South African superstar Makhadzi did not always have it all. Hailing from humble beginnings in rural Ha-Mashamba Tshivangani in Limpopo, this songstress has created a household name for herself in the competitive South African music industry from nothing. This week, the Ganama hitmaker won herself a Nickelodeon Kids Choice Award under the Favourite African Star category.
The singer and public’s favourite beat entertainment big shots such as DJ duo The Major League DJz, South African superstar Focalistic, Nigerian superstar Tems, and South African international football coach, Pitso Mosimane who were nominated alongside her in this category. She joins a list of other South African media personalities who’ve won this title in the past, including radio and tv personalities Anele Mdoda and singer Sho Madjozi.
Makhadzi took to Instagram this morning to share her joy and gratitude for this win. She mentioned in a long Instagram caption that she comes from humble beginnings from, “...dancing and sweating, selling CDs at train stations and taxi ranks…” to now making a name for herself across the globe.
The 26-year-old Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona popularly known as “Makhadzi” has revealed in many interviews that she used to walk from the rural areas of Limpopo to the nearest town, barefoot, and perform for crowds at taxi ranks who would contribute to her now topical stardom with spare change. She is proud of her humble beginnings.
She has since wooed South Africans with her hit songs “Matorokisi” and “Tshanda Vhuya” and has been weighed up to the likes of the late Brenda Fassie and Lebo Mathosa with her pop diva aura. She believes that entertainment is her calling and has since managed to produce over 6 albums to date, making her one of South Africa’s most loved superstars.
Although music became her biggest passion, Makhadzi went on to study and graduated with a degree in Public Relations after matriculating from Mukula Integrated School in Thohoyandou which explains her ease with the public’s good books. She now studies Drama.
She launched her music career in 2012 with her debut album “Muvhango” and has since released 6 more albums charting high on digital streaming platforms, taking her from Mozambique, Zimbabwe to France.
Nothing seems to be stopping her on the ladder to success, her accolades aside from the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards include a Limpopo Music Award for Best Tshivenda hit and nominations at TSHIMA Awards, Mzansi Kwaito and House Music Award and South African Music Awards.
The musician has been vocal about her accomplishments including being “the first South African female artist to reach 1 million views on Youtube in a short period of time” to buying her grandmother, parents, and herself houses at 25.
Her industry colleagues have gone on to congratulate her on Instagram including her award nominee rivals The Major League DJz and DJ Tira.
Other big winners from the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards include child influencer and daughter of Ntando Duma, Sbahle Mzizi who won Favourite African Kidfluencer.
