Jabulile Majola

Jabulile Majola
Born
Jabulani Majola

Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
OriginCape Town, South Africa
Genres
Instrumentsacoustic guitar, vocals
Websitejabulilemajola.co.za

Jabulile Majola is a South African singer and songwriter who performs Afro-folk and Afro-soul music. He released Unyazi (2024), a collaboration with Yoav, and Isitifiketi (2025), his debut EP. Both albums were nominated for South African Music Awards.

Early life

Majola was born Jabulani Majola in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. A few days after his birth, his mother disappeared.[1][2] He was taken in by a Christian pastor and raised with 26 other children in Greytown.[1][3] Interested in music from a young age,[4][5] Majola listened to Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Paul Simon, Simphiwe Dana, Hugh Masekela, Prokid, Zola 7, and Ringo Madlingozi.[2] He was also influenced by Christianity and South African folklore.[6] After briefly pursuing rapping in high school, he became interested in folk music, eventually moving to Cape Town.[1][6][4] He discovered his mother's name and began using it as his stage name.[2][1][6]

Music career

In 2023, Majola gained attention by posting videos of himself playing cover songs on TikTok, including a rendition of "Skinny Love" by Bon Iver.[7][8] He released his first single, "Woza Mntana", a love song.[7][2][3] It was later remixed by Afro house musician China Charmeleon.[9]

In 2024, Majola collaborated with fellow South African folk artist Yoav on the album Unyazi.[10][2] The album was nominated for Best Alternative Album in the 31st South African Music Awards.[11][12] Majola also contributed vocals to the track “Khuluma Nami” by DESIREE, a South African DJ.[13][14] That year, GQ South Africa included Majola on a list of "African Folk musicians, you should be listening to right now", calling his music "a spiritual experience and a love letter to African tradition".[15]

Isitifiketi, Majola's debut EP, was released in 2025.[1][5] Majola named the album with the isiZulu word for certificate, in reference to a birth certificate which "introduces someone to their community, to society, to a country and even to the world".[3] The album features 7 songs, including the single "Isineke" which Majola wrote about navigating a difficult time in his relationship with his wife.[1][16] The album was promoted by Apple Music Up Next on its playlist.[17][18] That June, Majola performed at the Fête de la Musique in Johannesburg.[19][20]

In 2026, Majola performed at the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert with Vusi Mahlasela and later at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival, two performances he considered career milestones.[21][22][23]

Style

Majola's style, which features the acoustic guitar, has been described as Afro-folk[1][4][24] or Afro-soul music.[16][25] His vocals have been praised as "smooth" and "ethereal".[2][25] His lyrics are primarily in isiZulu.[6][24][16] A reviewer in Daily Maverick stated that understanding Majola's lyrics is not necessary because his music communicates strong emotion.[24] Mail & Guardian stated that he "makes music — not for the spotlight, but for the soul".[16]

Discography

  • Unyazi (2024), collaboration with Yoav
  • Isitifiketi (2025)

Awards and nominations

Year Awards Work Category Result Ref.
2025 South African Music Awards Unyazi Best Alternative Album Nominated [11]
2026 South African Music Awards Isitifiketi Best African Adult Contemporary Album Nominated [26]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Peshwa, Nkosazana (2025-04-10). "From abandonment to artistry: How Jabulile Majola transforms pain into Afro Folk magic". Sunday Independent. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Geqiwe, Anele (2024-06-14). "Jabulile Majola is one of the most exciting new voices right now". GQ South Africa. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
  3. 1 2 3 Mkwayi, Hlengiwe (2025-07-29). "Jabulile Majola and the power of naming the self". iQHAWE Magazine. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  4. 1 2 3 Pasiya, Lutho (2026-02-17). "Jabulile Majola to make a powerful debut at the 23rd Cape Town International Jazz Festival". Independent Online. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
  5. 1 2 Gaanakgomo, Constance (2025-04-12). "Raw, honest, and unfiltered: Jabulile Majola shares his inspiring path to debut EP". News24. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  6. 1 2 3 4 Luckhoff, Paula (2025-06-07). "Telling the stories of the people through music: Jabulile Majola on debut EP 'Isitifiketi'". Eyewitness News. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
  7. 1 2 Gueli, Alessandro (2024-02-29). "#SpotlightOn Jabulile Majola: the Zulu folk artist not afraid to be vulnerable". Texx and the City. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  8. ↑ "Listen: Cape Town-based artist Jabulile Majola sings Skinny Love". Cape Town ETC. 2023-06-11. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  9. ↑ "Woza Mntana (Remix): A Soulful Rebirth". Urban Lifestyle. 2025-11-14. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  10. ↑ "Jabulile Majola & Yoav Release New Album "Unyazi"". Front Page. 2024-06-28. Archived from the original on 2024-07-25. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
  11. 1 2 Gaanakgomo, Compiled by Constance (2025-08-28). "Black Motion dominates #SAMA31 nominations with four nods". News24. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
  12. ↑ Keteyi, Oluthando (2025-08-28). "Black Motion and Kelvin Momo shine at Sama 2025 with multiple nominations". Independent Online. Retrieved 2026-05-07.
  13. ↑ "Carrying Jozi everywhere: Desiree on sound, identity, and bridging cultures on global stages". GLAMOUR South Africa. 2026-07-15. Retrieved 2026-07-21.
  14. ↑ Nyambi, Takudzwa (2025-03-26). "DESIREE's Intersexy EP is Not Just a Personal Statement, It is a Sonic Masterpiece". Rolling Stone Africa. Retrieved 2026-05-07.
  15. ↑ Yose, Yanga (2024-09-12). "African Folk musicians, you should be listening to right now". GQ South Africa. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  16. 1 2 3 4 Chepape, Lesego (2025-04-24). "A song that breathes like the sea". Mail & Guardian. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
  17. ↑ "Apple Music's "Up Next" May Edition Of The Next Wave Breakout Stars". LAMAG. 2025-05-29. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
  18. ↑ Yandhi, Mans Not (2025-05-14). "Jabulile Majola Named Apple Music's Newest Up Next Artist in South Africa". Zkhiphani. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
  19. ↑ Keteyi, Oluthando (2025-06-18). "Fête de la Musique returns with Sun-El Musician, Bongeziwe Mabandla and a focus on skills development". Cape Times. Retrieved 2026-05-08.
  20. ↑ "Fête de la Musique 2025 line-up announced!". French Institute of South Africa. Retrieved 2026-03-22.
  21. ↑ Ruiters, Tracy-Lynn (2026-03-25). "From Greyton to the Grand Stage: Majola goes big at Jazz Fest". Independent Online. Retrieved 2026-03-29.
  22. ↑ "Jabulile Majola and his journey to Jazz Fest". Let's Get Local. 2026-03-05. Retrieved 2026-04-09.
  23. ↑ Eyaaz (2026-03-19). "Cape Town International Jazz Festival composes its new era". Mail and Guardian. Retrieved 2026-05-07.
  24. 1 2 3 Mbuyisa, Cebelihle (2025-12-23). "A homecoming in song: Zawadi YaMungu live in Cape Town". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 2026-03-12.
  25. 1 2 Mandoyi, Sindeka (2025-12-22). "GLAMOUR's Digital Content Producer shares her Top 7 favourite albums of 2025". GLAMOUR Magazine SA. Retrieved 2026-03-21.
  26. ↑ Lesemane, Lineo (2026-06-25). "WATCH: SAMA 2026 nominees unveiled but top five categories remain secret". The Citizen. Retrieved 2026-07-05.
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