Makhadzi says her BET award must serve as beacon of hope

 

Multi-award winner, Makhadzi, says she wants her BET award to serve as a beacon of hope for young South Africans.

She says her next goal is a Grammy Award.

The music sensation landed back in South Africa to a hero’s welcome from her family and fans after winning flying the country’s flag high at the BETs.

The Limpopo-born star won the Best New International Act award at the prestigious ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday, alongside one of SA’s faves, Tyla, who clinched two awards.

Makhadzi’s story is one of humble beginnings, perseverance and hard work.

Makhadzi, whose real name is Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, says while her rise to the top was not an easy one, the continuous support from her fans and loved ones is what keeps her going.

“I’m here because of hard work, I started by performing on the streets and in taverns and people used to think I’m not normal, but because I believed in myself and I loved my craft, my supporters pushed me to go even harder.”

The global star recently opened up about her financial struggles, revealing that she had to borrow money from a loan shark to attend the BETs.

Makhadzi, however, did not let that deter her from being the star she is.

The musician says she wants to see herself count more blessings.

Her aunt, Carlifonia Nesengani, says the family will always be in awe of how far Mkahdzi has come.

Nesengani says while they witnessed her growth the music scene, they did not think she would be a star of this magnitude.

“As a family, we’ve never related to a moment of fame in this way. This is for Africa, all those small villages that raised her to be the girl she is and today she brought back a BET award.”

The aunt also spoke about award winner’s resilience and persistence.

“Makhadzi was one irritating person who would come to you and sing even when you didn’t want to listen.”

Congratulatory messages have been pouring in for the superstar.

Award-winning artist Makhadzi received a hero’s welcome at OR Tambo International Airport today, following her triumph at the 2024 BET Awards held in Los Angeles, where she won the prestigious “Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act” award#Makhadzi #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/h8WMZLMFSw

— Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (@SportArtsCultur) July 3, 2024

I’ve been been proud of a stranger like I am proud of Makhadzi ❤️🥹 pic.twitter.com/YwY9ehr9QC

— TᕼE GYᗩᒪ༒ (@TheGyal_) July 3, 2024

Makhadzi’s win is a special one because they kind never appreciated her here at home- all that classism and tribalism could not keep a good girl down. congratulations to the queen, the North is proud. https://t.co/pk2dXRAasY

— A Tribe Called Nape. (@nino_senong) July 3, 2024

We are proud to welcome our beloved songstress,@MakhadziSA 👑 Congratulations on your incredible win at the @BET Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act! 🎊Thank you for representing South Africa 🇿🇦 so beautifully and shining a spotlight on Africa worldwide. ✈️#Makhadzi… pic.twitter.com/CyzokoBhTm

— ORTambo (@ortambo_int) July 3, 2024