Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, known by her stage name Makhadzi, is a South African singer born on June 30, 1996. She was born and raised in Ha-Mashamba, Limpopo, and began her career at the age of 12 as a dancer before pursuing a music career as a singer. While attending school, she signed a record deal with Rita Dee Entertainment and released Muhwalo Uya Ndemela in 2015. She garnered local attention after her single “Tshanda Vhuya” was released in 2017. Her eighth studio album Matorokisi (2019) debuted at number two 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 albums charts. It contained the chart-topping singles “Amadoda”, “Mphemphe”, “Kokovha” and “Tshikwama”. Her tenth studio album African Queen (2021) was certified gold in South Africa, and her eleventh studio album African Queen 2.0 (2022) reached number one in the country.
Early Life
Makhadzi was born in a small village called Ha-Mashamba Tshivhangani, just outside Elim in Limpopo 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 and obtained her qualification in Public Relations. She is currently studying drama.
Music Career
Makhadzi’s career started at the age of 13, where she used to perform at taxi ranks and receive money from people’s offerings. In 2010, she joined a musical group called Makhirikhiri as a dancer. Shortly after leaving dancing, she began working on her music career and 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 signed a record deal, followed by the release of her album Muhwalo Uya Ndemela. The following year she released her album Yo Shoma in 2017, which scooped two awards for Best Female Artist and Tshivenda Best at Fame South African Music Awards.
Shumela Venda was released in 2017 and was supported by two singles “Dj Wa Vhorine” and “Tshanda Vhuya”. Makhadzi’s breakthrough single “Matorokisi” was released in 2019 and became one of the biggest songs of her career. Her studio album Matorokisi was released on November 1, 2019, and peaked at number two on local iTunes/Apple Music South Africa while remaining in the Top 5 for three days.
In 2019, Makhadzi was featured by Master KG on a song titled “Tshikwama”, which was released off the album Jerusalema. After leaving Rita Dee Entertainment, Makhadzi signed a record deal with Open Mic Productions. On October 16, 2020, Makhadzi’s studio album Kokovha was released in South Africa. The album features Mayten, Mampintsha, Prince Benza, Mr Brown, Gigi Lamayne, Jah Prayzah, Team Mosha, Moonchild Sanelly, FB, Charma Girl and Sho Madjozi.
On April 5, 2021, Makhadzi released a single “Mjolo” featuring Mlindo the Vocalist. Her single “Ghanama” featuring Prince Benza and King Monada was released on July 7, 2021 and was certified platinum in South Africa. On August 16 she announced her album African Queen and its release date on her Twitter account. That same month she also released her single “Tchukutsha” featuring Lady Du on August 7.
On August 6 Kabza De Small teased a collaboration single “Salungano” with Makhadzi on YouTube which was released on September 2. Her studio album African Queen was released on September 3.
[…] Makhadzi made a grand entrance that left the audience in awe. She soared across the audience, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. As she flew over the crowd, she performed songs from her latest album, “Mbofholowo,” captivating everyone with her powerful voice and energetic performance. […]