| Inkabi Zezwe | |
|---|---|
| Genres | Afro-soul, Afro pop |
| Years active | 2022–present |
| Labels | Warner Music Africa |
| Members | Sjava Big Zulu |
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.
Their debut studio album Ukhamba (2023), debuted number 1 in two countries South Africa and Eswatini consecutively.
History
2022-present: Inkabi Zezwe formation, Ukhamba
Inkabi 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.
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. The song debuted at number one on iTunes Top 50 & Spotify Top 100 South Africa consecutively. The song reached 3× Platinum in South Africa.
On April 1, Zulu announced that the Inkabi Zezwe tour will run from June until September 2023.
Their debut studio album was released on May 12, 2023. It debuted number one in two countries South Africa and Eswatini consecutively. 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.
Discography
- Ukhamba (2023)
Awards
Content Creator Awards
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | "Umbayimbayi" | Song of the Year | Nominated |
|
Metro FM Awards
| 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
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | "Umbayimbayi" | Most Voted Song of the Year | Nominated |
South African Music Awards
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | "Umbayimbayi" | Motsepe Foundation Record of the Year | Nominated | |
| Ukhamba | Best Afro-Pop album | Nominated |
References
- "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.
- ^ 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.