Following the strong reception of his powerful 2025 live EPs, Inkanyezi and Inkanyezi 2.0, multi-award-winning artist Sjava completes the journey with INkanyezi NeZinkanyezi – The Album, the final chapter of the Inkanyezi trilogy.
INkanyezi NeZinkanyezi, translating to “A Star Amongst the Stars,” speaks to more than Sjava’s personal journey. It honours the constellation around him — collaborators, musicians, producers, and fans — reminding us that while one star may shine brightly, the light is always stronger when shared.
Although audiences first experienced this music live on stage, the story began long before the live EPs were released. Most of the songs on INkanyezi NeZinkanyezi were written and recorded in the studio ahead of the performances, making the live EPs a bold preview rather than the starting point.
By flipping the traditional release-and-tour model on its head — presenting the music live, raw, and unfiltered before releasing its studio versions — Sjava invited fans to become active participants in the making of the Inkanyezi trilogy. What many believed were spontaneous performances woven between familiar favourites were, in fact, part of a carefully curated 12-month album rollout.
Instead of touring the album after its release, Sjava took the album on tour before it dropped, allowing audiences to live with the music, learn the songs, and contribute their voices. This spirit of the collective runs through the entire project — from crowd vocals featured on Inkanyezi and Inkanyezi 2.0 to the rich collaborations that define INkanyezi NeZinkanyezi. In every song, Sjava stands as the central star, surrounded by other remarkable lights.
The album draws from a diverse and exciting mix of artists across South Africa’s musical landscape. Nkosazana Daughter appears on Sleepover, Buhlebendalo lends her voice to Sanibonani, while Msaki and Zadok join forces on Mdumise. Anatii teams up with Sjava on Amashidi Amhlophe, Jesse Clegg brings a melancholic edge to Kuye, and legends Shwi and Dogzin feature on Gusheshe.
The project also includes contributions from Lowfeye and LaCabra of The Qwellers on Madibuseng, Siya Ntuli on Moya Wam, Ntando Dlamini on Uyena, Gusba, J John, and Ronaldo on Xigugu, and Zamoh alongside Mafakhiza on Indoda Enjani.
On the production front, Sjava reunites with longtime creative partner Ruff, supported by a formidable roster of producers including Vuyo Manyike, Kelvin Momo, Zadok, Dogzin, Soja, Young2unn, Selani, Anatii, Surprise Ndimande, Lesedi, Herc Cut The Lights, and Gavanna — each adding a distinct texture to the album’s sonic universe.
“What makes this project special is the way we rolled it out,” Sjava shares. “I wanted to try a different approach — one that allowed me to engage my fans more intimately. I thought, ‘let me teach them the songs before I release them.’ The whole of 2025 became the album rollout for INkanyezi NeZinkanyezi. Fans learned the songs, heard their voices on the live EPs, and fell in love with the music before the album dropped. That’s how I challenge myself and my team to be more creative.”
He adds, “This project is bigger than just me — hence the name. Everyone who worked on it contributed to its unique and special creativity.”
INkanyezi NeZinkanyezi will be released on 30 January 2026 across all digital platforms and can be pre-saved here:
https://africori.to/inkanyezinezinkanyezi
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