Makhadzi’s Botswana arrest explained
Why was Makhadzi facing jail time in Botswana?
Ndivhudzannyi Decorate Ralivhona (born June 30, 1996), known by her stage name Makhadzi, is a South African singer. Born and raised in Ha-Mashamba, Limpopo, her career began at the age of 12 as a dancer before pursuing a music career as a singer, while she was attending school got signed a record deal with Rita Dee Entertainment and released Muhwalo Uya Ndemela in 2015. She garnered local attention after her single “Tshanda Vhuya” was released in 2017. Her eighth studio album Matorokisi (2019), debuted at number 2 in South Africa.
Why was Makhadzi facing jail time in Botswana?
Multi-award-winning South African musician Makhadzi almost got arrest in Botswana over unpaid debts and a string of no-shows. Batswana were generous enough to forgive Makhadzi for past transgressions but their patience has been stretched thin.
The “Magear” musician breached a contract after leaving three shows stranded at the eleventh hour. In September, Makhadzi had been booked to perform at three concerts: Maun Carnival on the 29th, The People’s Festival in Palapye, and Kumnandi Ekhaya Music Fest in Thamaga; both on Independence Day on the 30th.
Makhadzi escapes prison and is released to organizer’s and promoters’ demands in Botswana
Makhadzi escapes prison and accedes to organizers’ demands in Botswana. Organizers of the music festival she missed back in Sept in Maun were suing her for P713 000 (around R700 000). Organizers got a court order on Dec 23 to have Makhadzi jailed if she didn’t pay what she owes.
Additionally, the organizers preferred Makhadzi to perform at their two upcoming events rather than pay the R713 000 lawsuits. Makhadzi refused to sign, and there was a standoff for several hours on Christmas Day.
However, the source claims that Makhadzi ultimately decided to accept the conditions because the alternative was spending time in jail. Makhadzi and Moseki could not be reached for comment as of the time of publication.
This was after she ditched a Ghazni show in July for a gig in the United Kingdom. Now reports indicate that Botswana court sheriffs are lined up to throw Makhadzi behind bars for her P500k+ debt.
According to entertainment reporter Daniel Dk Kenosi, Makhadzi accumulated the debt from the three shows she missed during Botswana’s independence.
Makhadzi has now agreed to pay the money and has been released from jail. Her management team says she was released after all legal processes were followed and she had paid the amount due.
The organizers of the festival in Maun had accused Makhadzi of breach of contract after she failed to show up for the festival. She was detained at a police station and later transferred to a prison in Maun.
Her management team said they were able to negotiate with the organizers and her debt was paid in full. They added that all legal processes were followed and Makhadzi was released from jail and is now free to continue her career.
More about Makhadzi
Her career started at the age of 13, when she used to perform at Taxi ranks, getting money from people’s offerings. In 2010, Makhadzi joined a musical group Makhirikhiri as a dancer.
Shortly after she left dancing, she began working on her music career. Makhadzi independently released three studio albums Muvhango (2009), Ndo Tshinya Ni? (2011), and Litshani u Ntsala Murahu (2012).
On December 1, 2014, her fourth studio album was released.
In 2015, she attracted the attention of Rita Dee Entertainment and got signed a record deal, followed by the release of her album Muhwalo Uya Nndemela.
The following year she released her album Yo Shoma in 2019. The album scooped two awards for Best Female Artist and Tshivenda Best at Fame South African Music Awards.
Shimla Venda was released in 2017. It was supported by two singles “Dj Wa Vhorine” and “Tshanda Vhuya”.
