Sjava completes Inkanyezi Trilogy with new album, announces tour

The album follows the release of two live EPs, Inkanyezi and Inkanyezi 2.0, which were performed and recorded during Sjava’s 2025 tour. While audiences first encountered the material in live settings, the songs were largely written and recorded in studio before the performances, with the live EPs serving as an early presentation of the work.

INkanyezi NeZinkanyezi, which translates to “A Star Among the Stars”, features a wide range of collaborators drawn from South Africa’s contemporary music landscape. Guest artists on the album include Nkosazana Daughter, Buhlebendalo, Msaki, Zadok, Anatii, Jesse Clegg, Shwi and Dogzin, Siya Ntuli, Ntando Dlamini and Mafakhiza, among others.

Production on the project was led by Sjava’s longtime collaborator Ruff, with additional contributions from producers such as Vuyo Manyike, Kelvin Momo, Zadok, Dogzin, Selani, Anatii, Surprise Ndimande, Lesedi, Herc Cut The Lights and Gavanna.

“I wanted to try a different approach, one that allowed me to engage my fans more intimately than before,” Sjava said. “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.”

He added that the collaborative nature of the project informed its title. “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,” Sjava said.

Alongside the album, Sjava has confirmed dates for his 10 Year Celebration Tour, which will trace his career from his early releases to more recent projects. The tour will include material from albums such as Isina Muva, Umqhele, Umsebenzi Deluxe, Isibuko and the Inkanyezi trilogy.

The tour dates are:

• 21 March – Cape Town, Grand Arena at GrandWest
• 11 April – Durban, Durban ICC
• 1 May – Middelburg, Steve Tshwete Banquet Hall
• 15 June – Pretoria, SunBet Arena
• 23 October – Johannesburg, Carnival City