Sjava is a true rags-to-riches inspiration. Born Jabulani Hadebe in the small town of Bergville, the BET Awards winner used his Zulu musical heritage to create a fresh take on R&B. He has navigated his way from tiny, empty venues to sold-out shows for thousands—all while juggling an acting career in daytime soaps. Whether crooning the chartbusting Afropop love song "Ek'seni" or collaborating with US rapper Mozzy on "Seasons" for the film soundtrack Black Panther: The Album, Sjava's upward trajectory remains steadily constant.