When Makhadzi was asked who she thought would walk away with the Best New International Act award at the 19th annual BET Hip-Hop Awards on Sunday she said, “Of course it is me because I believe in myself”, before bowing on stage, reflecting her humble beginnings.
She epitomises the manifestation of dreams against all odds.
Despite having to borrow money to fly to Los Angeles in the US for the ceremony due to her owing the SA Revenue Service millions, having been a victim of society’s expected beauty standards and being subjected to abuse during her career, Makhadzi has remained steadfast in her dream of one day being known around the world.
“I’m going through a lot. It is not a secret. Every money I get monthly I’m paying to Sars, so I end up not having money for myself,” she said.
I believe in myself and my career
— Makhadzi
“For me to travel I had to go to mashonisa (loan sharks). They [my team] had to borrow money for me so I can fly business class because (despite) everything, I have to be the superstar I am. Because I believe in myself and my career and I’m like, let me do everything and go there,” she said during her recent sit down on Podcast and Chill.
The Limpopo-born singer’s music career started at the Thohoyandou taxi rank when she was just 12 years old. Makhadzi also used to walk long and dusty roads barefoot to venues to perform in exchange for R1 and R2 coins.
She later joined the group Makhirikhiri and recorded her first traditional album, which was sold at taxi ranks, and saw her performing at local taverns.
Her resilient spirit even saw her run away from home for nearly 10 months in pursuit of her dream.
Though Makhadzi, real name Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, was performing in rural areas, her dream to travel the world was never a far-fetched idea as she kept on speaking about it to the universe. On her second album, Makhadzi has a song titled I’m a Hustler (Venda anthem) where she sings about her dream to travel around the world.
While she might have a long way to go to achieve global stardom, Makhadzi will not stop until the entire world knows her name. The global recognition she has received will send a message to struggling artists that it is possible to make it against all odds.
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