Friday 01 December| Johannesburg: Renowned music sensation, Inkabi Zezwe, takes center stage on one of four exclusive covers for GQ South Africa’s highly anticipated December Entertainment Issue. The artist is not only featured for their musical prowess but also for their distinct style, as they showcase their own capsule collection incollaboration with the esteemed fashion brand,Butan.
Inkabi Zezwe has had a stellar year of victories, solidifying their place as a dominant force in the entertainment industry. The December issue delves into the artist's extraordinary journey, from humble beginnings in Bergville to the invaluable life lessons learned along the way.
The featured capsule collection by Butan reflects the seamless fusion of music and fashion, capturing the essence of Inkabi Zezwe's unique style. The article explores the inspiration behind the collaboration, shedding light on the symbiotic relationship between Butan and Inkabi Zezwe.
"We are thrilled to have Inkabi Zezwe as one of the cover stars for our Entertainment Issue this December. Their achievements and the collaboration with Butan represent the epitome of talent and style that our readers admire," said Molife Kumona, Editor-in-Chief of GQ.
MD Temi Adeniji of Warner Music Africa expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with GQ, stating, "As Warner Music Africa expands its presence in South Africa and across the continent, our collaboration with GQ underscores our dedication to staying at the forefront of uniting music with various forms of media and entertainment."
The December issue promises to be a celebration of not only Inkabi Zezwe's achievements but also a testament to the dynamic synergy between music, fashion, and brotherhood.
“Butan, the streetwear brand deeply rooted in the nation's culture and heritage, stands as a pivotal force behind the collaboration. Deriving inspiration from the vibrancy of South African street life, Butan incorporates elements of history, art, and music into its designs. The brand's mission is to tell authentic African stories through its clothing, bridging the gap between tradition and modernity. Over the years, Butan has become a prominent voice in Africa's streetwear scene, using its garments as canvases to express narratives and emotions while celebrating the resilience and creativity of South African urban culture.” adds head of marketing Buyi Msithini
The entertainment with Inkabi Zezwe talks about brotherhood, sold-out tours, and collaborations. This issue is available on shelves nationwide and digitally on GQ’s view here.
Readers can expect an immersive experience as they delve into the multifaceted world of Inkabi Zezwe.
About Inkabi Zezwe
Inkabi Zezwe - an isiZulu term of endearment that, when used in the context of music, describes a unified brotherhood that is representative and reflective of the nation. ‘Zezwe’ means 'of the Nation' and unites the two giants for this once-off collaboration as an offering to the nation. 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.
Sjava, whose real name is Jabulani Hadebe was born in Bergville, KwaZulu- Natal in 1984. He began exploring music at age 10, forming his own acapella group ‘Abafana base Mpumalanga’ but his entertainment career was set in motion when he took on acting, starring in popular television shows such as Zone 14 and uGugu no Andile. His debut album Isina Muva (2016) was his major transition into the music industry and earned him ‘Best Produced Album’ awards at both the Metro FM and South African Music (SAMA) award ceremonies in 2017.
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.
Get access to inkabi Zezwe collection here.
Follow Inkabi Zezwe’s journey here:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube
