The music has stopped for Sjava
Rape accused dropped from awards’ event
UMAMA hitmaker Jabulani Hadebe popularly known as Sjava has been dropped from the DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards, days after being removed from the Cape Town International Jazz Festival line-up.
This comes after his former girlfriend, musician Lady Zamar (Yamikani Janet Banda) laid rape charges against him.
Nominated in the favourite musician category against Dr Tumi, Prince Kaybee, Sho Madjozi and King Monada, Sjava’s Umama hit was also in the running for Song of the Year but both nominations have now been forfeited.
Sjava’s fans will also feel the pinch since the pay channel further cancelled his performance which was scheduled to happen during the awards.
MultiChoice executive head of corporate affairs Reggy Moalusi said Sjava’s removal was in the best interest of all parties concerned. “This as a result of an ongoing investigation into the local performer by the authorities.”
The awards show, which will be hosted by personality Minnie Dlamini, is scheduled for to be held on March 14 and broadcast live from the Ticketpro Dome.
Hadebe released a statement denying that he raped Lady Zamar. Also included in the statement is a timeline of events that took place after Zamar’s accusations surfaced last year.
Hadebe revealed that he met two SAPS officers on December 5 at Thohoyandou police station where he was asked about a night in September 2017, when Lady Zamar claimed the rape took place.
“The police also got a statement from some witnesses who were with us going to, during and coming back from that trip.”
Hadebe expressed his disappointment at police members talking to the media. He said they were looking at their options regarding vocal SAPS members, since he hasn’t been charged or seen a docket from the police.
Ambitiouz Entertainment PR Nicolas Manyike refused to comment on the matter.