NDIVHUDZANNYI Ralivhona, popularly known as Makhadzi, has made history as the first artist from Limpopo to clinch a BET award.
She won the Viewers’ Choice: Best New International Act at the BET Awards in the USA on 30 June.
During her homecoming ceremony at Meropa Casino in Polokwane, Makhadzi delivered a heartfelt speech, inspiring the youth to always believe in themselves.
“I’m a miracle child. I strongly believe that God used me to help people start believing in themselves. If there’s someone who doesn’t believe that it’s possible, they must draw their strength and courage from my journey,” she said.
Matorokisi hitmaker and BET award winner Makhadzi. Photo by Mankaleme Thema
Makhadzi, who grew up in the modest village of Ha-Mashamba in Thohoyandou, began her musical career performing at taxi ranks in the Vhembe district. Her rise to fame began in 2019 following the release of her hit song “Matorokisi”.
In an interview with Daily Sun, Makhadzi revealed plans to broaden her collaborations with other African artists.
“I’m working with a lot of artists from Africa, different African countries and different artists. Now I’m also focusing more on my one-woman show, which will be happening in Polokwane on 21 December. I’m going to make sure that I bring all Limpopo artists to come and showcase their talents,” she said.
ALSO READ: From I Blew It to kasi hero!
She also hinted at new music releases: “I’ll also be dropping good music because people can’t cope without Makhadzi’s music this coming festive. I’m going to drop an EP or Album before the one-woman show,” said the BET Award winner.
Addressing recent allegations of receiving R230 000 from the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Makhadzi stated she would not entertain any negativity, focusing solely on producing good music.
The Limpopo government honoured Makhadzi with a three-day homecoming ceremony led by Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba at the Meropa Casino in Polokwane from 11-13 July.
Dr Ramathuba, in her congratulatory message, emphasised the government’s commitment to protecting Limpopo artists from exploitation by managers and recording companies.
Limpopo premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Makhadzi and Department of Sports Arts and Culture MEC Jerry Maseko. Photo by Mankaleme Thema
“We’re fully aware that our support has been called to question, but we are not discouraged by that, as we know Limpopo provincial government, we recognise the importance of creative arts industry as a tool of job creation and economic development,”
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba danced alongside BET Award winner Makhadzi at Meropa Casiono during Makhadzi’s homecoming ceremony. Photo by Mankaleme Thema
“We need to start looking at our own legislation. We know that we are allowed by the law to can come up with our legislation so that we know that artists in Limpopo are protected from exploitation,” said Ramathuba.
Mankaleme Thema
www.snl24.com
