Sjava Announces INkanyezi iziNkanyezi Album, completing the Inkanyezi Trilogy & Celebrates a Decade of Music With a Tour
GLM TEAM 
After the strong reception enjoyed by the powerful 2025 live EPs (Inkanyezi and Inkanyezi 2.0), multi-award-winning artist Sjava completes the journey with INkanyezi NeZinkanyezi, The Album.
INkanyezi NeZinkanyezi – translating to “A Star amongst the Stars,” – speaks to more than just Sjava’s path, it honours the constellations around him: collaborators, musicians, producers and fans. It’s a reminder that while one star may shine brightly, the light is always stronger when shared.
While audiences first experienced this music on stage, the story actually began long before the live EPs ever saw the light of day. Most of the songs on INkanyezi NeZinkanyezi were written and recorded in studio ahead of the live performances, making the live releases a bold preview rather than the starting point.
By flipping the traditional release/touring order on its head (by presenting the music to his live audiences first – raw and unfiltered – before releasing the studio versions), Sjava invited his fans to be an integral part in the making of the Inkanyezi Trilogy.
Instead of touring the album after its release, Sjava took the album on tour, pre-release. What audiences thought were impromptu performances wedged between familiar favourites, was actually a carefully curated 12 month album rollout.
The spirit of ‘the collective’ runs through the entire 12 month project. Whether it’s the audiences voices singing the backup vocals in Inkanyezi and Inkanyezi 2.0, or the powerful featured artists and producers on Inkanyezi NeZinkanyezi, each song represents a symphony of energy and light. In each song Sjava stands as the main star, but he is among other phenomenal stars.
The album draws from an exciting mix of talented musicians from South Africa’s rich music tapestry. Amapiano favourite Nkosazana Daughter appears on Sleepover, while Buhlebendalo lends her voice to Sanibonani. Msaki and Zadok join forces on Mdumise with Anatii teaming up with Sjava on Amashidi Amhlophe, while Jesse Clegg gives the melancholic Kuye a new twist. Legends Shwi and Dogzin are on Gusheshe, The Qweller’s Lowfeye and Lacabra on Madibuseng, Siya Ntuli on Moya Wam, Ntando Dlamini on Uyena, Gusba, J John and Ronaldo on Xigugu and Zamoh alongside Mafakhiza on Indoda Enjani.
On production, Sjava collaborates with longtime creative partner Ruff, supported by a formidable roster of producers. These include Vuyo Manyike, who has worked closely with Sjava since his 2016 debut, Kelvin Momo, Zadok, Dogzin, Soja, Young2unn, Selani, Anatii, Surprise Ndimande, Lesedi, Herc Cut The Lights and Gavanna, each adding a distinct texture to the album’s sonic universe.
“What makes this project special is the way we rolled it out. I wanted to try a different approach, one that allowed me to engage my fans more intimately than before, so I thought ‘let me teach them the songs before I release them’. So the whole of 2025 was the album rollout for INkanyezi NeZinkanyezi. The fans were able to learn the songs, hear their voices on the live EPs and fall in love with the songs before the album actually dropped. And for me, that’s just how I challenge myself and my team to be more creative in every aspect of our work”, Sjava shared, adding that “the project is bigger than just me, hence the name. The people who worked on the project with me really give it that unique and special creativity”.
INkanyezi NeZinkanyezi will be released on all digital platforms on 30 January 2026 and
can be pre-saved on the following link:
https://africori.to/inkanyezinezinkanyezi
Sjava Celebrates a Decade of Music With a Tour
Sjava announced his 10 Year Celebration Tour late last year, a celebration of a decade since his official debut on the South African music scene.
The Sjava 10 Year Celebration Tour marks ten years of music, storytelling and cultural impact, a journey through the songs that have defined Sjava as a voice for the people and reshaped South African music. From his breakout moments in 2016 to his standout projects released under 1020 Cartel, the tour brings together the milestones of an extraordinary career.
Fans will be taken back to the cultural moments that shaped a generation; from the blisteringly fresh sounds on Isina Muva, to the era-defining uMama on Umqhele, fans will be taken through a journey of yester-year. They will then be moved through the soulful depth of Umsebenzi Deluxe and get to relive the absolute magic of the iconic Isibuko album.
The experience will be elevated by powerful live performances from the much-loved Inkanyezi Trilogy.
Audiences can expect unforgettable performances of fan favourites including Amafu, uMama, Confession, Umcebo, Balele, Amavaka, Uyena and more.
The Sjava 10 Year Celebration Tour Dates:
21 March – Cape Town | GrandArena, GrandWest
11 April – Durban | Durban ICC
01 May – Middelburg | Steve Tshwete Banquet Hall
15 June – Pretoria | SunBet Arena
23 October – Johannesburg | Carnival City
This tour is a celebration of the music, the memories, and the ten years of Sjava.
“We’ve spent the last two years touring the different albums individually and it was great but I felt that this milestone was one that deserved a deep dive into the entire discography. It won’t be easy because the catalogue has a lot of songs, but we’ll try and cover as much as is humanly possible each night” states Sjava
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