Award-winning singer Makadzi was warmly welcomed back to SA fresh off her winning the Best New International Act Award during the 19th annual BET Hip-Hop Awards held in Los Angeles on Sunday.
The Limpopo-born singer was emotional as family and fans greeted her at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
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
Makhadzi, real name Ndivhudzannyi “Makhadzi” Ralivhona, traditionally and respectfully, knelt and presented her award to her grandmother before showing it to the fans that had gathered.
She beat Bellah, Cristale, Duquesa, Holly G, Jungeli, Oruam, Seyi Vibez, and South Africa’s Tyler ICU, to win her award.
View this post on Instagram
The Ghanama hit singer, whose financial troubles have dogged her, had to borrow money from loan sharks to attend the prestigious event.
She believes her fortunes have turned. According to the Daily Sun, her booking fees could now increase and she would secure more gigs to perform at.
The songwriter, according to the publication, added: “He blessed me with a BET award so I can make that money back twentyfold.”
@sowetanlive Fresh from LA, #BETAward winner #Makhadzi has landed in SA. The singer says after the win, her performance rate will increase – this after it was reported she borrowed money to attend the awards. #BET #fyp #music #makhadzi ♬ original sound – SowetanLIVE
Ahead of the awards, Makhadzi made a stunning revelation during an interview with MacG and Sol Phenduka on Podcast and Chill.
Through a prayer, she said that she needed to borrow money to cover travel expenses.
She added she had to loan money from loan sharks (mashonisa).
@podcastandchillwithmacg Makhadzi Explains Why She Had To Borrow Money To Go To The BETs #SAMA28 #podcastandchillwithmacg #roadto300k #podcastandchillnetwork #podcastandchill #chillers #popcornandcheese #spreadinghumours #BET2024 #makhadzi ♬ original sound – Podcast and Chill Network
The singer made headlines last year when Sunday World reported she owed the taxman.
The publication reported that Makhadzi owed SARS a staggering R6.6 million. Her management team has since told The Citizen the amount has decreased and that they’ve managed to make payment arrangements.
They added they were unaware that she had to borrow money to attend the California-based award show.
Words: Fame Frenzy
