Culture Craze
South Africa’s Grammy hopefuls: Sjava, Cici, and Oscar Mbo shine on the global stage
Sjava, Cici and Oscar Mbo lead South Africa’s 2025 Grammy hopefuls
South Africa’s music scene is lighting up global conversations again as several homegrown artists have earned consideration for the 2025 Grammy Awards, marking another moment of pride for local music on the world stage.
The list includes a mix of icons and innovators: Sjava, Cici, Oscar Mbo, Heavy K, and Abavuki. Their recognition celebrates South Africa’s evolving sound, a blend of Afro-soul, R&B, gospel, and house that continues to resonate beyond the continent.
Sjava: the storyteller of South Africa
Leading the pack is Sjava, considered for Best Global Music Album for Inkanyezi Live. Known for blending Afro-soul, maskandi, and traditional storytelling, Sjava (real name Jabulani Hadebe) has become one of South Africa’s most soulful narrators.
Since debuting with Isina Muva in 2016, Sjava has earned a SAMA Award, contributed to the Black Panther soundtrack, and built a catalogue that explores love, identity, and struggle.
Inkanyezi Live, meaning “star,” revisits his most intimate songs with live instrumentation, stripping back production to reveal raw emotion. Reflecting on the Grammy consideration, Sjava said, “I make music from the heart for the people and the culture. As a Grammy voting member, I’m honoured to be among storytellers who inspire.”
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Oscar Mbo: the sound of South African house reborn
Producer and DJ Oscar Mbo is being considered in the Best African Music Performance category for his track Vuka, featuring Jazzwrld and Thukuthela.
Known for his warm, soulful blend of deep house and Afro rhythms, Mbo has carved out an international following through albums like Defenders of House and For the Groovists.
The track’s title, Vuka, means “wake up,” a call to renewal and resilience. Sharing the news online, Mbo thanked fans: “Thank you for this consideration @recordingacademy. To everyone streaming the music, attending shows and buying merch, you’re appreciated.”
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Cici: from heartbreak to healing
R&B and gospel powerhouse Cici (Busisiwe Thwala) has received multiple nominations, including Best R&B Album for Busisiwe 2.0, Best Gospel Performance/Song for Amen, and Album of the Year.
Her album explores self-worth, healing, and faith, with lush production and heartfelt vocals. “Thank you to everyone who gave their time to this masterpiece,” she said, acknowledging the creative team that helped bring Busisiwe 2.0 to life.
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Abavuki: rhythm born in Cape Town’s streets
Cape Town’s Afro-fusion ensemble Abavuki has been recognised in the Best Global Music Album category for The Right Key. Formed in Langa in 2001, their name means “wake up, early birds,” fitting for their bright, percussion-driven sound.
Their music combines marimbas, brass, and African rhythms with jazz and Latin influences, earning acclaim on stages across Europe and the Americas.
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Heavy K: the Drumboss goes global
Producer and DJ Heavy K (Mkhululi Siqula) is up for consideration in the Best Global Music Album category for The Anointed. The project continues his mission of elevating Afro-house through signature drumlines and deeply emotional melodies.
With hits like Wena, Inde, and Drumboss, Heavy K has helped shape the global identity of South African dance music.
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A moment for South African music
The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will take place on 1 February 2026 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with nominees to be announced on 7 November 2025. Over 20,000 entries were submitted this year, reflecting just how competitive the international field has become.
While these South African artists have yet to secure official nominations, their inclusion alone marks a powerful shift: a growing recognition of Africa’s creative influence and the rise of genres that speak to the world in multiple languages.
Across social media, fans have celebrated the news with pride, sharing clips, emojis, and nostalgic throwbacks to the artists’ early work. As one fan wrote under Sjava’s post, “South African music isn’t just being heard anymore; it’s being respected.”
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: Instagram/@ciciworldwide
