Limpopo's beloved music queen, Makhadzi, has made headlines by organizing her own shows on the same day as the Phalaphala Royal Heritage Festival, following a booking dispute that left many fans disappointed. The Royal Gardens organizers could not meet her booking fee, prompting the singer to take matters into her own hands.
The recent BET winner will host three events at three different locations on that day: at Madombidzha Highway in the western region, at Vuwani The Exclusives, and at an undecided venue in Nzhelele. She will also bring in big names such as her ex-boyfriend Master KG, Kharishma, Mizo Phyll, Asa Tee, and Skomota.
The feud between the Phalaphala Royal Heritage event and Makhadzi has sparked discussions and raised speculation about the financial state of the Phalaphala Royal Heritage event, especially after the loss of significant sponsorships. In 2017, the festival at the Nandoni Royal Gardens received R10 million from the National Lottery Commission (NLC) and an additional R5 million from VBS Mutual Bank. However, with these funds no longer available, many wonder if the event can still maintain its former glory.
The controversy began on Friday, August 2, when the lineup for the Royal Heritage Festival was announced, causing a stir among Makhadzi's fans when they noticed her absence. Speculations quickly spread that she might be a surprise performer, but Makhadzi soon took to Facebook to set the record straight. In a message to her devoted followers, the Khadzinators, she explained (translated from Tshivenda to English):
"Hi KHADZINATORS,
I will not be attending the Royal Gardens because they told me they don't have a budget. I say this because I don't want my followers to think I am condescending or patronising them. I saw that some people have already started to ruin my name with my fans. I am still the same Makhadzi who doesn't work for free.
As one of the organizers of events like the Makhadzi One-Woman Show that will happen at Peter Mokaba Stadium on 21 December, I understand that you cannot force sponsors to book an artist without a budget. 21 December, Peter Mokaba Stadium – buy tickets. Aa."
Makhadzi's candid post not only clarified her absence but also hinted at the driving force behind her decision to host a rival event. The conflict between Makhadzi and Royal Gardens is a classic tale of artist versus organisers, with negotiations hitting a snag over the booking fee. Rather than backing down, Makhadzi chose to channel her frustration into action, organising a competing show that promises to be a high-energy affair, highlighting her musical talents, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Promatick Mulaudzi, a well-known event organizer from the Pro-hustler Movement, offered a balanced perspective on the matter. He stated:
"As an event organizer myself, I understand the complexities of booking artists and managing budgets. While I appreciate the Phalaphala FM Royal Gardens Festival's efforts to showcase local talent, it's clear that fans will deeply feel Makhadzi's absence. On the other hand, Makhadzi's decision to host her own show on the same day is a business move that can't be faulted, given her newfound success and demand.
Perhaps the festival organizers could have explored alternative solutions to meet Makhadzi's booking fees or communicated more transparently with fans about the reasons for her exclusion. Meanwhile, Makhadzi's decision to capitalize on her popularity is understandable, but it may be perceived as counterproductive to the growth of the festival that helped launch her career. As a neutral observer, I hope both parties can find common ground and prioritize the fans' experience. The success of the festival and Makhadzi's own show depends on it."
As the day approaches, the rivalry between Makhadzi's shows and the Nandoni Royal Gardens event has fans on edge. All eyes are on Limpopo to see which event will reign supreme. What is certain is that Makhadzi's fans are in for an unforgettable experience, regardless of the venue they choose.