Makhadzi - Biography, Early Life, Musical Career Achievements, Television and Albums

Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, known by her stage name Makhadzi, is a South African singer born and raised in Ha-Mashamba, Limpopo. Her career began at the age of 12 as a dancer before transitioning to music. While attending school, she signed a record deal with Rita Dee Entertainment and released "Muhwalo Uya Ndemela" in 2015. She gained local attention with her 2017 single "Tshanda Vhuya." 

Makhadzi's second studio album, “Matorokisi” (2019), debuted at number two in South Africa. Her third studio album, “Kokovha” (2020), became one of her biggest successes, debuting at number one on the South African iTunes albums charts and featuring chart-topping singles such as "Amadoda," "Mphemphe," "Kokovha," and "Tshikwama."

Her fourth studio album, “African Queen” (2021), was certified gold in South Africa. Makhadzi's fifth studio album, “African Queen 2.0” (2022), also reached number one in South Africa.

Early Life and Education

Makhadzi was born on 30 June 1996 in Ha-Mashamba Tshivhangani, a small village near Elim in the Limpopo province. After her parents separated, Makhadzi and her two siblings lived with their mother. She completed her grade 12 at Mukula Integrated School. Makhadzi holds a qualification in Public Relations and is currently studying drama.

Musical Career

Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, better known as Makhadzi, started her career at the age of 13 by performing at taxi ranks, earning money from people's offerings. In 2010, she joined the musical group Makhirikhiri as a dancer. After leaving the group, she focused on her music career and independently released three studio albums: “Muvhango” (2009), “Ndo Tshinya Ni?” (2011), and “Litshani u Ntsala Murahu” (2012). Her fourth studio album, “Rita Dee”, was released on 1 December 2014.

In 2015, Makhadzi signed a record deal with Rita Dee Entertainment and released the album “Muhwalo Uya Ndemela”. The following year, she released “Yo Shoma”, which won her two awards for Best Female Artist and Tshivenda Best at the Fame South African Music Awards. In 2017, she released the album “Shumela Venda”, supported by the singles "Dj Wa Vhorine" and "Tshanda Vhuya".

Makhadzi's breakthrough single "Matorokisi" was released in 2019, becoming one of the biggest songs of her career. Her studio album “Matorokisi” was released on 1 November 2019 and peaked at number 2 on local iTunes/Apple Music South Africa. In 2019, she was featured by Master KG on the song "Tshikwama" from the album “Jerusalema”.

After leaving Rita Dee Entertainment, Makhadzi signed a record deal with Open Mic Productions. Her studio album “Kokovha” was released on 16 October 2020 and features artists such as Mayten, Mampintsha, Prince Benza, Mr Brown, Gigi Lamayne, Jah Prayzah, Team Mosha, Moonchild Sanelly, FB, Charma Girl, and Sho Madjozi. As of August 2021, the album was named the most streamed on Apple Music and received a gold plaque certification.

On 5 April 2021, Makhadzi released the single "Mjolo" featuring Mlindo the Vocalist, which peaked at number 28 on the South African iTunes charts.

Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, professionally known as Makhadzi, continued her success with the release of her single "Ghanama" featuring Prince Benza and King Monada on 7 July 2021, which was certified platinum in South Africa. She announced her album “African Queen” on 16 August 2021 and released the single "Tchukutsha" featuring Lady Du on 7 August 2021. A collaboration with Kabza De Small titled "Salungano" was released on 2 September 2021.

Her studio album African Queen was released on 3 September 2021, featuring Cassper Nyovest, Kabza De Small, and Lady Du. At the 6th All Africa Music Awards, she received a nomination for Best Female Artist in South Africa. On 31 March 2022, she released the EP Pain Ya Jealous, which was certified gold in South Africa.

Makhadzi began working on her next studio album, African Queen 2.0, announcing it on 17 October 2022. Initially set for release on 4 November, it was postponed to 18 November 2022. The album features Blaq Diamond, Big Zulu, Penny Penny, Yaba Buluku Boyz, and Mr Brown, and reached number one in Botswana.

In early May 2023, Makhadzi left her former record label, Open Mic Production, and established her own label, Makhadzi Entertainment. She began working on her sixth studio album, Mbofholowo, which was released on 1 September 2023. The album amassed one million streams on Apple Music within two days and was certified platinum in South Africa.

In early September 2023, Makhadzi was announced as Spotify's Equal ambassador. Her single "Number 1" featuring Iyanya and Prince Benza was released on 10 May 2024, debuting at number 9 on The Official South African Charts and being certified two-times platinum in South Africa within two months.

Television

In 2018, Makhadzi made her first television performance on Yo TV. She has since been interviewed on various radio stations, including Munghana Lonene FM, Phalaphala FM, Nzhelele FM, Makhado FM, Sloot FM, and Capricorn FM, where she discussed her music, life, and hardships. She also appeared on The Morning Show on ETV. In 2020, Makhadzi performed at the DSTV Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards, where her performance was highly praised on social media.

Other Business Ventures

In December 2021, Makhadzi launched the Kokovha brand in collaboration with Kicks Sportwear at Mall of Africa. In March 2022, she expanded her entrepreneurial endeavors by launching her body lotion brand, Mavoda.

Studio albums

• Shumela Venda (2019)
• Matorokisi (2019)
• Kokovha (2020)
• African Queen (2021)
• African Queen 2.0 (2022)
• Mbofholowo (2023)

EPs

• Pain Ya Jealous (2022)