Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona (born June 30, 1996), known by her stage name Makhadzi, is a South African singer. Born and raised in Ha-Mashamba,

Limpopo Limpopo is the northernmost province of South Africa. It is named after the Limpopo River, which forms the province's western and northern borders. The capital and largest city in the province is Polokwane, while the provincial legislature is ...

, her career began at the age of 12 as dancer prior pursuing a music career as a singer, while she was attending school got signed a record deal with Rita Dee Entertainment and released ''Muhwalo Uya Ndemela'' in 2015. She garnered local attention after her single "Tshanda Vhuya" released in 2017. Her eight studio album ''Matorokisi'' (2019), debuted number 2 in South Africa. Makhadzi's ninth studio album ''Kokovha'' (2020), became one of her biggest successes and debuted at number one on the South African

iTunes iTunes () is a software program that acts as a media player, media library, mobile device management utility, and the client app for the iTunes Store. Developed by Apple Inc., it is used to purchase, play, download, and organize digital mul ...

albums charts. It contained the chart-topping singles "Amadoda", "Mphemphe", "Kokovha" and "Tshikwama". Her tenth studio album ''

African Queen ''African Queen'' is a studio album by South African singer Makhadzi, released on September 3, 2021 by Open Mic. It features Mkomasan, Prince Benza, Mr Brown, DJ Dance Okashi, Vee Mampeezy, Jon Delinger, Kabza De Small, Lady Du, Cassper Nyovest, ...

'' (2021) was certified gold in South Africa. Mkhadzi's eleventh studio album ''African Queen 2.0'' (2022), which reached number 1 in one country.

Early life

Makhadzi was born in a small village called Ha-Mashamba Tshivhangani, just outside Elim in

province. After her parents separated, Ndivhudzannyi and her two siblings had to stay with their mother. She completed her grade 12 at Mukula Integrated School. Ndivhudzannyi obtained her qualification in Public Relations and she is currently studying drama.

Music career

Her career started at the age of 13, where she used to perform at Taxi ranks, getting money from people's offerings. In 2010, Makhadzi joined a musical group Makhirikhiri as a dancer. Shortly after she left dancing, she began working on her music career. Makhadzi independently released three studio albums ''Muvhango'' (2009), ''Ndo Tshinya Ni?'' (2011) and ''Litshani u Ntsala Murahu'' (2012). On December 1, 2014 her fourth studio album ''Rita Dee'' was released. In 2015, she attracted the attention of Rita Dee Entertainment and got signed a record deal, followed by the release of her album ''Muhwalo Uya Ndemela''. The following year she released her album ''Yo Shoma'' in 2019. The album scooped two awards for Best Female Artist and Tshivenda Best at Fame South African Music Awards. ''Shumela Venda'' was released in 2017. It was supported by two singles "Dj Wa Vhorine" and "Tshanda Vhuya".

2019–2020: ''Matorokisi'', ''Kokovha''

Makhadzi's breakthrough single "Matorokisi" was released in 2019, became one biggest song of her career. Her studio album ''Matorokisi'' was released on November 1, 2019. The album peaked at number 2 on local iTunes/Apple Music South Africa and remained in the Top 5 for three days. In 2019, Makhadzi was featured by

Master KG Kgaogelo Moagi (born 31 January 1996), known professionally as Master KG, is a South African musician and record producer. Born and raised in Tzaneen, his debut studio album ''Skeleton Move'' achieved acclaim including an AFRIMA Award for Best A ...

on a song titled "Tshikwama", released off the album ''Jerusalema''. After she left Rita Dee Entertainment, Makhadzi bagged a record deal with Open Mic Productions. On 16 October 2020, Makhadzi studio album ''Kokovha'', was released in South Africa. The album features Mayten, Mampintsha, Prince Benza, Mr Brown, Gigi Lamayne,

Jah Prayzah Mukudzeyi Mukombe (born 4 July 1987), better known as Jah Prayzah, is a Zimbabwean contemporary musician and lead member of the band ''Third Generation''. He is popularly referred to by fans and media as "Musoja", the Shona word for "soldier", a ...

, Team Mosha,

Moonchild Sanelly Sanelisiwe Twisha (born 1987), known professionally as Moonchild Sanelly is a South African musician and dancer. She is known for her signature blue-coloured hair and her self-created music genre called "Future ghetto punk". Originally from P ...

