Who are Sho Madjozi’s Parents? – Sho Madjozi stands as a multifaceted South African artist, recognized for her roles as a rapper, singer, songwriter, actress, and poet. Her artistic expression intertwines with the rich cultural tapestry of Tsonga heritage, evident not only in her music but also in her public image.
In acknowledgment of her significant contributions to the music and entertainment sector, Forbes Africa honored Madjozi in 2019 by including her in their prestigious 30 Under 30 list.
Born on May 9, 1992, Madjozi’s journey in the arts began to unfold after she completed high school at the International School of Tanganyika in Tanzania. Following this, she was granted a scholarship to Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts, USA, where she pursued studies in creative writing and African studies.
Who are Sho Madjozi’s Parents?
She is the child of Rosemary Phaweni and Marc Wegerif, who spearheaded a non-governmental organization dedicated to aiding individuals with their land claims. Rosemary, her mother, is of African descent, while Marc, her father, hails from European origins. Following her parents’ separation during her early years, she was primarily raised by her mother. Notably, Madjozi has half-siblings from both her maternal and paternal sides.
In the aftermath of her parents’ divorce, the predominant influence in her upbringing was her mother. The familial landscape presented a blend of African and European heritage, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of her parents. Despite the separation, Madjozi maintained connections with her extended family through half-sisters from both her mother’s and father’s branches.
Her father, Marc Wegerif, embarked on frequent journeys to specific regions of the continent due to his commitments. This presented young Madjozi with unique opportunities to accompany him on travels. During her teenage years, she ventured with him to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where he dedicated his efforts to the charitable organization Oxfam. This exposure to different parts of Africa during her formative years left an indelible mark on Madjozi, contributing to her cultural richness and broad worldview.
During her time in the United States, Sho Madjozi started writing poems under the pen name MayaThePoet, delving into themes of politics, identity, and race. Upon her return to South Africa, she continued her academic pursuits with a fellowship at the University of South Africa, Johannesburg, while also venturing into songwriting for local artists.
The artist emerged into the music scene with her debut single, “Dumi HiPhone,” released on April 28, 2017, featuring the disc jockey duo PS DJz. Her breakthrough came with collaborations such as “Ngiyashisa Bhe” with rapper Okmalumkoolkat and the chart-topping single “Gqi.” Madjozi’s prominence soared with her debut studio album, “Limpopo Champions League,” unveiled on December 14, 2018, accompanied by the innovative short film Trickshot.
In recognition of her achievements, Madjozi received accolades at the 25th South African Music Awards in 2019, winning Newcomer of the Year and Best Female Album. Her global impact was affirmed when she clinched the BET Award for Best New International Act in the same year.
Continuing her trailblazing journey, Sho Madjozi’s signature song “John Cena” gained international attention. A performance on the global music platform COLORS elevated her profile, with the song becoming a viral sensation, reaching two million views. The track’s popularity was further endorsed by none other than professional wrestler John Cena himself.
Notably, Sho Madjozi’s public image is deeply rooted in her Tsonga heritage, evident in her distinctive fashion choices and performances that incorporate the indigenous xibelani dance. Proudly embracing her culture, she captivates audiences with a colorful and vibrant persona.
In a testament to her versatility, Madjozi is fluent not only in her native Tsonga but also in Swahili and English, allowing her music to resonate with a diverse audience. As she continues to make waves in the entertainment industry, her unique blend of talent, cultural pride, and linguistic versatility positions Sho Madjozi as a dynamic force in the global music landscape.
Source: www.ghgossip.com
