extending the celebration beyond the stage.
Performing barefoot and dressed in full isiZulu traditional attire, Sjava delivered a powerful set joined by artists such as Buhle Mda, Bongani Sax, Tshego MG, Nue Sam, Howard Gomba and Saudi. The performance balanced nostalgia with new energy, weaving his older classics with the fresh live sounds from Inkanyezi.
Sjava The 2018 Tour has travelled through Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, Johannesburg and Bloemfontein, with the final performance set to take place in Emalahleni on 20 September.