Sjava joins Mzansi’s most-watched TV show Uzalo

Celebgossip.co.za has learnt that the Umama hitmaker started filming with the SABC1 soapie last week as hitman Jombigazi

Multi-award winning musician Sjava is bringing big trouble to Mzansi’s most-watched TV show Uzalo.

While Uzalo’s 10-million viewers have to wait until November 6 to see Sjava in action on the show, We landed the exclusive first pictures of him in character.

Sporting his signature beard, Sjava looks in control and fearless holding an AK-47 in the first scenes that he has shot as Jombigazi.

“I’m excited to be part of Uzalo and when they contacted me I felt like ‘why not?’,” Sjava said.

“Acting is something I’ve done before and always wished to do again but because of my busy music schedule it couldn’t happen.

“Now, since I’ve more time on my hands because of the Covid-19 pandemic, I’m very happy to do it.”

According to Uzalo executive producer Mmamitse Thibedi, the character is a former ally of the villainous Nkunzi (Masoja Msiza) and right-hand man to upcoming character Mageba.

“Jombigazi is a trigger-happy young man. He has worked with Mageba since he was a kid. He is loyal to Mageba and to no other,” Thibedi said

“He always wears a mean face and if you see him smile, know that you have done something wrong and he is about to kill you.

“He has many dead bodies to his name and is still counting. He loves maskandi music and gqom. He is a man of few words. He is never without his leather jacket, even on the hottest day.”

On the decision to cast Sjava for the role, Thibedi said: “He’s perfect because he’s a great performer and his musical persona is aligned with this character we created. He’s unapologetic about his culture and that kind of raw energy is exactly what the role requires.”

Sjava late last year made a cameo appearance on Mzansi Magic telenovela Isibaya as himself as part of the Shela storyline.

But before making a splash as a musician he made his showbiz debut using his real name Jabulani Hadebe on soccer TV drama Zone 14.

He played the recurring role of Zonke in the show for three seasons. He also portrayed the character Mandla Dlamini in mini-series uGugu no Andile in 2008.

“It’s always good to do something that feels new,” he said.

– Sowetan