The scourge of gender-based violence (GBV), which continues to claim the lives of many innocent women and children, has prompted musician Musiiwa Mercy Ratshihule to take action through her music.
Better known as Makhadzi Khadzi Mudogwa, the pop musician from Malamangwa Tshamavhudzi outside Thohoyandou has released a powerful EP titled Mbingano I do Mmbulaya as part of her contribution to the fight against GBV. The EP, recorded at A Vhade vha Vhone Music Production, is a prelude to her full album expected in December.
She collaborated with DJ A Vhade vha Vhone, Khairo Nairobi and Lady O on the project, which was released in August.
"The killing of women and children is getting out of hand. Day in and day out we are fed shocking reports of women and children killed for no reason. It is time that we all stand up and say enough is enough," she said.
Mudogwa said her song reminds women of their right to live freely. "Many women are entangled in toxic relationships but are not doing anything about that. It is time now to move out of such relationships before something tragic happens. Red flags are always there, but we tend to ignore them. Let us free ourselves as women," she said.
Mudogwa began singing at an early age and discovered her songwriting talent in 2015. Her big break came in 2024 with her debut album Mmbofhololeni, followed by Mahelele and Pepeleka the same year.