Makhadzi

She has been shunting between roles for the past 15 years and she ascribes her success to hard work, perseverance and effective time management. Makhadzi Mphelo (34) is a distinctive radio presenter, journalist, artist and an architect of women’s rights and African culture. As a prominent role model, she encourages the youth to stay way from crime and drugs and do something that will benefit their own communities. Makhadzi’s success dates back to when she was a showbizz freelance reporter for the Sowetan in 1989. “I have always been hungry for success and I worked hard to be where I am today. Although I am not yet satisfied by my current achievements, I believe my contributions have highl assisted in the development of my community,” said Makhadzi, who stays in Shayandima, near Thohoyandou. Makhadzi’s long road to stardom started when she joined the then Radio Venda as a part-time presenter for the population development programme. In 1992, she worked for the then CCTV Cosmo Life Magazine Programme as a private presenter and commentator. In 1993, she joined the then Radio Thohoyandou as a field reporter. She also presented jazz, gospel, news and current affairs programmes for Radio Thohoyandou. She is currently working at the SABC as a news presenter for Phalaphala FM. The sixth born child of Josephine and the late Alfred Mphelo, Makhadzi ventured into the music industry in 1989. She started as a backing vocalist for Petleo and Senyaka. “I recorded my debut album, Salungano-Salungano, in 1991 and my second one, Hallalah, in 1992. Although both the albums did well in the market, I took a long break to concentrate on my career as a journalist and starting a family,” said Makhadzi, whose trademark is Minwenda (Venda traditional attire). In collaboration with prominent music producer, Abe Sibiya, Makhadzi came back with her famous album, Vhafumakadzi vha Afrika (African Women) in 2000. The album became an unproclaimed national anthem to all the women who suffered abuse at the hands of their husbands and other community members. Her latest album, Tshilonda tsho di fhola (The wound will heal) is a must-have for all lovers of African cool jazz music. “This album is worth the wait as I am now more musically mature than when I did my previous ones. I am grateful to have met great musicians like Don Laka, who has been my source of inspiration for a long time. Don has just listened to my Vhafumakadzi vha Afrika and he pushed me and Abe Sibiya to rush to the studio to record Tshilonda tshi do fhola…” Makhadzi says Tshilonda tshi do fhola is dedicated to women who lost their loved ones for whatever reason, and those who have endured abuse or hardships of one kind or another, but who continued to love unreservedly. The album also appeals to the general public to be sensitive to things that affect women and to treat them with respect. This is captured in the tracks Khare Tho-honi and Ngozwi. The album also features beautiful Afro-jazz tracks and the bonus track Black Leopards, which was recorded after a request by the team’s boss, David Thidiela. Makhadzi says her inspirational motto is: “Hard work has never killed anyone…”