A constellation of sound: Sjava pays homage to fans with new album

For most artists, the studio is a sanctuary where music is polished to perfection before it ever touches a stage.

But for multi-award-winning musician Sjava, the traditional rules of the industry were meant to be broken. Speaking exclusively to Eyewitness News, the artist reflected on a career-defining 12-month journey that culminated in his latest studio album, INkanyezi NeZinkanyezi.

The title, which translates to “A star amongst the stars”, is more than just a poetic name; it is a philosophy. While Sjava stands as the central figure, he views the project as a collective effort involving a galaxy of collaborators, producers, and, most importantly, his fans.

FLIPPING THE RELEASE MODEL

In an era where music is often consumed and forgotten in a single scroll, Sjava chose a bold, slow-burn approach. Throughout 2025, he released two live EPs - Inkanyezi and Inkanyezi 2.0 - effectively taking his fans on tour before the "official" album even existed.

"What makes this project special is the way we rolled it out," Sjava told Eyewitness News.

"I wanted to try a different approach, one that allowed me to engage my fans more intimately than before. I thought, ‘let me teach them the songs before I release them'.’"

By the time the studio versions arrived, the audience already knew the words.

In fact, many can hear their own voices in the background of the live recordings. Sjava admits that the process of recording the studio versions after the live performances provided a unique challenge, highlighting the gap between the two mediums.

"Studio music and live music are two different things," he explained. "It shows you that even though it’s the same thing, it’s completely two different worlds. But it felt good doing them with the fans singing back - just a different energy."

THE ART OF COLLABORATION

The album is a rich tapestry of South African sound, featuring everyone from Amapiano favourite Nkosazana Daughter and the soulful Msaki to hip-hop heavyweights like Anatii. One of the more surprising additions is Jesse Clegg, who appears on the track Kuye.

Sjava describes the collaboration as a deliberate blend of cultures.

"If you listen to that song, it has pop elements and mbaqanga elements. I wanted to see how it would sound if we mixed pop with mbaqanga and hip-hop. Jesse was the person I felt was fit for that."

For Sjava, choosing a collaborator isn't about chasing fame; it’s about the "colour" of the voice.

"It depends on the song, what the song talks about, the writing that's needed, and the tone of the person," he noted.

A GROWING LEGACY

As Sjava celebrates a decade in the spotlight, he told Eyewitness News that he has been struck by the evolution of his audience. He is no longer just making music for his peers; he is soundtracking the lives of a new generation.

"My audience has changed," he reflected. "There are kids who are 15 listening to my music, and I’m celebrating 10 years. That means they were five when the music first came out. People grow into the music."

While his earlier work was heavily rooted in dense storytelling, INkanyezi NeZinkanyezi marks a shift toward a more collaborative and diverse sonic landscape. It is a reflection of an artist who is not only growing older but growing more connected to the world around him.

As he concludes this ambitious trilogy, Sjava remains humble about his role in the "constellation." He remains the star, but he’s making sure everyone else gets to shine just as bright.