Here are two of our local stars who are proof that you can be an international sensation by being 100% yourself and in your own lane. They are also proof that (1) You’re never too young to disturb the current music scene by introducing your own new sound and adding your cultural element to it and (2) You’re never too old to be a newcomer & a rising star, worthy of being adored for being authenticically yourself.I am a firm believer in looking up to a variety of individuals in our current limelight from a myriad of specialities who are unique sources of inspiration. For, inspiration can also be easily found in someone’s story, life, music and success.Musical artists Sjava and Sho Madjozi are not only trail blazers but are also silent heroes who have added their unique stories towards rewriting and directing history as well as the ultimate South African story of hope and success.Jabulani Hadebe (Sjava) was born on the 2nd December 1984 in Bergville, KwaZulu Natal and began his career as an actor in 2005, appearing in TV shows such as uGugu no Andile and Zone 14. He ventured into music in 2015 after joining Ambitious Entertainment record and was featured in a song alongside Miss Pru.Sjava’s debut album ‘Isina Muva’ translated from a popular IsiZulu proverb which means ‘He who laughs lasts, laughs longer, cautioning one to not rush into doing something for even later, he may do it with great success’ was released in 2017 and introduced a new meaning to African rap as his music is not your conventional rap at all. My nephew introduced me to this album, which he adores and can sing/rap every Lyric from the opening song to the last – I kid you not.His second studio album ‘Umqhele’ means a traditional crown and was released in 2018 to critical acclaim. It’s in his unique sense of on-stage African traditional style and appearance that easily speaks of what anchors him and sets him apart from the rest. A choice, that not many would consider as fashionable in this day and age. He proudly does so publically without any care or bother in the world. His writing through his lyrics also speaks of a matured gentleman who makes it his mission to heal, empower and motivate whoever is listening.His success to date also speaks of someone who truly took his time in establishing a firm foundation to his craft – attesting to the meaning to his debut album name. A total of 11 nominations and 6 wins: 1 Metro FM Award for Best Produced Album (Isina Muva), 3 SAMAs in total for both his albums (1 for Isina Muva – Best Produced Album and 2 for Umqhele – Best Afro Pop album & Album of the year). In 2017 he gave a heartwarming acceptance speech at the DSTV Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards where he took home the Rising Star award at the age of 33.The international world took notice of him and recognized his talent and contribution through a BET Award for Best International Act, which he won in 2018.Now Maya Christina Xichavi Wegerif professionally known as Sho Madjozi was born on the 9th May 1992 in Shelly Village, Elim, Limpopo and is a South African Poet, actress, rapper and singer. She is regarded as one of the best performers in Africa for her unique incorporation of the XiTsonga culture through her music and public image.She matriculated in Tanzania and went off to the US to study creative writing and African studies. While in the US, she started writing poems under the pen name ‘MayaThePoet’. Her poems were about politics, race and identity. Upon her return to South Africa, she began her music career under the ‘Sho Madjozi’ stage name and started featuring in some hit dance hits.She started releasing singles in 2017 and 2018 which made her a firm crowd favorite. She was one of the local acts featured as part of the Global Citizen Festival on the 2nd December 2018. Her success through her singles culminated to the official release of her debut studio album ‘Limpopo Champions League’ released in 2018 (under her own independent record label) wining her 2 SAMA Awards this year for Best Newcomer of the year and Best Female Album and 2 other nominations.On the 23rd June 2019, she also won the BET Award for Best International Act.Madjozi has a unique public image, also setting her apart from the rest, inspired by her XiTsonga culture, evident in her colorful personality and energy in her music and fashion sense. Also unapologetic about her culture, can often be seen rocking her traditional wear a tinguvu, performing the indigenous xibelani dance.Their stories of success speak truth to the idea of looking within and at who you are in order to stand out from the rest. It is when people are authentically themselves, that they are easily able to connect with the masses through their work and these two silent heroes of our time, I feel, do so with much ease.I celebrate these iconic, young heroes of our time!Credit to Wikipedia.org