BY Nkosazana Ngwadla
Multi-award-winning singer Ndivhudzannyi “Makhadzi” Larivhona has officially parted ways with Open Mic Productions after three years, she revealed in a statement. According to Makhadzi, she decided not to renew her contract after a successful and fruitful working relationship.
In the statement, the artist wrote, “The relationship between myself and Open Mic Productions was like a match made in heaven as it elevated both of us to become top household names in the South African Music Industry. Our relationship produced four studio albums and all the albums did very well.
The first album to be released was ‘Kokovha’ in 2020 and it went on to reach gold status and was the most streamed album in the county in 2020. The second album to be released was ‘African Queen’ in 2021, the album also reached gold status and we sold over 40 thousand units and 24 million digital streams. In 2022, we then released two albums ‘African Queen 2.0’ and ‘Pain ya Jealous’ and both the albums did very well.
‘African Queen 2.0.’ was received well as one of the songs ‘Milandu Bhe’ featuring the legendary
Papa Penny reached 400 thousand streams in just ten 10 days and at the same year won Mhungana Lonene song of the year award. I have also released more than 15 songs with Open Mic Productions artists.
I travelled the world which was made possible by my relationship with Open Mic Productions. I performed in countries such as United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Nigeria, Senegal, all SADEC countries and many other countries across the globe.
I also won awards such as ‘Ubuntu Arts and Culture Diplomacy Award’, ‘Mansi Viewers Choice Award’, ‘Basadi Music Award’, ‘AFRIMA’, ‘South African Music Award (SAMA’) and ‘Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards’ to name a few.
I would like to thank Open Mic Productions for the good work and contribution they made in my music career and have learnt a lot from them. They have really played a huge role in my growth as an individual and for that I will always appreciate the company and the good working relationship we had.
I have taken a decision to not renew the contract with Open Mic Productions so I can focus on my own company ‘Makhadzi Entertainment’ and other business ventures. We are all aware that the music career is very short, and I feel that it’s time I grow my own business and myself as an individual so that I can leave a legacy for my family and those who depend on me.”
