Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IN the early 2000s, Zimbabwe’s music scene was transformed by the rise of Urban Grooves, a fresh sound that defined a generation.
At the heart of this revolution was Delani Makhalima, a creative force whose influence reshaped both music and media.
Born in 1977 in Harare, Makhalima has built a dynamic career spanning over two decades as a musician, producer, writer and media entrepreneur. His roots stretch across the Royal BaSotho and Amahlubi people, with ancestral ties to the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu, Lesotho, Swaziland and Limpopo.
Raised by Lister Godonga Makhalima and Village Sandisiwe Dlomo, he was immersed in music early on, from traditional Zulu and Xhosa sounds to international pop. His passion took root at Peterhouse Boys College, where he excelled in academics and the arts, organised charity variety shows and honed his choir and drama skills.
“I taught myself how to play piano at 12, practicing late into the night. I couldn’t ask my parents for lessons, it felt like too much. So, I just figured it out,” he recalled.
Makhalima later attended the University of Cape Town, initially studying law, but gravitated toward UCT Radio, where he honed his DJ and broadcasting skills. He mastered music production through self-study, intensive courses and internships.
His path was not without hurdles. Born with a cranial fontanelle condition and later diagnosed with Musical Ear Syndrome (MES), which caused him to hear internal music constantly, he turned these challenges into sources of creativity and artistic vision.
In 1999, he co-composed the Miss South Africa pageant theme, Mirror Mirror, with Donda Sizwe Khumalo.
“Co-composing the Miss South Africa theme song with Donda was a pivotal leap. The exposure was immense and suddenly, major labels were interested. The mentorship I received afterwards solidified my belief: I belonged here as a songwriter and producer,” he said.
Makhalima returned to Zimbabwe to co-found Shamiso Records, merging genres and promoting local talent with the ground-breaking compilation, The Future. After parting ways in 2001, he launched Galaxy Records in 2002, producing over 100 songs, many topping national charts. Galaxy Entertainment later grew to include Galaxy Studios, artiste development and events management, earning him a reputation for innovation and quality.
His South African ventures included becoming the first official voice for Metro FM and founding D2 Communications, a leading media production and voice talent agency.
In 2012, he became Head of Production at ZiFM Stereo, shaping the station’s sound and mentoring young talent through shows like, The Rush and Love Lounge. As a long-serving Afrima adjudicator, he has championed African music on a global stage.
In 2015, he co-founded MusixNation Entertainment, a streaming platform for African music and during the Covid-19 pandemic, he transformed his home into Crabshell Studios, producing and broadcasting high-quality content.
A trailblazer in music, media and philanthropy, Delani Makhalima continues to innovate, mentor and leave an indelible mark on Zimbabwe’s creative landscape. His production credits include collaborations with Willom Tight, Kudzai Sevenzo, Shame & Nathan, Mafriq, Major Playaz and his brother Sanii Makhalima, including tracks like Usadaro and Ndofefeterwa, which he wrote while waiting for a studio session with Pastor G.
A devoted father of three, Makhalima keeps his family close despite a high-profile career.
“My children are my world. Maintaining that close-knit family bond amidst everything else is paramount. I value authenticity and genuine connections deeply, which is why I protect my private life fiercely. What matters most happens away from the spotlight,” he said. — @MbuleloMpofu
