SINGER Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, better known as Makhadzi, won awards at the Tshivenda Music Awards, held at the Thohoyamdou Town Hall in Limpopo on Saturday night.
The 21-year-old told SunBuzz that growing up in the dusty streets of Mashamba outside Louis Trichardt, she never thought she was destined for great things.
The Tshanda Iya hitmaker scooped awards in all the categories she was nominated in.
She won Female Artist of the Year, Song of the Year and Artist of the Year awards.
Makhadzi said: “The awards have cemented my career and have really shown that I’m doing well in the music industry.”
The awards have become an annual event in the Venda music calendar.
They were founded by businessman Augustine Nethononda five years ago.
The ceremony was attended by Thulamela mayor Avhashoni Tshifhango.
Veteran musician Alpheus Ramavhea, who was the first artist from Vhembe to record a full album, received a Lifetime Achievement award.
Gospel group Echo was also honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award.
Speaking at the event, Tshifhango said the municipality had taken a decision to support and empower local artists.
Tshifhango said the municipality did the same at the recent Thulamela Annual Show, where only local artists performed.
He called on artists to continue producing quality music that would help develop the Venda language.
Augustine thanked all partners, especially the sponsors, for ensuring that the event was a success.
