Inkabi Zezwe is a South African duo composed of Sjava and Big Zulu formed in 2022. Their debut single "Umbayimbayi", charted number 1 and certified 4× Platinum in South Africa.[1]
Inkabi Zezwe | |
|---|---|
| Genres | Afro-soul, Afro pop |
| Years active | 2022–present |
| Labels | Warner Music Africa |
| Members | Sjava Big Zulu |
Their debut studio album Ukhamba (2023), debuted number 1 in two countries South Africa and Eswatini consecutively.
History
edit2022-present: Inkabi Zezwe formation, Ukhamba
editInkabi Zezwe composed of Sjava (born Jabulani Hadebe) and Big Zulu (Siyabonga Nene) was formed in 2022 and signed a recording deal with Warner Music for their one time collaborative album.[2]
On March 17, 2023, Big Zulu and Sjava announced the working on their joint album Ukhamba. "Umbayimbayi" was released on March 24, 2023, as album's lead single.[3] The song debuted at number one on iTunes Top 50 & Spotify Top 100 South Africa consecutively.[4] The song reached 3× Platinum in South Africa.[5][6][7]
On April 1, Zulu announced that the Inkabi Zezwe tour will run from June until September 2023.[2]
Their debut studio album was released on May 12, 2023. It debuted number one in two countries South Africa and Eswatini consecutively. [8] On 15 July 2023, Warner Music Africa announces a partnership with Lacuna Creative Studios, to oversee the post-production of Inkabi Zezwe six-part documentary series of the making of Sjava and Big Zulu’s Ukhamba studio album.[9]
Discography
edit- Ukhamba (2023)
Awards
editContent Creator Awards
edit| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | "Umbayimbayi" | Song of the Year | Nominated | [10] |
Metro FM Awards
edit| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Ukhamba | Best African Pop | Nominated | |
| Best Produced Album | Nominated | |||
| "Umbayimbayi" | Best Collaboration | Nominated | ||
| Themselves | Best Duo/Group | Nominated |
South African Traditional and Music Awards
edit| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | "Umbayimbayi" | Most Voted Song of the Year | Nominated | [12] |
South African Music Awards
edit| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | "Umbayimbayi" | Motsepe Foundation Record of the Year | Nominated | [13] |
| Ukhamba | Best Afro-Pop album | Nominated | [14] |
References
edit- ^ "Inkabi Zezwe's "Umbayimbayi" Dominating Various Charts In Just 3 Days Since Release". ZAlebs. Archived from the original on 2023-04-10. Retrieved 2023-04-10.
- ^ a b Magagula, Nompumelelo. "Fans in for a once-off treat as Sjava and Big Zulu collaborate". City Press.
- ^ Banda, Clive (March 18, 2023). "Sjava & Big Zulu Gear Up To Release A Joint Music Project". SA Hip Hop Mag.
- ^ Tshambuluka, Sinazo (March 28, 2023). ""Khuphukani": SA proud of Sjava and Big Zulu's song reaching number 1 on Spotify". Briefly.
- ^ "Big Zulu & Sjava's 'Umbayimbayi' Hits Gold Status In SA". slikouronlife.co.za.
- ^ "Inkabi Zezwe's 'Umbayimbayi' Certified Platinum".
- ^ Banda, Clive (July 18, 2023). "Big Zulu X Sjava's 'Umbayimbayi' Goes Triple Platinum". SA Hip Hop Mag.
- ^ Mukandila, Johana (May 17, 2023). "Big Zulu and Sjava's album tops streaming platforms".
- ^ "Warner Music Africa". www.africa.com. 15 July 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
- ^ "DStv Content Creator Awards nominees revealed". Bizcommunity.
- ^ Legodi, Simangele. "Nominees for 2023 DStv Content Creator Awards released". ewn.co.za.
- ^ "18th annual SATMA Awards nominees revealed - Limpopo Chronicle". Limpopo Chronicle. 2023-10-03.
- ^ "#SAMA30 unveils nominees for the Motsepe Foundation Record of the Year and RiSA Audio Visual (RAV) Music Video of the Year Awards". South African Music Awards. 2024-08-14. Retrieved 2024-08-15.
- ^ Keteyi, Oluthando (26 September 2024). "Tyla's reign continue as she leads SAMA Awards nominations". Independent Online. Retrieved 26 September 2024.