Johannesburg – Multi-award-winning South African luminary Sjava brings a bold, year-long musical vision to its final, triumphant chapter with the release of iNkanyezi NeZinkanyezi, the album that completes his groundbreaking Inkanyezi Trilogy.
Following the powerful reception of the 2025 live EPs Inkanyeziand Inkanyezi 2.0, the full studio project arrives not as a beginning, but as the culmination of a journey audiences have already lived, sung, and shaped alongside him.
Translating to “A Star Amongst the Stars,” iNkanyezi NeZinkanyezi is a personal milestone and a tribute to the constellation that surrounds Sjava: his collaborators, musicians, producers, and fans.
The album celebrates the simple but profound truth that while one star may shine brightly, its light grows stronger when shared. The spirit of collective creation pulses through the project, framing Sjava not as a solitary figure but as a central force within a galaxy of extraordinary talent.
While listeners first encountered this body of work in its raw, electrifying live form, the story began long before the EPs touched a stage.
Most of the album was written and recorded in the studio ahead of the live performances, making the live releases a daring preview rather than the origin.
By flipping the traditional album-tour cycle on its head, Sjava invited audiences into the process itself. Instead of touring after release, he toured the album before it dropped: a meticulously curated 12-month rollout disguised as spontaneous moments between fan favourites.
Throughout 2025, fans not only witnessed the music but also became part of it.
Their voices echo through the live EPs as backing vocals, their energy embedded in the DNA of the songs.
That same communal spirit extends into the studio album, where each track feels like a meeting point of worlds.
Sjava remains the guiding star, but every song is illuminated by the brilliance of those around him.
The album draws from a rich cross-section of South Africa’s musical tapestry.
Amapiano favourite Nkosazana Daughter appears on “Sleepover,” while Buhlebendalo lends her ethereal voice to “Sanibonani.”
Msaki and Zadok join forces on the stirring “Mdumise,” with Anatii collaborating on “Amashidi Amhlophe.” Jesse Clegg features on “Kuye,” Shwi energises “Gusheshe,” and The Qwellers’ Lowfeye and Lacabra bring texture to “Madibuseng.”
Additional appearances fromSiya Ntuli, Ntando Dlamini, Gusba, J John, Ronaldo, Zamoh, and Mafakhiza further expand the album’s sonic universe, each contribution adding a new shade of light.
On production, Sjava reunites with longtime creative partnerRuff, supported by a formidable circle of producers including Vuyo Manyike, Kelvin Momo, Zadok, Dogzin, Soja, Young2unn, Selani, Anatii, Surprise Ndimande, Lesedi, Herc Cut The Lights, and Gavanna.
Together, they craft a soundscape that is both expansive and intimate, and rooted in tradition yet fearless in its experimentation.
Reflecting on the project, Sjava explains: “What makes this project special is the way we rolled it out.
“I wanted to try a different approach, one that allowed me to engage my fans more intimately than before, so I thought, ‘let me teach them the songs before I release them’”.
So the whole of 2025 was the album rollout for iNkanyezi NeZinkanyezi.
The fans were able to learn the songs, hear their voices on the live EPs, and fall in love with the songs before the album actually dropped.
And for me, that’s just how I challenge myself and my team to be more creative in every aspect of our work.
The project is bigger than just me – the people who worked on it really give it that unique and special creativity.”
With iNkanyezi NeZinkanyezi, Sjava completes a living, breathing artistic cycle that reimagines how music can be shared, experienced, and owned by a community.
It stands as a testament to collaboration, patience, and vision: a star shining brightly, surrounded by stars that make the sky unforgettable.
iNkaynyezi NeZinkanyezi, out now HERE
The post Sjava Completes ‘Inkanyezi Trilogy’ With ‘iNkanyezi NeZinkanyezi’ appeared first on The Bulrushes.
