Makhadzi, born Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona on 30 June 1996, is a South African singer, songwriter, and dancer who has become one of the most successful female artists in the country. At 30 years old, she has risen from humble beginnings in Limpopo to international recognition, with multiple platinum-certified albums and a loyal fanbase across Africa and beyond. Known for her energetic performances and unique Venda Pop sound, Makhadzi continues to dominate the South African music industry.
Personal Information
Full name: Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona
Stage name: Makhadzi
Date of birth: 30 June 1996
Age: 30 years old (as of 2026)
Place of birth: Ha-Mashamba Tshivhangani, Limpopo, South Africa
Origin: Limpopo, Ha Mashamba
Nationality: South African
Occupation: Singer, songwriter, dancer
Genres: Dance, Venda Pop, Afro-pop
Years active: 2005 to present
Labels: Black Skopion Music (former), Rita Dee Entertainment (former), Open Mic Productions (former), Makhadzi Entertainment (current)
Early Life and Education
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 stayed with their mother. She completed her Grade 12 at Mukula Integrated School and later obtained a qualification in Public Relations. She is currently studying drama, showing her commitment to expanding her skills beyond music into the broader entertainment industry.
Her early life was marked by hardship, but she used her circumstances as motivation to pursue her dreams. She discovered her passion for music and dance at a young age and began performing in her local community, determined to escape poverty and create a better life for herself and her family.
Early Career Beginnings
Makhadzi’s career started at the age of 13, when she used to perform at taxi ranks, collecting money from people’s offerings. In 2010, she joined a musical group called Makhirikhiri as a dancer, which helped her develop her stage presence and performance skills. Shortly after leaving dancing, she began working on her music career, independently releasing three studio albums: Muvhango (2009), Ndo Tshinya Ni? (2011), and Litshani u Ntsala Murahu (2012).
On 1 December 2014, she released her fourth studio album Rita Dee. 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 the Fame South African Music Awards.
Shumela Venda was released in 2017, supported by two singles: Dj Wa Vhorine and Tshanda Vhuya. This period marked the beginning of her rise to national prominence.
Breakthrough Success: Matorokisi and Kokovha
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 1 November 2019, peaking at number 2 on local iTunes and Apple Music South Africa, remaining in the Top 5 for three days. This success established her as a major force in the South African music scene.
In 2019, Makhadzi was featured by Master KG on a song titled Tshikwama, released off the album Jerusalema. This collaboration exposed her to a wider audience and further cemented her reputation as a rising star. After she left Rita Dee Entertainment, Makhadzi secured a record deal with Open Mic Productions, a major milestone in her career.
On 16 October 2020, Makhadzi released her studio album Kokovha. The album featured artists including Mayten, Mampintsha, Prince Benza, Mr Brown, Gigi Lamayne, Jah Prayzah, Team Mosha, Moonchild Sanelly, FB, Charma Girl, and Sho Madjozi. As of August 2021, Kokovha was named the most streamed album on Apple Music in South Africa. It contained the chart-topping singles Amadoda, Mphemphe, Kokovha, and Tshikwama, and was certified gold in South Africa.
African Queen Albums and Continued Success
On 5 April 2021, Makhadzi released a single Mjolo featuring Mlindo the Vocalist, which peaked at number 28 on South Africa iTunes charts. Her single Ghanama featuring Prince Benza and King Monada was released on 7 July 2021 and was certified platinum in South Africa. On 6 August 2021, Kabza De Small teased a collaboration single Salungano with Makhadzi on YouTube, which 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. The album was certified gold in South Africa and received critical acclaim. At the 6th ceremony of the All Africa Music Awards, she received a nomination for Best Female Artist in South Africa. In December 2021, Makhadzi launched the Kokovha brand in collaboration with Kicks Sportwear at Mall of Africa.
Pain Ya Jealous was released on 31 March 2022 and was certified gold in South Africa. Her fifth studio album African Queen 2.0 was released on 18 November 2022, featuring Blaq Diamond, Big Zulu, Penny Penny, Yaba Buluku Boyz, and Mr Brown. The album reached number one in South Africa and Botswana, solidifying her position as a top-selling artist.
