Spotify announces Makhadzi as its Equal Africa ambassador

September marks the celebration of Heritage Month in South Africa, and what better way to celebrate our heritage than to put Limpopo-born singer Makhadzi in the spotlight? Spotify, the digital music service that gives music lovers access to millions of songs, announced the singer its Equal Africa ambassador for September.

The multi-award winner joins Khanyisa Jaceni, Tyla, Sio, and Elaine who have headlined the program, which seeks to put the spotlight on and amplify the voices of African female artists breaking down barriers and making waves in music, exposing their catalog to global listenership.

“The key is to believe in yourself and wait for your time. If you believe in your talent, then you need to trust and believe in God’s time, we know His time is always the best,’’ she said.

Her album Matorokisi steered her into national stardom, with subsequent projects Kokovha and African Queen cementing her artistry.

“African female artists have proven time and time again that they are a force to be reckoned with, often with limited resources and opportunities. Extending resources and generating more impactful opportunities for them is of paramount importance at Spotify,” said Spotify’s head of music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu.

Speaking about her music, Makhadzi said: “As an artist, you can do music in any way you like as long as there’s a nice melody, nice vibe, and a good message. I make nice melodies for people to dance to and I love that I sing in my own language.”

Makhadzi managed to keep her head above water after her record label woes, and is reaping the fruits of her labour in the form of a new album. Taking to her Instagram timeline, she announced she was dropping her new album.

“This is music with freedom, mbofholowo. I’m doing this independently. There are amazing featured/supporting artists in this album. It will blow you away. I strive in unity and being a proud African. I put my heart and soul in this again. Album is out midnight on all platforms,” she wrote.

In 2022 Makhadzi walked away with the Favourite Music Artist or Group and Song of the Year awards at the DStv Mzansi Viewers’ Choice Awards for her hit song Ghanama, featuring Prince Benza .

“Two years ago I asked and begged to perform at the DStv MVCAs for free. That was my chance for South Africa to at least know there is a girl called Makhadzi. Jikijiki, here I am, collecting awards. I cannot thank my fans enough for this, and next month I have a tour in [the] UK”, she wrote on Instagram.