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Trending in Sho Madjozi’s World
Latest Single
Chale
Released Feb 3, 2023
Trending Globally
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Quick Facts
Born
1992
1992
From
Sweden
Sweden
Journey
Sho Madjozi, born Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif on May 9, 1992, in Shirley Village, Limpopo, is a celebrated South African rapper, singer, and author. Growing up in a vibrant Tsonga community, she was heavily influenced by matriarchal figures who instilled in her a lifelong love for traditional attire and cultural aesthetics.
Her youth was marked by extensive travel across Africa, including stays in Tanzania and Senegal, which exposed her to various cultures and languages. After completing high school in Dar es Salaam, she moved to the United States on a scholarship to Mount Holyoke College, graduating with a degree in Creative Writing and African Studies.
Returning to South Africa, she pursued further studies at UNISA and wrote poetry under the name MayaThePoet before launching her music career as Sho Madjozi. She burst into the mainstream through major collaborations with Okmalumkoolkat on tracks like "Ngiyashisa Bhe" and "Gqi." In 2018, she released her acclaimed debut album, Limpopo Champions League, featuring hits like "Huku" and "Kona," which showcased her signature fusion of Gqom, Amapiano, hip-hop, and Tsonga traditional sounds.
Her global breakthrough arrived in 2019 with her performance of "John Cena" on COLORSxSTUDIOS, catching the attention of global icons like Beyoncé and John Cena himself.
Madjozi's artistry is defined by her Pan-African visuals, distinct hairstyles, and multilingual lyrics spanning Tsonga, Swahili, English, and French.
Her massive impact has earned her numerous accolades, including a Forbes Africa "30 Under 30" feature, several South African Music Awards, and a historic win at the 2019 BET Awards for Best New International Act. Proving her versatility, she has also established herself as a children's author with her book, Shoma and the Stars, inspiring young Africans to take pride in their roots.