Johannesburg – In all aspects of society, there are phenomenal women who are making a difference in the lives of those around them while also striving to new heights. This Women’s Month, the Saturday Star will be profiling some of the nation’s leading ladies.
South African musical sensation Sho Madjozi is taking the musical industry by storm as one of the biggest female artists in the country.
But the 30-year-old, real name Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif, is also a cultural and fashion phenomenon as she continues to cement herself in the industry.
The rapper, singer, songwriter, actress and poet incorporates the Tsonga culture through her music and public image. In 2019, she was named one of Forbes Africa's 30 under-30s for her contribution in the music and entertainment sector.
Madjozi was born on May 9 1992 in Shirley Village, Elim, Limpopo.
After completing high school at the International School of Tanganyika in Tanzania, Madjozi was offered a scholarship to Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts, US, to study creative writing and African studies. While in America, she started writing poems under the pen name MayaThePoet.
The poems were about politics, identity and race. Madjozi then returned to South Africa, where she took up a fellowship in studying at Unisa and also planned to write songs for other local artists.
Madjozi then began rapping and composing music under her stage name "Sho Madjozi". She rose to fame after her collaboration with rapper Okmalumkoolkat on the track "Ngiyashisa Bhe" and the hit single "Gqi
In April 2017, Madjozi made a TV appearance in Mzansi Magic drama telenovela “Isithembiso”.
Madjozi then released her debut single, "Dumi HiPhone", featuring PS DJz in 2017, but the song didn't make it to the final track listing on Madjozi's debut album. She also appeared on DJ Maphorisa BlaqBoy Music Presents Gqom Wave in 2017, where she was featured on the track "Probleme".
In March 2018, she released the lead single "Huku" from her debut album and in the same year, Trace Urban South Africa announced their partnership with Madjozi, making her the ambassador for their mobile prepaid provider Trace Mobile.
In August the same year, Madjozi alongside singer Chris Martin announced and explained how the entry works of the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, through a YouTube video uploaded by Global Citizen and later on December 2, 2018, Madjozi performed at the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, which was headlined by Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
“Limpopo Champions League”, Madjozi's debut studio album, was released in December 2018. The album was also supported by the five-minute short-film “Trickshot” composed of several tracks from the album.
In June 2019, Madjozi earned two wins at the 25th edition of South African Music Awards (Samas) for Newcomer of the Year and 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.
In August 2019, Madjozi was featured on the global music platform Colors, where she performed her song "John Cena" commonly named and inspired by professional wrestler John Cena. The gqom-genre song trended in regions, mainly in South Africa as it reached 2 million views, which was a success for the (Colours) music platform.
Madjozi was praised for the song by many notable people, including rapper Missy Elliott, who retweeted her video on her Twitter page, while professional wrestler John Cena posted Madjozi on his Instagram account. She later released "John Cena" as an official single in September 2019.
In November 2019, Madjozi appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show to talk about the song and 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 the acclaimed wrestler himself.