By Linda Ximba
Fans of rapper and singer Sjava are counting down the hours to Friday. That’s when his highly-anticipated new album, Isibuko, will be released.
It’s the 39-year-old artist’s first album since his acrimonious split from Ambitiouz Records two years ago.
The award-winning musician, whose real name is Jabulani Hadebe, formed his own record label 1020 Cartell last year.
Sjava teamed up with renowned engineer and producer Mfanafuthi “Ruff” Nkosi for Isibuko.
He went through troubled times with rape allegations in 2017 against him by his ex-girlfriend, the singer Lady Zamar. The allegations, which he denied, tainted his image as he was shunned by music promoters.
He was even stripped by DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice of his two nominations in 2020.
In November 2020 the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced that he won’t be prosecuted for rape. The NPA said there was “no concrete evidence” to arrest and charge him.
But after enduring the pain and soaking up the pressure, Sjava seems pumped up to share a lot with his loyal fans on the upcoming album.
Taking to Instagram, Sjava finally talked about his upcoming project as he shared a picture of him soaking his body in a river.
“Isikhathi sokuthatha amandla amasha, ukululama okusha kanye nokuzalwa komphefumulo kabusha,” he wrote, which translates to: “Time to reclaim new strength, new healing and rebirth of a soul.”
His previous release titled Umsebenzi (Gold Deluxe), was in October 2021.
A talented actor as well, Sjava has endeared himself to music fans by churning out hits like “Umama”, “Inhliziyo”, “MaDludlu”, “Linda”, “Umcebo”, “Egoli” and many more.
Pictured above: Sjava
Image source: Sowetan
