By Staff Reporter
POLOKWANE-The multi-award-winning artist Makhadzi was named Spotify’s most streamed South African female artist.
The Matorokisi hitmaker boasts a whopping 30 million streams with 1.5 million listeners in 183 countries.
On top of that, the singer and dancer bagged a car endorsement and as if that is not enough, she recently bagged the Best Traditional Album award at the South African Music Awards (SAMAs).
Even with the odds being against her, the singer is still making history. Last week, Makhadzi, real name Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, lost her dancer Calvin Candiano, who died after a short illness. She also experienced a minor wave of fatigue that forced her to take a break. Having gone through all that, she is still reaching for the stars. Makhadzi’s music continues to be the most streamed in the country.
Spotify Wrapped 2023 showed that South Africans are still keeping things local and lekker by streaming their sound and shows that local users are listening to more and the consumption has grown by 101% in 2023.
Makhadzi is followed by singer Amu Faku, Nkosazana Daughter, Lwah Ndlunkulu, Nomfundo Moh, and MaWhoo. Lwah Ndlunkulu also shows in the top ten most searched South African artists list.
She shared the exciting news and thanked her followers and fans on X.
African female artists have proven time and time again that they are a force to be reckoned with, often with limited resources and opportunities. Extending resources, and generating more impactful opportunities for them is of paramount importance at Spotify,” Okumu said.
Makhadzi’s recognition by Spotify follows other South African female artists such as Nomfundoh Moh, DBN GOGO, Khanyisa, Tyla, and Elaine.
With success in the music industry not always guaranteed, Makhadzi has maintained her consistency since the release of her debut studio album, Muhwalo Uya Ndemela, in 2015.
In September, she also celebrated her recognition as a Spotify EQUAL Ambassador.
Speaking about her recognition, Spotify’s head of music for sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, lauded Makhadzi and how African female artists continued to solidify their names in the music industry.
Makhadzi recently released Mbofholowo, a 15-track album that follows the success of Kokovha’s release in 2020 with hit songs such as Murahu and Sugar Sugar.
Marotho, Movie, Mushonga, Rea Lwa, Malala Phoo and Hodalesa are just a few songs from the album that were introduced to thousands of her fans.
