Music
A 20-year-old local queen of wedding songs, Makhadzi, departed to France last Sunday for the Midem Artist Accelerator programme. The programme took place from Tuesday to today (Friday) in Cannes.
This young singer, whose real name is Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona and who hails from Ha-Mashamba, is a household name in South Africa because of her quality songs, whose lyrics speak to both young and old audiences.
Makhadzi's manager, Rita Dee, said that the singer was chosen to represent Limpopo and South African traditional music at international level after the quality of her music had appealed to knowledgeable selectors. "She's so happy and we are all celebrating with her as a team," Rita Dee said. "Makhadzi is overwhelmed and she feels her dreams are coming true and her fans should know that she will never disappoint them."
Midem is a music programme that selects artists worldwide to give them a platform to display their talents. The programme comprises music workshops, exhibition performances, networking and performing at three interrelated festivals in Paris.
A bubbling Makhadzi said: "I am proud of my culture and Tshivenda language. I sing in Tshivenda and I will continue to promote African culture wherever I go."
She thanked all her fans for their continued support and said that, since she was turning 21 this year, she had a big surprise for them. "All thanks to my manager, Rita Dee, for making this journey possible," she said.
Makhadzi's previous albums include Muvhango, Ndo tshinyani, Litshani u ntsala murahu, Muhwalo uya nndemela, and Yo Shoma.