Fans from across South Africa including KZN, Eastern Cape, and Gauteng all came to celebrate the Sjava and Big Zulu on their first tour as a duo. Many aspects of this collaboration are monumental. In January this year, Inkabi Zezwe set out to create a body of work that would celebrate brotherhood, isiZulu culture, and music in a way that connected all South Africans.
Fans enjoyed opening performances by Inkabi Nation’s Mduduzi Ncube, Xowla, Lwah Ndlunkulu, and Siya Ntuli. Suddenly the stage began to rumble, signalling the beginning of an electric night. Ingoma dancers emerged and lit the entire arena with the Intro song on the Ukhamba album. Inkabi Zezwe performed all songs from Ukhamba, including their solo music – much to their fans’ delight.
A memorable moment of the night was Inkabi Zezwe’s Sesotho rendition of ‘Umbayimbayi‘ before the duo had to perform the hit song five times after receiving a standing ovation and in true rockstar fashion, the stars were even met with intimate garments thrown on stage by female fans. Celebrity attendees spotted on the night included Shaka iLemba star Lemogang Tsipa, musical artists Busiswa, Stilo Magolide, Zulu Mkhathini, and DJ Sabby. On site was the official Inkabi Zezwe capsule collection in collaboration with the famous clothing brand Butan which Inkabi Zezwe sported on stage during their performance. Before purchasing a T-shirt, one fan eagerly expressed, “I have to match with Sjava.”
Their first single, ‘Umbayimbayi‘, now Double Platinum, was released on 24 March and enjoyed instant success topping Apple Music’s Top 25 Johannesburg, Durban, and Top 100 South Africa Charts while dominating iTunes. The hit track reached #1 on Spotify’s Made in South Africa, Bhinca Nation, and Hot Hits South Africa playlists. ‘Umbayimbayi‘ also has five weeks (3 consecutive) at #1 on national radio and six weeks in the #2 position. The album has had major highlights, with all tracks charting on Spotify charts on release week (12 May). With so much support from fans and music lovers across South Africa, it was no surprise that the tour would kick off on a high note.
The next stop on the tour is Grand Arena, Grandwest (Cape Town) on 29 July, Big Top Arena in Carnival City on 26 August, then Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadiumon 3 September. Tickets to the upcoming shows are available on Computicket HERE.
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