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Image via Sho Madjozi on Twitter

Sho Madjozi

Singer/Songwriter

COMPANY

Singer/Songwriter

COUNTRY

South Africa

AGE

32 years

SCENE

Lifestyle & Culture

SOCIAL

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

What makes Sho Madjozi a Global Shaker?

Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif AKA Sho Madjozi , is a South African rapper, singer, songwriter, actress and poet. Regarded as one of the continent’s best performers, Madjozi proudly incorporates the Tsonga culture throughout her music performances and public image.

Unapologetically proud of her culture, she commonly plays in the traditional wear and usually performs the indigenous xibelani dance where she wears a skirt called a tinguvu around her waist.

After she finishing high school in Dar es Salaam Tanzania, Sho gained admission to Mount Holyoke College on scholarship in the United States of America where she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree programme majoring in African Studies and Creative Writing.

Before she became a superstar, Madjozi was an avid writer of poetry and used to go by the nickname “Maya the Poet.” Back then, some of the themes that reflected in her work included politics, identity and racism. 

Madjozi released her debut single, “Dumi HiPhone” featuring DJ duo PS DJz, on 28 April 2017 which was well received by the public.

On 9 March 2018, she released the lead single “Huku” from her debut album. On 27 June 2018, Trace Urban South Africa announced their partnership with Madjozi, making her the ambassador for their mobile pre-paid provider TRACE Mobile.

 On 2 December 2018, Sho Madjozi performed at the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 which was headlined by Beyonce and Jay-Z.

Limpopo Champions League, Madjozi’s debut studio album was released on 14 December 2018.

 On 1 June 2019, Madjozi earned two wins at the 25th edition of South African Music Awards for Newcomer of the Year and for Best Female Album. She also received nominees for categories: Best Music Video for “Huku” and for Best Kwaito, Gqom & AmaPiano Album for Limpopo Champions League. On 23 June 2019, Madjozi received a BET Award for Best New International Act at the BET Awards 2019.

In August 2019, Madjozi was featured on the global music platform COLORS, where she performed her song “John Cena” named after and inspired by professional wrestler John Cena.

 The song trended worldwide as it reached two-million views and was praised by notable artists such as rapper Missy Elliot and John Cena himself. 

On 7 November 2019, Madjozi appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show to talk about the song. While performing as a guest, John Cena came from backstage to surprise her. The video of her reaction went viral, as she said it was a dream of hers to meet him.

Tags: Africa, music, South Africa

Last updated: May 25, 2020