Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
As she nears the end of her twenties, “Queen of Limpopo” Makhadzi, is going out with a bang. Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona has kicked off the countdown to her 30th birthday on June 30 with the release of her EP, Big 30.
Released on March 30, the project is not just a collection of songs; it is a high-octane declaration of a woman in her prime. If the initial numbers are any indication, the world is listening. In just over a week, Big 30 has amassed a staggering 1,864,364 streams on Spotify and has already charged up the Apple Music charts to peak at #9 on the All-Genres Album chart.
Her Zimbabwean fans will join her in celebrating the milestone, with a live performance of Big 30 set for April 26 at the Harris Music Festival. Marking her debut at the event, the show also signals her long-awaited return to the city.
She will share the stage with fellow South Africans Kamo Mpela, Scotts Maphuma, Thato Hatsi, Naaqmusiq, Jazzworx, Thukuthela, Cowboii and Mthandeni SK, alongside local acts Winky D, Msiz’kay, Mzoe7 and Mtkay Ntwana.
For Makhadzi, 30 is not just a number; it is a movement. Big 30 serves as the opening act in a strategic series of releases leading up to her birthday in June. This “road to 30” will culminate in a full-length studio album that insiders say will capture a fearless, self-assured artiste, who remains deeply connected to her Venda roots.
From her humble beginnings as a 12-year-old dancer in Ha-Mashamba to becoming a global dance floor phenomenon, Makhadzi’s trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric. With Big 30, she leans into her signature sound: pulsating rhythms and unapologetic storytelling that demand movement from both the body and the spirit.
What sets Big 30 apart is its rich tapestry of creative synergy. Makhadzi has never been one to shy away from collaboration, and this EP stands as a testament to that shared artistic spirit.
The tracklist features a dynamic “who’s who” of talent, including production giants Bongo Beats and Mr Brown alongside vocal powerhouses Murumba Pitch, Eemoh, and Mduduzi Ncube. Diverse Flair: Contributions from BlissBouy, Nduduzi, Poobington, Goon Flavour, Mkoma Saan, Donald, IG Lunar, PrinceMJ, Dr Skaro, and DJ Janisto complete the list.
This expansive line-up ensures the EP is textured and alive, balancing the “sass” Makhadzi is known for with a newfound substance that reflects her growth.
Makhadzi’s discography is a roadmap of South African pop dominance. From the breakout success of Matorokisi in 2019 to the multi-platinum heights of Kokovha (2020) and the African Queen series (2021–2022), she has consistently occupied the #1 spot on the charts.
However, Big 30 feels different. It is a sonic diary of resilience. Between the infectious beats, there is a sense of a woman, who has weathered the storms of the industry and emerged more grounded. As fans digest the EP, the anticipation for the June album continues to build. If Big 30 is the appetiser, the main course promises to be a career-defining feast.
One thing is certain: Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona is no longer just a South African star; she is a force of nature. And as she approaches the big three-zero, the music has never sounded this good. — @MbuleloMpofu.
