Sho Madjozi facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sho Madjozi
Sho Madjozi performing at an Edgars Fashion Show in March 2019
Background information
Birth name	Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif
Also known as	MayaThePoet
Born	(1992-05-09) 9 May 1992 (age 33) Limpopo, South Africa
Genres	Gqom Amapiano afropop hip hop
Occupation(s)	Rapper singer songwriter poet
Instruments	vocals
Labels	Epic
Associated acts	Okmalumkoolkat DJ Maphorisa Sauti Sol Marioo Darassa Davido Mayorkun Kwesta Makhadzi

Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif (born on May 9, 1992), known as Sho Madjozi, is a talented rapper, singer, songwriter, and poet from South Africa. She is famous for including her Tsonga culture in her music and how she presents herself to the world. In 2019, Forbes Africa magazine recognized Sho Madjozi as one of their "30 Under 30" young leaders for her amazing work in music and entertainment.

Early Life and Music Journey

Growing Up and Discovering Her Voice

Sho Madjozi was born on May 9, 1992, in Shirley Village, Limpopo, South Africa. Her parents, Rosemary Phaweni and Marc Wegerif, worked for a group that helped people with land claims. Her mother is of African descent, and her father is of European descent. After her parents divorced, her mother mostly raised her.

Because her father traveled a lot for his work, Sho Madjozi got to see different parts of the world. She lived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, when she was a teenager. She also spent time in Senegal in 2016, selling clothes to help her family.

Education and Starting Her Career

After finishing high school at the International School of Tanganyika in Tanzania, Sho Madjozi received a scholarship. She went to Mount Holyoke College in the United States to study creative writing and African studies. During her time there, she started writing poems under the name MayaThePoet. Her poems often explored ideas about politics, identity, and race.

Later, Madjozi returned to South Africa. She studied at the University of South Africa in Johannesburg. She also planned to write songs for other artists. This is when she began rapping and creating her own music as "Sho Madjozi." She became well-known after working with rapper Okmalumkoolkat on songs like "Ngiyashisa Bhe" and the popular hit "Gqi."

Rise to Fame and Album Success

First Steps in Entertainment

In April 2017, Sho Madjozi appeared on television in the drama series Isithembiso on Mzansi Magic. She played a character named Tsakane Mboweni, who was very involved in student politics.

Madjozi released her first single, "Dumi HiPhone," with the DJ duo PS DJz, on April 28, 2017. Fans really liked the song. In 2017, she was also featured on the song "Probleme" from DJ Maphorisa's album BlaqBoy Music Presents Gqom Wave.

Debut Album and Big Wins

On March 9, 2018, she released "Huku," which was the main song from her first album. Trace Urban South Africa announced in June 2018 that Sho Madjozi would be their ambassador for TRACE Mobile. In August, Madjozi and singer Chris Martin helped explain how to enter the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100. Sho Madjozi performed at this festival on December 2, 2018, which featured famous artists like Beyonce and Jay-Z.

Her first studio album, Limpopo Champions League, came out on December 14, 2018. A short film called Trickshot, featuring songs from the album, also supported its release. On June 1, 2019, Sho Madjozi won two awards at the 25th South African Music Awards. She was named "Newcomer of the Year" and won "Best Female Album." She was also nominated for "Best Music Video" for "Huku" and "Best Kwaito, Gqom & AmaPiano Album." On June 23, 2019, Madjozi received a BET Award for "Best New International Act."

Global Recognition and "John Cena"

In July 2019, Forbes magazine again featured Madjozi in their "30 Under 30" list for her impact on music and entertainment. This list included other young African artists like Burna Boy and Thando Thabethe.

On August 15, 2019, Madjozi performed her song "John Cena" on the global music platform COLORS. The song, inspired by the famous wrestler John Cena, became very popular, especially in South Africa. It quickly reached two million views. Many famous people, including rapper Missy Elliott, praised the song. John Cena himself posted about Madjozi on his Instagram account. She officially released "John Cena" as a single on September 27, 2019.

On November 7, 2019, Madjozi appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show to talk about the song. During her performance, John Cena surprised her by coming out from backstage! The video of her excited reaction went viral, as she had always dreamed of meeting him.

At the 4th Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Awards, she won the "Best Gqom Artist" award. In July 2020, she signed with the U.S. record label Epic Records. Her first mixtape, What a Life, was released on November 27, 2020. It features artists like Makhadzi and Dr Thomas Chauke. On November 22, 2022, Madjozi performed at Madison Square Garden, opening for Stromae.

Awards and Nominations

Discography

Studio Album

Singles

Promotional Singles