Sjava and Big Zulu collaborate
South African music fans are in for a real treat as two of the country’s most celebrated musicians, Jabulani “Sjava” Hadebe and Siyabonga “Big Zulu” Nene, have teamed up for an exciting new collaboration.
The pair announced their once-off album called “Ukhamba”, which is set to drop in May.
This news has caused quite a stir among fans who have been eagerly anticipating this joint project.
The album will be released under Warner Music Africa in partnership with Hadebe’s and Nene’s record labels, 1020 Cartel and Nkabi Records, respectively.
The backdrop for their creative exploit was Bergville, their birthplace in KwaZulu-Natal, and home to both musicians.
This close proximity to home meant that the music would carry fragments of the pair’s intimate world, the people, and the green hills that raised them.
Together they call themselves Inkabi Zezwe, which describes a unified brotherhood.
The two said the nation needed this collaboration, and they decided to give people what they wanted. In an interview with actor Muzi Mthabela, who hosted their launch at the World of Yamaha, Hadebe said: “It was time.”
The BET award winner said that they have tried many times to make music together but always failed because it was not the right time.
This time, however, it’s happening organically, and they knocked out all ten tracks in just seven days.
Their first single, Umbayimbayi, is set to drop on March 24.
In this song, a man tells his girlfriend that he will buy her a big gun so that she can shoot down all the mountains that are making it hard for them to see each other.
The 10-track album will offer a variety of sounds and messages.
There is one that talks about appreciating the home one hails from, even though you do not have the power to renovate.
There is also a track called Sayona, a love song that speaks about a couple who ruined a good thing.
And Uthando Lunye, which encourages love and support among black people, that we should celebrate those who do well, instead of killing them.
One of the tracks will be titled after the duo’s name, Inkabi Zezwe.
Even with different approaches to music, both artists share a quaint intrigue for love, hope, and family, with Zulu culture as their common ground.
Consequently, a collaborative album between Sjava and Big Zulu can only highlight the rich and complex Zulu identities, people, and ambition.
After their album drop, the pair will commence their album tour in June at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria and visit Cape Town, Carnival City in the East Rand, and Kings Park Stadium in Durban.
Music fans across South Africa can expect a truly unforgettable experience as these two musical giants take to the stage together for the first time. – news24
