– This past weekend witnessed an electrifying musical extravaganza as local musical legends, Big Zulu and Sjava, collectively known as Inkabi Zezwe, set the stage ablaze at Carnival City, Johannesburg. The event had been eagerly anticipated, lived up to all expectations, and more, as fans were treated to a night of unforgettable performances and exhilarating moments.
The anticipation for the Inkabi Zezwe concert had reached a fever pitch, with tickets selling out to total capacity a month prior to the event. The crowd’s excitement was palpable as they thronged into the venue, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and celebration. Carnival City was alive with energy as fans from all corners of the country came together to witness this historical musical event.
The evening began with a burst of talent as brilliant opening acts Lwah Ndlunkulu, Siya Ntuli, and Xowla took to the stage. Their captivating performances set the tone for the electrifying night ahead, and the crowd was left in awe of their musical prowess.
One of the night’s highlights was the special guest appearance by the renowned Zahara. Her soul-stirring performance had the audience craving for more, and due to overwhelming demand, she announced her return to Carnival City on September 23rd for another captivating show.
Inkabi Zezwe’s performance was nothing short of spectacular, with the duo delivering an unforgettable experience to their fans. The crowd’s energy was palpable as they sang along to every lyric, and the artists’ on-stage chemistry was undeniable. The audience’s enthusiasm was met with not one, not two, but three encores, including the crowd-favorite Limpopo version that had everyone on their feet.
The celebration continued as Warner Music Africa presented Inkabi Zezwe with a prestigious plaque commemorating the monumental success of their album Ukhamba. With a staggering 18,000,000 streams, the album achieved Gold status in South Africa. Additionally, the single Umbayimbayi reached an incredible 7,200,000 streams, certifying it as triple platinum, while Khaya Lami and Sayona garnered 1,200,000 streams each, earning them Gold status.
Adding to the excitement of the event was the popularity of the Butan x Inkabi Zezwe capsule collection. The collection, featuring a fusion of culture and fashion, was met with an overwhelming response from fans and sold like hotcakes throughout the evening.
The Inkabi Zezwe concert at Carnival City will undoubtedly be remembered as a historic night in South African music history. As the echoes of the show continue to reverberate, the camaraderie, the talent, and the unwavering support of the fans created an atmosphere of pure magic that will resonate for years to come.
Watch the show after the mo
That same year, Sjava won the first DStv Mzansi Viewer’s Choice Rising Star. In 2018 Sjava was featured in the Kendrick Lamar-curated and Grammy-nominated Black Panther:The Album soundtrack. In the same year the superstar won a BET award for ‘Best International Act’ and released his sophomore album Umqhele which scored him ‘Best Afro-Pop Album’ and ‘Album of the Year’ wins at the 2019 SAMAs. His recent album Isibuko (2023) maintains Sjava’s dedication to highlighting the human experience with a rich, bulbous, and ethereal soundscape.
Born Siyabonga Nene in Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal in 1987, Big Zulu transitioned into rap music in 2008 after a stint in the taxi industry.The rapper’s music is often filled with aspirational subject matter that his fans have long gravitated towards. He melds Maskandi and Hip-Hop with his gripping flow and cadence. Ushun Wenkabi his debut album was released in 2018 but it was Zulu’s third album Ichwane Lenyoka (2021) that helped catapult him to superstardom. The album boasted the hits ‘Mali Eningi’ featuring Ntaba Yase Dubai and Riky Rick, ‘Inhlupheko’, featuring Mduduzi Ncube and ‘Umuzi eSandton’ with Lwah Ndlunkulu.
As a testament to his persistence and talent, Big Zulu has won several awards including Song of the year for ‘Mali Eningi’ and ‘Album of the Year’ at the 2021 South African Hip Hop Awards. The superstar has also won the ‘Collaboration of the Year’ at the 27th annual SAMA awards. As a duo, Sjava and Big Zulu make up Inkabi Zezwe, a project that celebrates the connection they have as Zulu brothers and musicians. This collaboration places them at the precipice of an interesting moment in music and culture. Their music as individual artists travel back and forth through traditional isiZulu musical forms and more contemporary musical expressions.
Sjava is R&B and Afropop / Hip-Hop inclined whereas Big Zulu uses Hip-Hop / Rap to negotiate his musical identity. This ambivalence of genres is a prime opportunity to imagine and create music that is not only an autobiographical anecdote of their intimate worlds but as artists who are attentive to contemporary South Africa. Their new music explores everything that matters to them; love, intimacy, joy, aspiration, and people.