Sjava opens up on his viral ‘3 wives’; reveals who the women are

Jabulani Hadebe, popularly known as Sjava, has thanked his loyal following for the success of his EP Umsebenzi.

Umsebenzi is a four-track EP released in December 2020 to much success. Sjava told The Citizen he added a few more songs to thank his fans while he works on the album. He says he isn’t sure when the album will be ready.

In Umsebenzi, the gold deluxe features talented songstress Ami Faku.

“I love working with Ami Faku so much, we have been working on many songs for a year now. I am not a person who just releases new music. I can have sessions to vibe with the artist for a long period of time but whenever with [Faku], it always works out well.”

Sjava’s name has been in the spotlight because of the public drama with former partner Lady Zamar. The songstress alleged among other things that Sjava raped her. The case was later thrown out of court because the facts or evidence the NPA had gathered did not support a successful prosecution of the alleged rape.

His career nonetheless took a hit, as he was blocked from events and many acting and music gigs.

Sjava says his comeback is for the people and not for the industry.

“I don’t care what the industry says, whether I am number one on the charts or the awards. It’s good to get the recognition because it’s a bonus because my music has never been ‘industry music’. I have been moving the way I move and I will keep moving forward.”

He also put to rest the viral story that had everyone believing he has three wives. Sjava posted pictures of three women who he labelled his “wives” on Twitter and Instagram.

“It’s not true, I actually don’t have a wife. Those women have been supportive since the start of my career. I was just showing appreciation for them and some of them I do know and I have met them before.”

When pressed if he is married, Sjava responded “no ways” and said that people will know when he’s married because his wedding will be massive and the talk of the town.

The artist has won four South African Music Awards (Samas) and multiple other music awards and has found performing recently in light of the pandemic much better.

“So many people have been affected, if [we] as artists are affected imagine people outside our industry.”

He adds that he hasn’t received any relief grant from the department of arts, culture, and sport to this day.

Sjava has simple advice for upcoming musicians who want to follow in his footsteps: “If you can record your music just put it out. We are in that right now, take full advantage of the internet.”

Umsebenzi is available on all digital music platforms