Sho Madjozi - Biography, Real Name, Age and Career
Sho Madjozi, born Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif, is a multi-talented South African artist known for her dynamic contributions to music, acting, and poetry. She is particularly recognized for incorporating her Tsonga heritage into her music and public persona, celebrating and promoting her culture.
In 2019, her impact on the music and entertainment industry earned her a spot on Forbes Africa's 30 Under 30 list. Sho Madjozi is known for her energetic performances and unique style, which blends various musical genres, including hip-hop, pop, and traditional Tsonga rhythms. Her notable tracks, such as "John Cena" and "Huku," showcase her vibrant artistry and have garnered significant attention both locally and internationally.
Early Life
Sho Madjozi was born on May 9, 1992, in Shirley Village, Elim, Limpopo, to Rosemary Phaweni and Marc Wegerif, who operated a non-governmental organization focused on assisting individuals with land claims. Her mother is of African descent, while her father is of European descent. Following her parents' divorce at an early age, Madjozi was primarily raised by her mother.
She has half-sisters from both her mother's and father's sides. Due to her father's work, particularly with the charitable organization Oxfam, Madjozi had the chance to travel extensively, including a trip to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, during her teenage years. In 2016, she spent time selling clothes at markets in Senegal to help support her family.
Education
After graduating from the International School of Tanganyika in Tanzania, Sho Madjozi received a scholarship to Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts, where she studied creative writing and African studies. During her time in the U.S., she began writing poems under the pen name MayaThePoet, focusing on themes of politics, identity, and race.
Upon returning to South Africa, Madjozi pursued a fellowship at the University of South Africa in Johannesburg while also working on songwriting for other local artists. She began rapping and composing music under her stage name, "Sho Madjozi." Her rise to fame came after collaborating with rapper Okmalumkoolkat on the track "Ngiyashisa Bhe" and releasing the hit single "Gqi."
Career
In April 2017, Madjozi made her television appearance as one of the casts of Mzansi Magic drama telenovela "Isithembiso." She played Tsakane Mboweni – a character passionately involved in student politics – for the inaugural season. Madjozi released her debut single, "Dumi HiPhone," featuring disc jockey duo PS DJz, on 28 April 2017, which was well received by the public. The song didn't make it to the final track listing on Madjozi's debut album. She also appeared on DJ Maphorisa's "BlaqBoy Music Presents Gqom Wave" (2017), where she was featured on the track "Probleme." 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. In August, 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. Later 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. The album was also supported by the 5-minute short film "Trickshot," composed of several tracks from the album. On 1 June 2019, Madjozi earned two wins at the 25th edition of the South African Music Awards for Newcomer of the Year and for Best Female Album. She also received nominations for categories: Best Music Video for "Huku" and for Best Kwaito, Gqom & AmaPiano Album for "Limpopo Champions League." As of 23 June 2019, Madjozi received a BET Award for Best New International Act at the BET Awards 2019.
In July 2019, Madjozi was included in Forbes magazine's list of 30 Under 30 creatives for her contributions to the music and entertainment industry. This prestigious list featured several other young African creatives, including Nigerian musician Burna Boy, South African actress and media personality Thando Thabethe, Ghanaian contemporary artist Joseph Awuah-Darko (also known as Okuntakinte), and Kenyan filmmaker Njue Kevin.
On August 15, 2019, Madjozi showcased her talent on the global music platform COLORS, performing her song "John Cena," which was inspired by the professional wrestler of the same name. The gqom song quickly gained popularity in South Africa, amassing two million views and achieving notable success on the COLORS platform. She received acclaim for the song from many notable figures, including rapper Missy Elliott, who shared her video on Twitter, and John Cena, who posted about her on Instagram. Subsequently, she released "John Cena" as an official single on September 27, 2019. On November 7, 2019, Madjozi appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show to discuss the song, and in a surprise moment, John Cena came on stage to greet her, resulting in a viral video capturing her emotional reaction as she expressed her long-held dream of meeting him.
At the fourth ceremony of the Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards, she was honored with the Best Gqom Artist award. In July 2020, reports indicated that she had signed with the U.S. label Epic Records. On November 27, 2020, her first mixtape, What a Life, was released, featuring collaborations with Makhadzi and Dr. Thomas Chauke. On November 22, 2022, Madjozi performed at Madison Square Garden as the opening act for Stromae.
Private Life
Sho Madjozi incorporates Tsonga elements in both her music and fashion, often playing with traditional wear. She frequently performs the indigenous xibelani dance, wearing a skirt called a tinguvu. While her style is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage, she also embraces a colorful aesthetic with diverse elements.
Madjozi is recognized for her hairstyles influenced by Fulani and Tuareg women, which have inspired a trend among girls and women since her breakthrough year in 2016. Her hair is also influenced by the styles of Boom Shaka and Black American hairstyles. Madjozi describes her braids as a representation of Afrofuturism, stating, "The question is: what would a globalized young African be if she was not interrupted by the horror of colonialism and apartheid? My braids are the answer."
In addition to her native Tsonga, Madjozi is fluent in Swahili and often incorporates both languages, as well as English, into her songs.
Discography
Albums
2018 - Limpopo Champions League
2020 - What A Life
Music Videos
2022 - Kunjani
2022 - Toro
2023 - Chale
Singles
2022 - Toro
2023 - Chale
2023 - Balotelli
2024 - Kadigong
2024 - Zameleky
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