, FB, Charma Girl and

Sho Madjozi Maya Christinah Xichavo Wegerif (born 9 May 1992), known professionally as Sho Madjozi ( ), is a South African rapper, singer, songwriter, actress and poet. Madjozi incorporates the Tsonga culture through her music and public image. In 201 ...

. As of August 2021, her album was named the most stream on Apple Music. The album was certified with gold plaque.

2021–present: ''African Queen'', ''Pain Ya Jealous'', ''African Queen 2.0''

On 5 April 2021, Makhadzi released a single " Mjolo" featuring

Mlindo the Vocalist Lindokuhle Mgedeza (born 7 October 1995), known professionally as Mlindo the Vocalist, is a South African singer and songwriter. He initially gained notable recognition following his debut single, "Amablesser", taken from his debut album, '' Ema ...

. The song peaked number 28 on South Africa iTunes charts. Her single "

Ghanama "Ghanama" is a single by South African singer and songwriter Makhadzi Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona (born June 30, 1996), known by her stage name Makhadzi, is a South African singer. Born and raised in Ha-Mashamba, Limpopo, her career began at the ...

" featuring Prince Benza, and King Monada was released on July 7, 2021. The song was certified platinum in South Africa. In August 16, she announced her album ''African Queen'' and release date on her Twitter. That same month she also released her single " Tchukutsha" featuring Lady Du on August 7, 2021. In August 6, Kabza De Small teased a collaboration single " Salungano" with Makhadzi on YouTube, which was released on 2 September 2021. Her studio album ''African Queen'', was released on 3 September 2021. The album features

Cassper Nyovest Refiloe Maele Phoolo (born 16 December 1990), professionally known as Cassper Nyovest, is a South African rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur, record producer and amateur boxer. Born and raised in Mahikeng, North West, he is regarded as one of the ...

, Kabza De Small and Lady Du. At the 6th ceremony of

All Africa Music Awards All Africa Music Awards (also referred to as AFRIMA) is an annual awards event. The awards event was established by the International Committee AFRIMA, in collaboration with the African Union (AU) to reward and celebrate musical works, talents ...

, she received a nomination for Best Female Artist in South Africa. ''Pain Ya Jealous'' was released on March 31, 2022. The EP was certified Gold in South Africa. Makhadzi announce working on her next studio album ''African Queen 2.0'' in October 17, captioned "#albumloading" over 30 songs were recorded throughout from early January to October. Her eleventh studio album was set to be released on November 4, but postponed to November 18, 2022. The album was released on November 11, 2022. It reached number one in Botswana.

Business ventures

In December 2021, Makhadzi launched Kokovha brand in collaboration with Kicks Sportwear at

Mall of Africa Mall of Africa is a shopping mall located in Waterfall City, Midrand, Gauteng. It is the third largest single-phase shopping mall to be built in Africa, but smaller than Gateway, Sandton City, Menlyn Park and Fourways Mall. The total retail a ...

. In March 2022, she launched her body lotion brands Mavoda.

Discography

Studio albums

* '' Shumela Venda'' (2018) * '' Matorokisi'' (2019) * '' Kokovha'' (2020) * ''

'' (2021)

EP's

* ''

Pain Ya Jealous Pain is a distressing feeling often caused by intense or damaging stimuli. The International Association for the Study of Pain defines pain as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, ...

'' (2022)

Television

In 2018, Makhadzi was hosted on Yo TV for her first television performance. She has since conducted interviews with various radio stations, including

Munghana Lonene FM Munghana Lonene FM is an SABC (South African Broadcasting Cooperation) radio station broadcasting in Tsonga language in South Africa. In Tsonga, "Munghana Lonene" means "a true friend." Munghana Lonene FM is geared to listeners who understand X ...

Phalaphala FM Phaphala FM is a South African radio station operating through SABC, South Africa's government owned national broadcaster. Phalaphala broadcasts in the Venda language and can be received mainly in Gauteng and Limpopo provinces. The station's Mus ...

, Nzhelele FM, Makhado FM, Sloot FM, and Capricon FM, where she spoke about her music, life and her hardships. She also appeared on The Morning Show on

ETV ETV may stand for: Television * e.tv, a South African terrestrial television channel * Educational Television (Hong Kong), a television series * Educational television, the use of television in education * Enhanced TV, an interactive television ap ...

. Makhadzi was one of the performers at the 2020 DSTV Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards. Her performance was hailed as one of the best performances of the night on social media.

Awards and nominations

References

{{Authority control Living people 21st-century South African women singers Venda people People from Limpopo 1996 births