Discover Sjava's new album 'Inkanyezi Nezinkanyezi': The final chapter of his trilogy

South African musical sensation Sjava has gracefully concluded his ambitious Inkanyezi trilogy with the recent release of Inkanyezi Nezinkanyezi, a project that not only caps off a year-long creative odyssey but also celebrates a remarkable decade in the South African music scene. Released on 30 January, this album represents the final chapter of a collection that began with the live EPs Inkanyezi, launched in January 2025, and Inkanyezi 2.0, which followed in September 2025.

The title of the new album, translated from isiZulu to mean "A Star Amongst the Stars", embodies Sjava’s artistic evolution, as well as the collective contributions of musicians, producers, and fans who have been integral to his journey. Breaking away from traditional rollout strategies, Sjava chose to unveil several tracks from the album during his 2025 tour, allowing audiences to experience raw, emotional performances that captured the essence of each song before they underwent subsequent refinement in the studio.

“What makes this project special is the way we rolled it out,” Sjava said. “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’.”

He added that the album’s meaning extends beyond himself. “The project is bigger than just me, hence the name. The people who worked on it really give it that unique and special creativity.”

The album features an expansive list of collaborators drawn from across South Africa’s musical landscape. Amapiano star Nkosazana Daughter appears on Sleepover, while Buhlebendalo features on Sanibonani. Msaki and Zadok join forces on Mdumise, Anatii teams up with Sjava on Amashidi Amhlophe, and Jesse Clegg brings a reflective edge to Kuye.

On the production side, Sjava reunites with longtime collaborator Ruff, supported by an extensive lineup of producers such as Vuyo Manyike, Kelvin Momo, Dogzin, Selani, Young2unn, Anatii and others, creating a layered and textured sonic palette.

In celebration of the album’s launch, Sjava hosted a uniquely immersive listening experience in Johannesburg, where fans were treated to the album playing against a spectacular planetarium-style visual astronomy display at the Anglo American Wits Dome. This captivating environment resonated deeply with the project’s themes of light, stars, and the brilliance we share as a community.

Last year, Sjava provided a glimpse into the upcoming project by unveiling its title and artwork, hinting at an expansive and deeply introspective body of work. Since then, he has selectively shared insights into the creative process, offering a look at his various collaborators while largely maintaining the emotional core of the album shrouded in mystery.

As the founder of 1020 Cartel, Sjava has firmly established his career around storytelling that draws from his lived experiences, rich cultural heritage, and profound emotional resonance. His ability to seamlessly blend traditional music influences with contemporary soundscapes has garnered significant critical acclaim and cultivated a dedicated fanbase. His previous project, Isibuko, further solidified his status as one of South Africa's most stirring musical voices, paving the way for the success of Inkanyezi Nezinkanyezi.

[email protected]

Saturday Star