As the countdown to her 30th birthday begins, Makhadzi steps into a defining new chapter with the release of her latest EP, Big 30 — a vibrant, high-octane body of work that signals both celebration and evolution.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Released on March 30, Big 30 has wasted no time asserting its impact — already amassing an impressive 1,864,364 streams on Spotify alone. The EP’s momentum extends across platforms, where it has climbed to a peak position of #9 on the All-Genres Album chart on Apple Music, reaffirming Makhadzi’s undeniable pull as a chart-dominating force.
Big 30 is the opening act in a series of releases that will unfold in the lead-up to her milestone birthday in June, culminating in a full-length album that promises to capture the spirit of a woman in her prime — fearless, self-assured, and deeply connected to her roots.
Born Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, Makhadzi has built a reputation as one of South Africa’s most electrifying performers — a force of nature whose music travels from the heart of Limpopo to global dance floors. With Big 30, she leans further into her signature sound: pulsating rhythms, unapologetic storytelling, and melodies that move both body and spirit.
The EP is rich with collaboration, reflecting the community and creative synergy that continues to shape her journey. Featuring contributions from a dynamic lineup including BlissBouy, Nduduzi, Mr Brown, Poobington, Murumba Pitch, Bongo Beats, Eemoh, Goon Flavour, Mduduzi Ncube, Mkoma Saan, Donald, IG Lunar, PrinceMJ, Dr Skaro, and DJ Janisto, Big 30 is textured, expansive, and undeniably alive.
Across the project, Makhadzi balances sass with substance — delivering lyrics that are playful yet reflective, celebratory yet grounded. It’s a sonic diary of growth, resilience, and the joy of becoming, all wrapped in the infectious energy that has become her calling card.
With Big 30, Makhadzi doesn’t just mark an age — she marks a moment. One that honours where she comes from, while boldly stepping into everything she’s becoming.
The road to 30 has never sounded this good.
About Makhadzi
Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona (born 30 June 1996), known by her stage name Makhadzi, is a South African singer, songwriter and dancer. Born and raised in Ha-Mashamba, Limpopo, her career began at the age of 12 as dancer prior to pursuing a music career as a singer, while she was attending school she signed a record deal with Rita Dee Entertainment and released Muhwalo Uya Ndemela in 2015. She garnered local attention after her single “Tshanda Vhuya” released in 2017. Her second studio album Matorokisi (2019), debuted at number two in South Africa.
Makhadzi’s third studio album Kokovha (2020), became one of her biggest successes and debuted at number one on the South African iTunes albums charts. It contained the chart-topping singles “Amadoda”, “Mphemphe”, “Kokovha” and “Tshikwama”. Her fourth studio album African Queen (2021) was certified gold in South Africa. Makhadzi’s fifth studio album African Queen 2.0 (2022), reached number one in South Africa.
Big 30 is out now. STREAM HERE
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