Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, professionally known as Makhadzi, is a South African singer from Ha-Mashamba, Limpopo.
She began her career as a dancer at 12 before transitioning to music. While still in school, she signed a record deal with Rita Dee Entertainment and released her album Muhwalo Uya Ndemela in 2015.
Makhadzi gained local fame with her 2017 single “Tshanda Vhuya.” Her second studio album, Matorokisi (2019), succeeded significantly, debuting at number two in South Africa.
Makhadzi Biography
| Stage Name: | Makhadzi |
| Birth Name: | Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona |
| Occupation: | Singer and Dancer |
| Date of Birth | 30 June 1996 |
| Place of Birth | Ha-Mashamba Tshivhangani, Limpopo |
| Nationality: | South African |
| Gender: | Female |
| Boyfriend: | Master KG |
Early Life
Makhadzi (born 30 June 1996, 28 years old), in the small village of Ha-Mashamba Tshivhangani, near Elim in Limpopo province.
Following her parents’ separation, Ndivhudzannyi and her two siblings lived with their mother.
Education
She completed her Grade 12 at Mukula Integrated School. Ndivhudzannyi later earned a qualification in Public Relations and is currently pursuing studies in drama.
Career
Makhadzi began her career at just 13, performing in taxi ranks and earning money from donations. In 2010, she joined the musical group Makhirikhiri as a dancer. Soon after, she shifted her focus to music, independently releasing her first three studio albums: Muvhango (2009), Ndo Tshinya Ni? (2011), and Litshani u Ntsala Murahu (2012).
Her fourth album, Rita Dee, came out on December 1, 2014. By 2015, Makhadzi had signed with Rita Dee Entertainment, leading to the release of her album Muhwalo Uya Ndemela. The following year, she released Yo Shoma (2017), which won awards for Best Female Artist and Tshivenda Best at the Fame South African Music Awards. She also released Shumela Venda (2017), supported by singles like “Dj Wa Vhorine” and “Tshanda Vhuya.”
Makhadzi’s breakthrough came with the release of “Matorokisi” in 2019, one of her biggest hits. The album Matorokisi was released on November 1, 2019, and peaked at number 2 on iTunes South Africa, staying in the Top 5 for three days. In 2019, she was featured by Master KG on the track “Tshikwama” from his album Jerusalem.
After leaving Rita Dee Entertainment, Makhadzi signed with Open Mic Productions. Her album Kokovha was released on October 16, 2020, featuring collaborations with artists like Mayten, Mampintsha, and Sho Madjozi. By August 2021, the album was the most streamed on Apple Music and was certified gold.
In 2021, Makhadzi released several successful singles, including “Mjolo” featuring Mlindo the Vocalist, which peaked at number 28 on the South African iTunes charts, and “Ghanama” featuring Prince Benza and King Monada, which was certified platinum.
Her album African Queen, released on September 3, 2021, features artists like Cassper Nyovest and Kabza De Small and earned her a nomination for Best Female Artist at the All Africa Music Awards.
Her EP Pain Ya Jealous was released on March 31, 2022, and was certified gold in South Africa. Makhadzi announced her next album, African Queen 2.0, on October 17, 2022, initially scheduled for November 4 but postponed to November 18. It features collaborations with Blaq Diamond, Big Zulu, and others and reached number one in Botswana.
In May 2023, Makhadzi left Open Mic Production and launched her label, Makhadzi Entertainment. Her sixth studio album, Mbofholowo, was released on September 1, 2023. It quickly amassed a million streams on Apple Music and was certified platinum in South Africa.
In early September 2023, Makhadzi was named Spotify’s Equal Ambassador. Her single “Number 1,” featuring Iyanya and Prince Benza, was released on May 10, 2024. It debuted at number 9 on the South African charts and earned a two-time platinum certification within two months.
At the 2024 Basadi in Music Awards, she won Dance Artist of the Year and International Achievement of the Year. Makhadzi’s upcoming album, Miracles Child, will be released on October 7, 2024.
Personal Life
Makhadzi is currently in a relationship with music producer Master KG, whose real name is Kgaogelo Moagi. He is known for his hit song “Jerusalema.”
Studio Albums
Shumela Venda (2019)
Matorokisi (2019)
Kokovha (2020)
African Queen (2021)
African Queen 2.0 (2022)
Mbofholowo (2023)
EPs
Pain Ya Jealous (2022)
Makhadzi Apologizes for Misusing Sign Language in TikTok Video
Makhadzi has recently issued a heartfelt apology to the hearing-impaired community. The apology follows backlash over a TikTok video where she and her backup dancers were seen preparing for a music video.
In the video, Makhadzi was shown using hand gestures that mimicked South Africa’s official Sign Language, which some members of the deaf community found offensive.
The criticism emerged after the Instagram account @sign_language_official_za posted a message condemning her actions.
The post read: “Using sign language to mock deaf people is unacceptable. Makhadzi, it’s time to learn about deaf culture and promote positivity and inclusivity. Let’s unite, not divide.”
In response to the backlash, entertainment news outlet TshisaLive reported that Makhadzi had expressed regret for any offence caused.
She said:
“As someone who is in the entertainment industry, this was part of acting without knowing how it would affect other people. However, if people are affected by a certain act, I must understand and accept that I was wrong.”
“As someone who has been bullied, I understand how painful it is and that others didn’t take what I did well. I’m taking accountability for that.”
Awards
2017: LMAC Best Tshivenda hit
2019: Tshivenda Music Awards – Song of the Year (“Tshikwama”)
2019: Tshivenda Music Awards – Artist of the Year
2021: AFRIMA – Best Artist, Duo or Group Won
2022: Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards – Favourite African Star
2022: Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards – Favourite Music Artist/Group
2022: Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards – Favourite Song
2022: Basadi in Music Awards – Artist of the Year
2022: South African Music Awards – Music Video of the Year (“Ghanama” featuring Prince Benza)
2023: Metro FM Music Awards – Best Female Artist (African Queen 2.0)
2023: South African Music Awards – Best Traditional Album (African Queen 2.0)
2024: BET Awards – Best New International Act
2024: Basadi in Music Awards – Dance Artist of the Year
2024: Basadi in Music Awards – International Achievement Award
Social Media
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Net Worth
Makhadzi is a talented South African singer known for her unique style and energetic performances. With a thriving career in the music industry, Makhadzi has amassed a net worth estimated to be around $600,000. Her dynamic stage presence and chart-topping hits have solidified her as a prominent figure in the South African music scene.