WINNER'S CIRCLE

Songstress Makhadzi (real name Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona) and Olympic gold medallist Tatjana Schoenmaker had to work harder than ever to stay on top during Covid19. Here, they reveal how they achieved their goals in 2021

- Nare Kekana

MAKHADZI

IF YOU’D HAVE WALKED THROUGH THE STREETS OF VENDA IN THE TRANSVAAL A FEW YEARS AGO, you would’ve spotted Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, a young, energetic singer, dancing determinedly for an enthusiastic crowd. Her fans know her today as Makhadzi, who performs on grand stages, at home and abroad. In her early years, she would brave judgemental, often unreceptive, shoppers to perform in bustling supermarket corridors. Through willpower and passion, she overcame her trials to become one of Mzansi’s biggest musical exports. The 25-year-old songstress chats to GQ about her successes and challenges.

GQ: How did you think 2021 would turn out?

Makhadzi: After Covid-19 hit us in 2020, I honestly didn’t expect my music to be successful in 2021. We had to forget what ‘normal’ was and adapt to living differently, which affected many industries besides music.

GQ: Has releasing your new album during various lockdowns and restrictions been challenging for you and your team?

M: I think the most challenging part was not being out there gigging, and I was new to relying predominantly on social media to promote an album.

GQ: Following the success of Khokhovha, how did you feel about releasing African Queen in quick succession?

M: I was more excited than scared. I couldn’t wait to release my album and share the vision I’d had since I started working on it.

GQ: It must’ve been fun.

M: It was an honour to collaborate with excellent artists on my #AfricanQueenAlbum.

GQ: Is being busy what you envisioned?