Independent Success: Mbofholowo and Miracle Child
In early May 2023, Makhadzi left her former record label Open Mic Production and established her own record 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 of its release and was certified platinum in South Africa.
In early September 2023, Makhadzi was announced as Spotify’s Equal ambassador, a prestigious recognition of her influence and success. Number 1 featuring Iyanya and Prince Benza was released on 10 May 2024. The song debuted at number 9 on The Official South African Charts and was certified two-times platinum in South Africa within two months.
Towards the end of August 2024, Makhadzi announced her upcoming album Miracle Child, released on 7 October 2024. In 2025, she released Sesi Ka Rose and the EP Win is a Win, continuing her prolific output and commitment to her craft.
Business Ventures and Brand Expansion
Beyond music, Makhadzi has successfully expanded into business ventures. In December 2021, she launched the Kokovha brand in collaboration with Kicks Sportwear at Mall of Africa. In March 2022, she launched her body lotion brand Mavoda, diversifying her income streams and building a personal brand that extends beyond music.
Her business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit have contributed to her growing net worth, making her one of the most successful female artists in South Africa. Her ability to build a brand around her music and personality demonstrates her strategic thinking and long-term vision.
ALSO READ: Master KG Biography: South African DJ Who Created Global Hit Jerusalema
Television and Media Appearances
In 2018, Makhadzi was hosted on Yo TV for her first television performance. She has conducted interviews with various radio stations, including Munghana Lonene FM, Phalaphala FM, Nzhelele FM, Makhado FM, Sloot FM, and Capricorn FM, where she spoke about her music, life, and hardships. She also appeared on The Morning Show on ETV, showcasing her versatility as a media personality.
Makhadzi was one of the performers at the 2020 DSTV Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards. Her performance was hailed as one of the best performances of the night on social media, cementing her reputation as an electrifying live performer.
Awards and Recognition
Makhadzi has received numerous awards throughout her career, reflecting her impact on the South African music industry:
Fame South African Music Awards (2017): Best Female Artist
Fame South African Music Awards (2017): Tshivenda Best
LMAC (2017): Best Tshivenda Hit
Tshivenda Music Awards (2019): Song of the Year (Tshikwama)
Tshivenda Music Awards (2019): Artist of the Year
All Africa Music Awards AFRIMA (2021): Best Artist, Duo or Group
Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards (2022): Favourite African Star
Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards (2022): Favourite Music Artist/Group
Mzansi Viewers Choice Awards (2022): Favourite Song
Basadi in Music Awards (2022): Artist of the Year
South African Music Awards (2022): Music Video of the Year (Ghanama featuring Prince Benza)
Metro FM Music Awards (2023): Best Female Artist (African Queen 2.0)
South African Music Awards (2023): Best Traditional Album (African Queen 2.0)
BET Awards (2024): Best New International Act
Basadi in Music Awards (2024): Dance Artist of the Year
Basadi in Music Awards (2024): International Achievement Award
Trace Awards (2024): Best Dancer of the Year
Musical Style and Influence
Makhadzi’s music is characterized by her energetic Venda Pop sound, which blends traditional rhythms with modern production. Her songs often feature danceable beats and powerful vocals that showcase her range as a performer. She sings primarily in Tshivenda, her native language, while also incorporating elements of other South African languages to reach a broader audience.
Her music often addresses themes of love, empowerment, and celebration of African culture. She draws inspiration from her Limpopo roots and has become a source of pride for the Venda community. Her unique style has helped popularize Venda music nationally and internationally, opening doors for other artists from the region.
Legacy and Impact
Makhadzi’s journey from performing at taxi ranks to winning international awards is an inspiration to aspiring artists across South Africa and Africa. She has broken barriers as a female artist from a rural background, proving that talent and determination can overcome any obstacle. Her success has paved the way for other artists from Limpopo and has helped bring Tshivenda music to the mainstream.
As she continues to release new music and expand her brand, Makhadzi remains committed to her roots and her fans. Her independent label, Makhadzi Entertainment, represents her desire for creative control and her commitment to building a lasting legacy in the South African music industry.