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 actress
Instruments	vocals
Labels	Epic
Associated acts	Okmalumkoolkat DJ Maphorisa Sauti Sol Marioo Darassa Davido Mayorkun Kwesta Makhadzi

Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif (born May 9, 1992), known as Sho Madjozi, is a talented South African rapper, singer, songwriter, actress, and poet. She is famous for mixing her Tsonga culture into her music and unique style. In 2019, Forbes Africa magazine named her one of their "30 Under 30" for her amazing work in music and entertainment.

Life and Career

Early Life and First Steps (1992–2016)

Sho Madjozi was born on May 9, 1992, in Shirley Village, Limpopo, South Africa. Her parents, Rosemary Phaweni and Marc Wegerif, divorced when she was young. She was mostly raised by her mother. Her father traveled a lot for his work, which helped people with their land claims. Sho Madjozi sometimes traveled with him, even to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. She also spent time selling clothes in markets in Senegal in 2016.

After finishing high school at the International School of Tanganyika in Tanzania, Madjozi received a scholarship. She went to Mount Holyoke College in the United States to study creative writing and African studies. While in the US, she started writing poems under the name MayaThePoet. These poems were about important topics like politics and identity.

Later, Madjozi returned to South Africa. She continued her studies at the University of South Africa in Johannesburg. She also planned to write songs for other local artists. Soon, she began rapping and making her own music using the stage name "Sho Madjozi." She became well-known after working with rapper Okmalumkoolkat on songs like "Ngiyashisa Bhe" and the popular hit "Gqi."

Rising to Fame (2017–Present)

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

She released her first single, "Dumi HiPhone," with the DJ duo PS DJz, on April 28, 2017. Fans really liked the song. She also appeared on DJ Maphorisa's album BlaqBoy Music Presents Gqom Wave in 2017. On March 9, 2018, she released "Huku," which was the first song from her first album.

On June 27, 2018, Trace Urban South Africa announced that Sho Madjozi would be the face of their mobile phone service, TRACE Mobile. In August, Madjozi and singer Chris Martin helped explain how to enter the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100. She performed at the festival on December 2, 2018, alongside big stars like Beyoncé and Jay-Z.

Limpopo Champions League and Awards

Sho Madjozi's first studio album, Limpopo Champions League, came out on December 14, 2018. A short film called Trickshot, which featured several songs from the album, also supported it.

On June 1, 2019, Madjozi won two awards at the 25th South African Music Awards. She won for Newcomer of the Year and Best Female Album. She was also nominated for Best Music Video for "Huku" and Best Kwaito, Gqom & AmaPiano Album. On June 23, 2019, Sho Madjozi won a BET Award for Best New International Act at the BET Awards 2019.

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

"John Cena" and International Recognition

On August 15, 2019, Madjozi performed her song "John Cena" on the global music platform COLORS. The song is named after the famous professional wrestler John Cena. This gqom-style song became very popular, especially in South Africa, and quickly reached two million views on COLORS. Many famous people praised the song, including rapper Missy Elliott, who shared Madjozi's video. 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! A 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, it was reported that she signed with the US record label Epic Records.

On November 27, 2020, Madjozi released her first mixtape, What a Life. It features artists like Makhadzi and Dr Thomas Chauke. On November 22, 2022, Madjozi performed at Madison Square Garden, opening for the artist Stromae.

Awards and Nominations

Discography

Studio Album

Singles

Promotional Singles