The wrestler heard the song and wanted to meet her. In 2019, Sho Madjozi, a South African rapper who sings in Xitsonga, released “John Cena”, a playful track named after the American wrestling star. It went viral, John Cena responded online, and the two met on a television show. That same year, she won a BET Award.
Early life, language and style
Sho Madjozi, born Maya Wegerif, grew up partly in Limpopo, South Africa, and spent time in Tanzania and the United States. She is Tsonga and performs mainly in Xitsonga. Rapping in Xitsonga, a language with fewer speakers than isiZulu or isiXhosa, set her apart. She has spoken about wanting to celebrate her culture. She often wears the xibelani, a colourful layered skirt traditionally worn by Tsonga women, giving it a modern twist. Her bright braids and outfits became part of her image.
John Cena and the BET Award
Her 2018 debut album, Limpopo Champions League, mixed hip-hop with gqom, Tsonga music and other sounds. Her single “Huku” became a hit, especially for its dance. “John Cena” became her biggest international hit. Its video and dance challenge spread across social media. In 2019, she won the BET Award for Best New International Act. John Cena praised the song and met her on an American TV programme, a moment widely shared in South Africa.
Writing, breaks and the xibelani
Before music, she was known as a poet and writer. She has spoken about taking time away from music and public life to focus on her well-being. Sho Madjozi helped show that South African artists could succeed internationally while singing in less widely spoken languages. The xibelani skirt is made of layers of fabric that swing when the wearer dances. Sho Madjozi’s modern versions helped make it fashionable among young South Africans.
Awards, Tsonga culture and her name
She has won South African Music Awards and other honours. Her success drew attention to Tsonga culture, language and dance, which are less visible than some other South African traditions. Her stage name comes from a family name, and she has spoken about choosing it to honour her roots in Limpopo and the Tsonga community that shaped her music.
Most rappers name-drop celebrities hoping for attention. Sho Madjozi did it in Xitsonga, and the celebrity actually came to dance.
