Chronicle Editor
WHEN it rains it pours and this is the case for the multi-award-winning star, Sjava.
His light has been dampened after a case of rape had been filed against him, by his former lover.
Now Sjava the Uthando hit-maker has been pulled out of the forthcoming DStv Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards as a nominee and performer as the award announced.
The award ceremony is set to take place on Saturday at the Ticketpro Dome.
Sjava was nominated in two categories, namely: Favourite Music Artiste/Group and Favourite Song Of The Year for his single, Umama.
Executive Head of Corporate Affairs at MultiChoice South Africa, Reggy Moalusi last week said: “The DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards has decided to withdraw the nomination of local artiste Jabulani Hadebe popularly known as Sjava, from this year’s awards. This as a result of an ongoing investigation into the local performer by the authorities.
“The decision to remove Sjava’s eligibility, including canceling his performance at the awards is not one that has been made lightly, but we believe is in the best interest of all parties concerned.”
Popular singer Lady Zamar opened a case against Sjava last year November reporting the alleged incident that took place in September 2017 in Thohoyandou, Venda in Limpopo.
On Monday, the International Cape Town Jazz Festival announced that they were pulling Sjava off their line-up after the rape allegations were brought forward against him.
Social media came to a standstill when Sjava broke his silence on the rape allegations against him. While the Eweni hitmaker made it clear it was not his plan to speak out, he felt he had to.
This is after Sunday Sun reported a rape case had been opened against him by a 33-year-old woman with whom he had a relationship. Last Tuesday, Sjava released a statement about the interactions he had with Lady Zamar.
“I choose to follow the legal process, but it’s now become impossible to remain quiet. I’m only going to share information that’s necessary due to the latest news reports. It’s not my intention to stand trial by social media,” he said.
Sjava recorded dates from October, which he said sparked his and Lady Zamar’s current standing. He claimed the problem began then, when she accused him of abusing her on Twitter after his One Night With Sjava show on 27 October. “On 1 November, we sent a letter of demand to Lady Zamar’s manager informing them to retract the accusations as they were not true.”
He said they asked for an address on 11 November and on 13 November, served summons for a case of defamation of character to her Tshwane lawyers. He said the rape case was reported on 14 November in Tshwane and on 5 December, he met two cops from Thohoyandou cop shop.
“I gave my statement including that of witnesses who were with us during that trip.”
Kim Seneke of The Alore Group, said the singer gave permission for her name to be used. Speaking on behalf of Lady Zamar she said: “If Sjava chooses to give a statement that’s on him, but we won’t be commenting.”— dailysun.co.za
Online Reporter